Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

Special Olympics athletes deliver. They deliver in their competitions with laughter, humour and appreciation. These are the reasons Special Olympics Jamaica does not only change these individuals' lives, but attempts to change political and societal views and conceptions about people with disabilities.

On Friday and Saturday, Special Olympics Jamaica will host its 25th annual National Summer Games at the University of Technology, in its continuing effort to help people with intellectual disabilities develop self-confidence, social skills and a sense of personal accomplishment.

Athletes from all 14 parishes will compete over the two days in aquatics, badminton, bocce, roller skating and track and field. Already, 587 persons have registered for the competitions that are scheduled to get underway at 9:00 a.m. and will run through to 3:30 p.m. each day.

The opening ceremony will take place at the Alfred Sangsters Auditorium on June 13 at 5: 00 p.m. and Sports Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange will deliver the keynote address.

High expectations

Special Olympics president, Lorna Bell, stated that she expects the athletes to do well as not only will it be an event to provide competition for the athletes, but based on their overall performance a team will be selected for the Special Olympics World Winter Games scheduled for February 6-13, 2009, in Boise, Idaho, United States.

A 23-member delegation will make the historic trip including two roller skaters and 16 floor hockey athletes.

"We cannot leave out these individuals during our nation building. Many are exposed to extremely precarious situations at times and most of these athletes come from volatile areas. Special Olympics is about giving hope to these persons," Bell said.

More than 2.5 million athletes of all ages are involved in Special Olympics sports training and competition in more than 180 countries.

Events are geared to accommodate a variety of levels of abilities so that athletes can compete with others who have similar capabilities.

Special Olympics Jamaica has responsibility for over 3,000 such individuals throughout the island. However, despite limited resources available to the organisation, it is still forging ahead with plans for the event.

Working hard

"We have been working hard to assist individuals but it has been a daunting task. Sponsorship has not been forthcoming but we are going ahead because our main aim is to help the children," Bell concluded.

Individuals or organisations that are interested in helping Special Olympics Jamaica may contact the office at 906-0752.