Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
December 05, 2007
A spectacular Special Education Concert, a Parade and an Appreciation Day are among activities commemorating the Special Olympics Week of Activities which runs from Saturday, December 08 to Friday, December 14.
Under the theme: “Creating Opportunities, Making a Difference,” the annual event will highlight the contribution that Special Olympians make to the community while acknowledging the assistance that the community in turn provides to the Special Olympians.
Activities commence on Saturday with the Official Opening by Speaker of the St. Kitts and Nevis Federal Parliament Honourable Marcella Liburd. On Sunday, there will be a commemorative service at the St. George Anglican Church; Monday Talks in Schools; Tuesday an Appreciation Day and Wednesday a Special Education Concert at the Special Education Unit. On Thursday ZIZ will air special programming pertaining to the Special Olympics World Games 2007 which were held in Shanghai, China, while Friday is Parade/Contribution Day.Throughout the course of the week donation boxes, will be stationed at Government Headquarters and Digicel and collected funds will be used to repay the loan attained when the Special Olympians traveled to Shanghai, China to take part in this year’s Special Olympics Games. The general public can also assist on the day of the parade as one of the floats will include a donation box. Purchasing a ticket for the Special Education Concert is another means of contribution.
Special Olympians who traveled to China took part in bocce, athletics, swimming, football and returned to the Federation with a total of 14 medals, including five gold medals. Addressing the importance of the competitive event, National Director of Special Olympics Ms. Clarice Cotton said that Special Olympics truly reflects the value of sport to the development of young people.
Minister of State responsible for Tourism, Sport and Culture Honourable Richard Skerrit commended the athletes for being proactive and acknowledged the role that Special Olympians play in marketing St. Kitts and Nevis as a destination. Ms. Cotton, the Board of Directors and volunteers including coaches, parents, teachers, the Special Education Unit were also acknowledged. The Ministries of Education and Sport were thanked for representing the government’s commitment to youth development while the sponsors, particularly the principal sponsor Digicel, were recognized.