Special Olympics programs in Africa celebrated Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day with various events like competitions and dedicating new sports facilities. Congressman Patrick Kennedy visited Special Olympics Kenya to express support. NBA players conducted activities with Special Olympics athletes in Senegal. The highest national honor was awarded to the director of Special Olympics Botswana for his work promoting inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. Programs are preparing athletes for the 2011 World Summer Games.
2. Eunice Kennedy Shriver Celebrated in values include, love, social justice, faith, Congressman Patrick Kennedy Visits
Africa hope and courage. Special Olympics Kenya
Africa Regional Head Office Congressman Patrick Kennedy son of
EKS Day is about action across the the late Senator Edward Kennedy who is
3rd Floor Twin Towers West
Cnr Rivonia and 5th Streets globe activities that demonstrate the nephew to Eunice Kennedy Shriver one
Sandton City, Sandton 2196 impact of these values to those unfamil- of the longest serving congressmen in
South Africa iar with Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her
Tel: +27 11 7838533
Fax: +27 11 7838510 revolutionary movement. The world will
______________________________ actively celebrate EKS Day on the fourth
Saturday of every September.
Africa Regional Staff
Dr. John Dow, Jr. Special Olympics Africa national Pro-
President & Managing Director
E-Mail: JDow@specialolympics.org
grams celebrated EKS Day across the
continent holding activities ranging from
Charles Nyambe local and national competitions in Rwan-
Director, Program Development & Sports
Tel: + 264 61 260 385 da and Kenya to dedicating infrastructure
Fax: +264 61 260858 and sports fields in Namibia. National
E-Mail: CNyambe@specialolympics.org government leaders, national and inter-
Stabiso Sithole national celebrities and athletes shared US made a short visit to Special Olym-
Program Development Manager and stories and testimonies of her courage, pics Kenya office to give his support to
Regional Administrator work and the legacy she left behind the program on Thursday July 8, 2010.
Tel: + 27 11 783 8533
Fax: + 27 11 783 8510 through her love, care and courage. Sev- He was received by the board chairman
E-Mail: SSithole@specialolympics.org Eunice Kennedy Shriver devoted her life eral media institutions reported on these
Joe Mutua
to fighting for the rights of those with in- testimonies creating more awareness of
Program Development Manager tellectual disabilities. To inspire new fans her legacy.
Tel: + 254 20 675 0373 to experience the impact of her legacy
Fax : + 254 20 607 612
E-Mail: JMutua@specialolympics.org and embrace the movement she started,
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day is an an-
Charles Takouet
Program Development Manager
Tel: + 225 22 43 42 18
Fax: + 225 22 43 42 19
E-Mail: CTakouet@specialolympics.org
Koffi Adjome
Healthy Athletes Manager
Tel: + 225 01138177
Fax: + 225 45089123
nual celebration of her life and her ideals.
E-Mail: KAdjome@specialolympics.org It is a global call for people to commit ac- and the national director and stayed in
tions of inclusion, acceptance, and unity the office talking about his experiences
Ancilla Smith
Manager, Football Initiatives for and with individuals with intellectual as a volunteer in many ways for over one
Tel: + 27 11 783 8533 disabilities, and half hours.
Fax: + 27 11 783 8510
E-mail: ASmith@specialolympics.org
Driving EKS Day are the same values He expressed his desire to get Special
that drove Eunice Kennedy Shriver in Olympics working in Liberia where he al-
establishing Special Olympics. These ready had been before arriving in Kenya.
3. ______________________________ The Katutura Football For Hope Cen- intellectual disabilities on the same field abilities in Namibia have access to, or
Program Contact Information
tre – in Memory of Eunice Kennedy to play as teammates. The impact of experience using computers. Schools in
Shriver inaugurated this approach is anticipated to be much the local area lack decent computer and
Special Olympics Benin greater as both the players, with and sports facilities and the Centre will be
Mr. Joseph Olowo, Board Chairperson
Mr. Armand Gbaguidi, National Director those without disabilities benefit greatly an important facility for the youths with
03 BP 0912 from the program and from each other. and without disabilities in the Katutura
148 Rue du Renouveau, Lot. No. 1129T The community too is impacted, chang- community. The football pitch will provide
Cotonou, Benin
Tel: +229 9540 4004 ing attitudes towards people with intel- the community with a safe area to play
Fax: +229 2132 3650 lectual disabilities and promoting social football alongside athletes of the Special
E-mail: SOBeninDirector@gmail.com change and acceptance. Olympics, thereby promoting awareness
Special Olympics Botswana in the community.
Mr. Modise H. D. Maphanyane, Board Chairperson
Mr. Ross Tebele, National Director
Plot 1864, Ext. 15
National Stadium, Notwane Road, Opposite University
P.O. Box 21242
Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: +267 390 1305
Fax: +267 390 1352
E-mail: SOBotswanDirector@gmail.com
Special Olympics Burkina Faso Special Olympics Namibia, is one of the
Mr. Ousmane Sana, Board Chairperson 20 organizations across Africa that have
Ms. Annick Pikbougoum, National Director benefited from the FIFA World Cup by
01 B.P. 4411
Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso receiving a Football For Hope legacy
Tel: +226 7027 2883 / 226 78000090 Centre. Special Olympics Namibia inau-
E-mail: SOBurkinafasoDirector@gmail.com
gurated the Centre on the 25th of Sep-
Special Olympics Cameroon tember 2010 to coincide with the EKS Individuals with intellectual disabilities
Mr. Christopher Ampoam, Board Chairperson day. The Board of Directors of Special face discrimination within Namibian soci-
Mr. Jean-Marie Aleokol, National Director
P.O.Box15883 Olympics Namibia offered to name the ety and many parts of the world, finding
Yaounde, Cameroon Centre after Mrs. Shriver as a legacy it difficult to integrate into society. They
Tel: +237 7748 6784 Centre which will bring the same hope face unemployment and barriers to edu-
E-mail: SOCamerounDirector@gmail.com
she brought to Special Olympics athletes cation as well as social stigma. People
Special Olympics Chad when she founded the movement. with disabilities around the world receive
Ms. Louise Bourkou Kabo, Board Chairperson very little medical care for many reasons
Mr. Ngaye Tatila, National Director
Rue 5020 Porte 427 The Centre was officially dedicated ranging from poverty to discrimination.
BP 4394, N’djamena, Chad by the Secretary General of FIFA Mr.
Tel: +235 629 9620
Fax: +235 519 919
Jéróme Valeke with the Prime Minister Special Olympics Namibia will use this
E-mail: ngayetatila@yahoo.fr of the Republic of Namibia Honorable Football for Hope Centre to provide the
Nahas Angula, participating in the dedi- athletes with medical screening and
Special Olympics Congo (Brazzaville)
Ms. Brigitte Marie Yengo, Board Chairperson cation. medical education using the popularity
Mr. Celestin Biampandou, National Director and power of Football. Further, Special
B.P. 13940, Brazzaville, Congo The Centre will be using the Unified Olympics will use the centre to provide
Mobile: +242 5538 7272
E-mail: SOCongoDirector@gmail.com Sports approach in delivering the Foot- the athletes with an opportunity to get
ball For Hope activities, this approach basic computer literacy skills, as only
combines individuals with and without 0.01% of people with intellectual dis-
4. NBA Players Conduct Special Olym- “Parcelles Assainies, Unité 1” which co- invest directly in Africa by providing sup-
Special Olympics Côte d’Ivoire
Professor Joseph Delafosse, Board Chairperson
pics Activities incided with the unveiling of a basketball port across Africa from this office.
Mr. Claude Danzo Tano, National Director playing ground offered by the NBA to the
23 BP, 12 Abidijan youth of the Guédiawaye districts. This
Abidjan 23, Côte d’Ivoire
Tel: +225 2022 9122 was also to pay tribute to de Desagana
Mobile: +225 0657 2030 Diop, the Senegalese Basketball player
E-mail: SOCotedivoireDirector@gmail.com of the NBA for his temporary return to
Special Olympics Kenya Senegal.
Mr. James Kimonye, Board Chairperson
Mr. Joe Mutua, National Director (Acting)
P.O. Box 20450-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 20 272 6865/6
Fax: +254 20 272 6883
E-mail: SOKenyaDirector@gmail.com
Special Olympics Malawi
Mr. Peter Mazunda, Board Chairperson
Mr. Felix Chisowa, National Director
P.O. Box E28
Post Dot Net
Tel/Fax: +265 1 880 279
E-mail: SOMalawiDirector@gmail.com Every year in September, selected NBA
players and coaches gather in Africa to
Special Olympics Mali hold clinics under the NBA cares social
Mr. Tapo Garba Mama, Board Chairperson
Mr. Dougnon Amassagou, National Director program. For the first time, the NBA
Special Olympics Mali cares Africa clinic was held in Senegal, Forty-four athletes and ten Special Olym-
P.B. 248 IOTA, Bamako, Mali
Tel: + 223 6667 5000
west Africa. Special Olympics Senegal pics Coaches had an opportunity to in-
E-mail: SOMaliNatlDirector@gmail.com was invited to take part in this training teract with some great stars of the NBA.
camp which was held on Thursday, Au- The ceremony started with a presenta-
Special Olympics Mauritius
Mr. Choytun Satyagan, Board Chairperson gust 5, 2010. The event took place at the tion of the attending players, followed by
Mr. Jose Luximon, National Director the speeches of Mr. Amadou Gallo Fall,
23 Marcel Ducasse Street Vice-Président of the NBA and Mayor
Cite de Rosnay Beau Bassin
Mauritius, Indian Ocean Macky Sall of Guédiawaye, who received
Tel: +230 464 2806 / 751 0256 a signed “Basketball Without Borders”
Fax: +230 212 5175 / 466 6069 T-shirt. Then there was the unveiling of
E-mail: SOMauritiusDirector1@gmail.com
the new basketball court. SO athletes
participated in three workshops: one
Special Olympics Namibia
Ms. Stay-C Namases, National Director
workshop of dribbling, one of shooting
P.O. Box 7246 and a third of passing. This is the second
Windhoek, Namibia time Special Olympics Africa has at-
Tel/ Fax: +264 61 302 403
E-mail: SONamibiaDirector@gmail.com tended an NBA clinic. The first was held
in 2008 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The NBA cares has since opened an of-
fice in Johannesburg, South Africa. The
reason for establishing this satellite office
is to ensure that the NBA cares begin to
Special Olympics Niger
5. Mr. Tanda Halidou, Board Chair internationally at World Games and serv- Olympics Benin, Special Olympics
Mr. Dabougui Moussa, National Director
c/o Palais des Congress de Niaurey
Ross Tebele Receives Highest Honor ing on the AAC were other contributing Kenya, Special Olympics South Af-
11205 ou Ro 597, Niamey, Niger factors. The President also recognized his rica, Special Olympics Namibia,
Tel: + 227 9629 2927 commitment as an aerobics instructor en- Special Olympics Nigeria, Special
Mobile: +227 2179 0234
E-mail: SONigerDirector@gmail.com couraging fitness to people of Botswana. Olympics Reunion, Special Olympics
. Senegal, Special Olympics Tanzania,
Special Olympics Nigeria and Special Olympics Cote d’Ivoire
Mr. Victor Gbolade Osibodu, Board Chair
Mrs. Folashade Bolumole, National Director were represented by delegates from
c/o Citiserve Building, 368 Ikorodu Rd their countries. The meeting provided
Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria the delegates with very useful Games
Tel: + 234 1 722 7656 / 790 1575
Fax: +234 1 271 0412 information ranging from travel to
E-mail: SONigeriaDirector@gmail.com sports competitions. Site venue tours
Special Olympics Reunion
were held and delegation liaison staff
Mr. Jean-Marc Maillot, Board Chairperson members had an opportunity to meet
Mr. Georges-Marie Naoulivala, National Director their Heads of Delegations. Programs
24 Rue Guillaume Appolinarie 97419
La Possession, Reunion that were not able to attend will have
Tel: +262 692 860 278 this opportunity to listen to similar pre-
Fax +262 262 289 396 sentations during the regional leader-
E-mail: SOReunionDirector@gmail.com
The National Director of Special Olym- ship meeting planned for early 2011.
Special Olympics Rwanda pics Botswana, Mr. Ross Tebele was ex- A total of approximately 327 athletes
Hon. John Rusimbi, Board Chairperson tremely excited when he received an in- will represent the region at the 2011
Mr. Anaclet Ruzindana, National Director
Center Christus, Remera, vitation from the Botswana Head of State World Summer Games. Several pro-
P.O. Box 1425, Kigali, Rwanda Lieutenant General Seretse Khama, Ian grams have started working on the
Tel: +250 583 151
Mobile: +250 084 12604
Khama to attend a ceremony as he had National Games in Conclusion Games registration process. The
E-mail: SORwandaDirector@gmail.com been recognized to be a recipient of the GOC set the deadline for February
highest honor in the country. Mr. Tebele All the Special Olympics Africa accred- 1, 2011 while the region set its own
Special Olympics Senegal
Prof. Assane Fall, Board Chairperson expressed gratitude to the movement as ited Programs have been mounting their deadline for December 31, 2010.
Mr. Mabemba Mbacke, National Director he would not have received this high- respective national Games since June
Stead Leopold Sedar est award if he had not been involved 2010. The first to hold their national
Senghor, Dakar
Tel / Fax: +221 827 1780 with Special Olympics. Mr. Tebele has Games was Special Olympics Tanzania
Mobile: +221 77 645 1853 / +221 76 669 6360 served Special Olympics since 1989 back in May and the last will be Special
E-mail: SOSenegalDirector@gmail.com and is the current AAC vice Chairperson. Olympics Uganda in January 2011. It was
Special Olympics Seychelles a requirement for all Programs to hold na-
Ms. Annette Domigue, Board Chair Mr. Tebele is a dedicated National Director tional Games in order to use this platform
Mr. Colin Quatre, National Director
P.O. Box 513
of Special Olympics Botswana. The Presi- for selecting and advancing athletes to
Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles dential certificate symbolizes the role he the 2011 Special Olympics World Sum-
Tel: +248 378 266/322 272 has played in National Sport development mer Games scheduled to take place in
Fax: +248 378 512
E-Mail: SOSeychellesDirector@gmail.com especially his work with the population Athens, Greece from June 25 until July 4.
with intellectual disabilities in Botswana.
This recognition also symbolized his ad- In preparation for the 2011 Special Olym-
vocacy, love, dedication, passion and pics World Summer Games, the Games
commitment to this population. His lead- Organizing Committee hosted a Head
ership in Special Olympics nationally and of Delegations meeting at which Special
6. entertainment. The memorial service was
Special Olympics South Africa
Dr. Mathews Phosa, Board Chairperson
held in a Catholic church in Ndera Parish EKS in Cote d’ivoire
Annemarie van Wieringen Program CEO Kigali National Games Dedicated to and the Parish Priest presided over the
3rd Floor Twin Towers West EKS requiem mass. During the service, Mr.
Cnr Rivonia and 5th Streets
Sandton City, Sandton 2196, South Africa Oreste Gasana, the Chairman of Ndera
Tel: +27 11 783 8533 Local Program was given an opportunity
Fax: +27 11 783 8510 to address the congregation. He elabo-
E-mail: SOSouthAfricaDirector@gmail.com
Special Olympics Swaziland
Mrs. Nonhlanhla Nojekwa, Board Chairperson
Mr. Themba Makhanya, National Director
P.O. Box 472
Mbabane, Swaziland
Tel: +268 673 1644/404 5606
Fax: +268 404 4850
E-mail : SOSwazilandDirector@gmail.com
Special Olympics Tanzania
Dr. Juma Mwankemwa, Board Chairperson
Mr. Frank Macha, National Director In Côte d’Ivoire, the local Program
P.O. Box 42979 SO Rwanda did not want to miss the celebrated EKS by taking a 10km walk
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Mobile: + 255 713 622 462 EKS day opportunity therefore decided rated more on EKS. The program Board which was sponsored by the “HHH
E-mail: SOTanzaniaDirector@gmail.com to celebrate it on 26/09/2010. This is be- Chairman Hon. John Rusimbi handed Abidjan” Association. About 300 partic-
cause, in Rwanda, every last Saturday of over 32 pairs of sports shoes, 32 pairs ipants attended the event held in the
Special Olympics Togo
Mr. Issa Amenunya, Board Chairperson every month is committed to mandatory of stockings and footballs for use by the
Mr. Dovi Amewuame, National Director communal work on which every citizen young athletes. He also gave a large
B.P. 8052, Lome, Togo
Tel: +228 250 5263
is expected to clean up the environment. photo of EKS to the local program. All
Mobile: +228 991 3244 Sunday 26th was a very special day in these items were donated by the Board
E-Mail: SOTogoDriecrtor@gamil.com of Directors, Special Olympics Rwanda.
Special Olympics Uganda A local competition was held in athletics
Mr. Donald Rukare, Board Chairperson and football.
Mr. Denis Kiwanuka-Lutalo, Program National Director
P.O Box 30483
Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 414 270710
E-mail: SOUgandaDirector1@gamil.com
Special Olympics Zambia
Dr. Peter Mwaba, Board Chairperson
Mr. Clement Chileshe, Program National Director
P. O. Box 50144,Burma Road
Tel :Fax +260 907821797/ +260 1 229836
E-mail: clementchileshe@yahoo.com locality of Bingerville, in the District
of Abidjan. 30 minutes prior to the start
Kigali as family members and young ath- of the walk, the participants were given
letes of Humura sub Program assembled a short orientation of EKS and Special
to display their support for EKS. Activities Olympics.
held included a memorial church service,
athletics, football, speeches, lunch and
7. pride and honour to our country when Special Olympics Swaziland Local
they are given an opportunity to excel on Competitions
the world stage,” remarked Annemarie
van Wieringen, CEO of Special Olympics SO Swaziland held three regional
South Africa. competitions with over 1150 athletes
participating. The first event took place
The 2010 SOSA National Summer
Games brought together the SA Military,
Traffic police, Fire Department and DHL
in a torch run into the opening ceremony
which was hosted by musician and
TV presenter ‘Kabelo’. The university
grounds provided a safe and high class
competition venue, aided by 150 student
volunteers from various faculties at the
to 55 years, individuals with elite capabili- University of Stellenbosch where Special
News From South Africa ties as well as those with more profound Olympics is included within their training.
disabilities, Unified teams who are using in Lubombo region on 8th July, 2010 and
After three days of intense competition the power of sport as a message of was held at Siteki Sports Grounds. 600
at the Special Olympics South Africa inclusion as the teams comprise both athletes participated and 24 new coach-
2010 National Summer Games at the individuals with and without intellectual es were recruited. The second event
University of Stellenbosch and the SOSA disabilities. Many of these athletes have
National Golf Competition in Johannes-
burg, the 83 member Special Olympics
South Africa National Team has been
announced. The delegation comprises
athletics, aquatics, bocce, table tennis,
golf, mens and ladies football, Unified
football and Unified basketball teams
“These individuals are a great reflection
of South Africa, originating from across
the country, ranging in age from 10 years
took place in Manzini region on 15th July,
2010 and was held at St. Joseph Mis-
sion Sports Field. 250 athletes partici-
pated and 8 new coaches were recruited.
The third event took place in Hhohho
region. The competition took place on
had to overcome enormous challenges 24th July, 2010 and was held at Prince of
just to be able to compete at a national Wales Stadium. Three hundred athletes
level and we know that they will bring
8. participated and seven new coaches children at home. hygiene conditions for people with intel- Football for Hope goes on in Mauritius
were recruited. SO Swaziland also held lectual disabilities taking part in Special
National competition and has selected a SOM Young Athletics Programme coordi- Olympics activities in Ntchisi district.
World Games team. nator Doris Suwedi delivered the training
at Kamundi Motel. Doris said: “We want The program funded by Special Olympics
to train family members so that they International under Health Promotion
should be aware of program under Spe- Department was launched at Kalema Pri-
cial Olympics and work with their chil- mary school targeting over 40 athletes,
dren physically, cognitively and socially 13 family members and eight coaches in
to prepare them for Special Olympics communities surrounding four implemen-
games in future. Family members are tation centers of the project in the district.
sharing different experiences and chal-
lenges which they come across with their
children. We teach them foundation skills Among the multi project achievements
including jumping, kicking, balancing and of SO Mauritius, the Football for Hope
catching the ball,” One parent Masoany- Project has generated the most success-
ful campaign on the needs for inclusion
and acceptance of Intellectually Disabled
persons in society
Special Olympics Malawi trains 178
Family Members in YAP
enga Chinjoka whose grandchild, Frank
Banda, has an intellectual disability said
he appreciated the knowledge gained
from the workshop, hoping it will ease A striking instance was the invitation to
some of the challenges he is facing to Speaking during the launch of the SO Mauritius by the Ministry of Youth &
bring up the child. Chinjoka said he be- program Special Olympics Malawi act- Sport to play the kick off match at the
lieves the games will improve the mental ing country director Felix Chisowa said launching of the National Street Football
Special Olympics Malawi recently trained strength of the child and his performance athletes need good health if they were to Festival held on 2nd October 2010.
76 Family members in Lilongwe on spe- in class. perform well in sports.“We want athletes
cial games for young athletes, increasing in rural areas to understand hygiene,” In the presence of eminent Guests, the
the number of family members trained to said Chisowa. Minister of Youth & Sports , Hon De-
178 following two other training work- Special Olympics Malawi launches a vanand Ritoo ,the Minister of Social
shops involving 102 family members. Health Promotion Special Olympics Malawi health promo- Integration, Hon Xavier Luc Duval, the
tion clinical director Lucia Collen will be Mayor of the City of Curepipe, Mr Koo-
The training is aimed at equipping family Special Olympics Malawi launched a delivering monthly training sessions on mara Pyandee and the president of Mau-
members and guardians of young ath- Health Promotion Program on October nutrition, hygiene and general health in ritius Football Association, Mr P Jhoda.
letes with knowledge of special Olympics 2, 2010, aimed at improving nutrition and rural communities.
to ensure they teach the games to their
9. SO Mauritus two Football for Hope currency has been allocated to this initia- Richard Woods. The donation was made
with intellectual disabilities to take part in
teams played the kick off match In front tive. in acknowledgement of the impact that
building peace and social mobilization in
of around 3,000 Spectators and 500 Special Olympics has made in the lives
the communities through the Presidential
Footballers. The SO valiant mixed soccer The competitions so far have been held of people with intellectual disabilities in
Initiative
players, gave a demonstration of their in Karonga district, bordering Tanzania the community. This is the first time that
skills and their competition spirit which in the northern part of Malawi where the program will receive unsolicited funds
The Malawi Government confirmed its
captivated the attention of the crowd Special Olympics Malawi has recruited from any institution!
support of Presidential Initiative in 2008
over 500 athletes and 63 coaches. In
aiming at inspiring and engaging the
the Southern part of Malawi, the com- Leo’s Club Donates Sports Equipment
entire nation to participate and excels in
to Special Olympics Nigeria
sporting activities towards levels that are
comparative to the world standards.
Leo’s Club district 404A, the youth arm
of Lion’s Club, recently donated some
In the PIS all the Stakeholders (Govern-
sports equipment to Special Olympics
ment Sports Federations) are expected
Nigeria. These items include; basketball
to develop excellence to world levels in
stands & ball, badminton rackets and
football and netball because Malawi has
shuttle corks. The presentation was
recently proved some potential in these
made at the Special Olympics Nigeria
two sports disciplines at continental as
well as world levels.
The Hon Minister of sports declared that
he was deeply impressed by these young petitions begun with Chikhwawa district
Nigeria Greensprings School Donates
talents boys & girls, and believes that SO which accounts for over 400 athletes and
to Special Olympics Nigeria
athletes could be part in regular teams to 43 coaches.
encourage inclusion.
Special Olympics Nigeria was a recipient
of an equivalent of $4,387 from Green-
spring School, Lagos state during their
Special Olympics Malwi increases
sports participation through Presiden-
tial Initiative for Sports
The 13th of June 2010 marked the begin-
ning of Special Olympics Malawi activi- office by a team of both the Lions and
ties for Presidential Initiative on Sports. the Leo clubs officials. The items were
The aim is to increase mass participation received by Dr. Alero Roberts, the Family
in sports as well as developing the sport- Support Network Coordinator on behalf
ing talents in various communities. of our athletes. She expressed her ap-
In Karonga all the trophies were pre- preciation for the equipment and said it
Special Olympics Malawi is currently car- sented to Karonga south who emerged will go a long way in providing athletes
rying out its football activities with funding winners; Presenting the trophies to the with the equipment they need for training
from the Malawi government through the wining teams, was Karonga District Com- and development.
25th anniversary. The cheque was pre-
Malawi National Council of Sports. A total missioner, a Mr. Macheka who appreci-
sented to the National Director, Mrs. Fola
of $ 3,355.70 in local Malawi Kwacha ated the MNCS for considered people
Bolumole, by the Head of School, Mr.
10. Young Athletes and Family Fun day initiative in her school. She added that As part of the workshop, a presentation that the athlete was registered with the
since Special Olympics was introduced on “Oral health and the special needs club and had been assessed as hav-
A Young Athletes Family Fun Day was or- to her pupils, there has been a remark- child” was made to the family members ing an Intellectual disability. Consent
ganized at Patrick Speech and Language able improvement in their lives – they by our Special Smiles Clinical Direc-
Centre, Lagos, South west Nigeria, on have become friendlier, smile a lot more tor; Dr. Folakemi Oredugba, a specialist
and relate better. in Child Dental Health at the College
of Medicine of the University of Lagos/
Another Fun day was held at Atanda Olu Lagos University Teaching Hospital. The
School for the physically and intellectu- outcome of the workshop was that these
ally disabled children in Lagos, south family members were enthusiastic to be-
west Nigeria on Wednesday, 8th Decem- come active family members in their local
ber 2010. 17 young athletes and 7 family communuities.
members participated. The young ath-
letes were very excited as they proudly SO Kenya Awarded Health Project
demonstrated their skills in the Scarf
game, Sport song, Obstacle course, fol- Special Olympics Kenya was awarded a
low the part, Side stepping and Run and community based health project grant by forms were designed and distributed to
carry activities amidst cheers from the University of Illinois, Chicago in conjunc- the athlete caregivers through the club
family members and staff of the school. tion with Special Olympics International
The head of School, Mrs. Folashade
Michael expressed her appreciation to S
O Nigeria for the impact that the program
has had on people with intellectual dis-
abilities in her school.
Friday, October 15th. 21 young athletes,
7 family members were part of this his- Family Support Network Forum
toric event as this was the first of its kind
to be organized by S O Nigeria
leaders. The research has been going
to conduct a research on what effects on from March 2010 and very encourag-
general hygiene, Nutrition and physi- ing results are being witnessed. A final
cal activities have on Special Olympics report will be published at its conclusion
athletes. A group of 100 athletes was se- in August 2010.
lected, 46 from Kenyatta University club
while 54 were selected from Mathare
The family members cheered the young club and a corresponding number of Kenya Games in Memory of Eunice
athletes as they enthusiastically dis- The 22 family members were introduced parents and caregivers. In addition, fami- Kennedy Shriver
played their abilities. The proprietor of to the world of Special Olympics and the lies with low functioning Athletes were
the school, Mrs. Akande was especially benefits of participation at a workshop included to train alongside their siblings. Over 250 athletes from all corners of Ke-
pleased at the outcome of the event and held in Abeokuta, Ogun state, south west nya gathered at the University of Nairobi
thanked S O Nigeria for introducing this Nigeria on Friday, 26th November 2010. The only condition for participation was Sports grounds for 2 days of national
11. games. Athletes were selected at these Regional Managing Directors position ogy, ophthalmology and orthopedics.
Games to be part of the delegation at- titles Changed
tending the summer games in Athens, Special Olympics Senegal Extending On November 27, 2010, the second SO
Senegal National games in athletics were
Recently, SO Senegal has displayed held in Stadium Iba Mar Diop, in Dakar.
growth in many aspects. The fourth
quarter of 2010 was full of events for SO
Senegal. The second Healthy Athletes
screening and the second national cham-
pionships in athletics were held during
this period. SO Senegal also celebrated
the International Day for the Disabled
established by the General Assembly
of the United Nations on December 3rd
by organizing a conference and a mass
Greece. march.
Senior representatives from the Ministry
of Sports and Youth affairs as well as the President and COO, Special Olympics
ministry of Education joined the Chair- Mr. Brady Lum announced on Novem- On December 4, 2010, SO Senegal
man of SO Kenya James Kimonye and ber 10, in the Executive newsflash that celebrated the International Day for the
Board members in honoring the athletes. the position titles formally known as Disabled, and organised a conference
Managing Directors will change from on “The perception of disability in the
Regional Managing Director to Regional Senegalese population and its impact on
President & Managing Directors. Brady the way disability is handled”. This con-
in the newsflash said, “In reflection of ference was hosted by Special Olympics
their critical roles to our Regions and the Senegal and the speakers were two psy-
many contributions they have made and chologists: Mr Idrissa Diop and Mr Ngor
will continue to make, I am pleased to Ndour and Special Olympics Director,
announce that we have changed the key Specialist of disability.
Regional leadership position title from
Regional Managing Director to Regional 128 athletes were screened in Medfest On December 5, 2010, SO Senegal or-
Charles Nyambe, representative from President & Managing Director. This and Special Smiles. Screening in cardiol- ganized its third mass march to celebrate
SO Africa introduced board members of change in title better translates in many the International Day for the Disabled .
SO Uganda who were in the country to languages and cultural environments, Approximately 700 people attended this
share ideas with SO Kenya. The Assis- enabling our Regions and our Regional event.
tant Minister in the Ministry of Education Presidents to more effectively conduct
Charo Mwatela, who was the chief guest their operations with the authority they
reiterated the government’s commitment need. This change will be effective im-
to honoring the legacy that Eunice Ken- mediately.
nedy Shriver started over 42 years ago.
We are incredibly grateful for the leader-
ship commitment and contributions of our
Regional Presidents!’’
12. Youth Engagement Activities take a Summit: Special Olympics Tanzania Train Fam- bers return to their communities, they
new leap in Namibia ily Members will assist not only in the recruitment and
retention of athletes, but to the general
On the 11th to 12th November 2010, 26 awareness of Special Olympics and how
Special Olympics Namibia athletes and individuals with intellectual disabilities
their youth partners without intellectual are just as critical to the wellbeing of a
disabilities gathered at the Katutura society as everyone else.
Football for Hope Centre – in memory of
“I have learned that each student has the
power to make a difference... one way
we can make a difference is by mobi-
lizing and educating our community in
Eunice Kennedy Shriver to participate in Namibia to avoid negative stereotypes SO Tanzania conducted training for 40
the first ever National Youth Engagement through drama performances. family members from the Ilala sub pro-
Summit. The aim of the Summit was to gram on Saturday 24th July 2010 under
actively engage youth with and without Family Forum unites volunteers, fam- the Proctor and Gamble (P&G) grant.
intellectual disabilities to be agents of ily members and athletes in Namibia Among the topics presented to the mem-
change for their community, by finding bers were such topics as volunteerism,
creative ways to advocate for the rights On the 13th of November, 160 SO why Special Olympics is unique and the
and inclusion of people with intellectual athletes, friends and family members role that family members play in Special
disabilities in society; and to find ways to gathered at the Katutura Football For Olympics.
get the community involved with Special Hope Centre - in memory of Eunice Ken-
Olympics. 12 youth observers from the nedy Shriver to celebrate and conclude
Jan Jonker Afrikaner High School took the Youth Engagement Summit through
part in a formal panel discussion with the the Special Olympics Family Fun Day in
26 youth partners on the 12th November Windhoek. A family forum was conducted
2010 to share their ideas and experi- for the 60 family members present.
ences on mobilizing and engaging youth Information about Special Olympics was
in Special Olympics activities. Weeks shared at this forum and family members
leading up to the Summit the youth cre- had an opportunity to share valuable
ated awareness on Special Olympics at recommendations with the SO Namibia
4 local schools, getting support from 600 program. An 8-member Family Commit-
students and 20 teachers. tee which will be the basis for the Family
Support Network was formed with the
Cecil Hansen a youth participant had this support of Family Representative on the With such training, the program antici-
to share about the impact of the Youth board, Mrs. Hanna Garises. pates that when the trained family mem-
13. Special Olympics Tanzania trains Ath- and Kinondoni sub programs, led by 8
lete Leaders coaches from the same sub programs.
Herith Suleiman (athlete representative
on the SO Tanzania Board and Chairper-
son of Tanzania Athletes Committee) was
among the presenters.
With such training, the program is able to
A one day event was on 19th October empower athletes not only to feel confi-
2010 at the Temeke Teacher Resource dent in themselves, but also, to encour-
Centre (TRC). This training brought age individuals with intellectual disabili-
together 22 athletes from Temeke, Ilala ties to join and journey in the amazing
Special Olympics Africa |3rd Floor Twin Towers West| Cnr Rivonia and 5th Streets| Sandton City|
Sandton |South Africa |Tel: +27 (11) 7838533| Fax: +27 (11) 7838510 |
International Website:
www.specialolympics.org
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving
them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special
Olympics athletes and the community.