The National Special Olympics Games were held today and had participation of athletes from all six districts. Reporter Linette Canto and videographer Brian Castillo filed the following Report.
LINETTE CANTO REPORTING
“An exceptional group of athletes from all over the country converged on the Marion Jones Complex this morning to take part in the National Special Olympics Games. These games are designed to give people with mental and physical disabilities, a chance to develop competitive skills as well as enhance their level of physical fitness. The event started off on a heartwarming note as the special Olympic torch made its way through the principal streets of Belize City into the Marion Jones Stadium escorted by members of the Law Enforcement torch Run Committee. According to Alan Auil, Chairman of Special Olympics Belize, helps in the fight against discrimination.”
ALAN AUIL
“Well Special Olympics really is a movement to promote awareness of persons with intellectual disabilities; to end discrimination, to bring them involved in sporting activities because through sports they can get fit and healthy but also it gives them the courage to be a part of society and the community. It gives them a confidence, it boosts their moral and it shows the entire community that persons with disabilities are our equal and are part of the larger society.”
LINETTE CANTO
“Kim Simplis-Barrow is a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics and believes that these games have a positive impact on the athletes who participate.”
KIM SIMPLIS BARROW
Really it is very important for children with special needs/physical disabilities to be engaged in sports. It really develops their mental ability; it develops also their physical ability. So we encourage sporting events like these for children with disabilities because it has so many positives to it.”
LINETTE CANTO
“Abdul Nunez, who is a counselor at Stella Maris School, agrees on the importance of these games.”
ABDUL NUNEZ
“Well clearly you can’t just feed the mind and not feed the body. Children with special needs are just like everybody else they need to practice competition, they need to practice sportsmanship. They need as much support as they can probably get in all activities not only sports.”
LINETTE CANTO
“Recently Special Olympics Belize and Special Olympics Arizona formed a unique partnership and a delegation of representatives from Arizona was on hand for the games. They were happy to share some words of inspiration based on their experiences.”
ARIZONA REPRESENTATIVES
“I would say get to know someone with a disability. People with disabilities have often sat in the corners and often been pushed aside and special Olympics Belize is here to say that’s not ok. There are so many good things that they can do whether it’s sports, being a part of the community we have teachers, coaches and leaders in the community with disabilities. I think we need to change the way we think and the way we feel about disabilities.”
ARIZONA REPRESENTATIVES
“My word of inspiration would be to go out and try it and if you have a friend that plays the sport ask them and ask them to teach you how to play it and if they interested in it they can come together as friends and start playing the sport.”
LINETTE CANTO
“According to Elodia Bautista who is the National Director, it was challenging coordinating the various aspects of the National Games and more assistance from the public and private sector would be appreciated.”
ELODIA BAUTISTA
“We want the public we want volunteers we want the public we want volunteers we want their support and not only volunteering but also financial contributions because this is an organization that is nonprofit and so we seek funds so that we are able to have these events for our kids to show case their ability. So the public can you assist us we are here you just need to get in contact with us utilize your support. “
Special Olympics is comprised of athletes ranging from eight years to ninety nine years of age. Most participants in the National Games, however, were of primary school age and they competed in track and field, shot-put, long Jump and football.
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