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| The walk held on Friday to raise money and awareness for the local Special Olympics movement |
Residents were reminded of the remarkable accomplishments of the Special Olympics Movement as members and friends took part in a walk on Friday.
The walk started at the Special Education Unit at St. Johnson's Village just before 6:00 p.m. and saw participants traveling eastwards along Cayon Street through Basseterre. They went as far as Wellington Road before making a U-turn, heading back into town across Taylor's Road, down Victoria Road, down Church Street and onto the Bay Road towards the end point at The Cenotaph which commemorates nationals who died during the two World Wars.
Michelle Cardoza, a member of the Special Olympics Board and faculty of the Ross University, told SKNIS that this activity was organized mainly to accomplish two specific objectives.
"It was very important because it was not only a fundraiser but also raises awareness to the community that there is a Special Olympics World Games & and we have members that will be going," she said. Ms. Cardoza explained that the walk achieved the objectives as persons on the street enquired about the activity and the contribution sheets helped to raise funds. She added that the sheets circulated at Ross University raised $6,600.00. "I am very pleased with my Ross University community," she added. ~~Adz:Right~~
Participants included Special Olympics Chairman and Permanent Secretary of Sport Lloyd Lazar, National Director of Special Olympics Clarice Cotton and Director of Community Affairs Jovil Martin and Acting Director of Sport Dave Connor. Special Olympics' sponsor Digicel was represented by Country Manager Donovan White while the 2006-2007 Premier League Football Champions T.D.C. Newtown United also turned out to support this event along with dozens of community members and students from the Ross University School of Medicine.
The football club's Vice President Curtis James noted that it was important that his organization be a part of such activities.
"Champion teams surround themselves with champion occasions," he stressed. "This walk & is a champion cause and we are of the view that Newtown United must be involved in all championship functions that are going on."
Persons are encouraged to contribute to the movement's effort to travel to the World Games slated for October in Shanghai, China.
