Basseterre, St. Kitts (June 27, 2007): Board members and supporters of the Special Olympics Association are working feverishly to ensure St. Kitts and Nevis is represented at the October World Games slated for Shanghai, China.
National Director of Special Olympics, Clarice Cotton told SKNIS that the local athletes are being prepared to compete in Bocce (pronounced boh-chee), swimming and athletics.
In total twelve athletes, four coaches and two delegates are expected to participate.
Ms. Cotton thanked the persons who volunteer time to help prepare the athletes. She made special mention of the persons from Ross University who were working along with the swim team.
The Board will need to raise $120,000.00 to ensure they are a part of the historic games, which run from October 02 to 11. Several activities including an awareness walk have been held to aid this effort. The next fund raising activity takes place on Friday at the Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.
Renowned British Soprano Allison Buchanan and the West Village Quartet out of New York will appear in concert at what is dubbed “An evening of opera and entertainment.” The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from Special Olympics board members for $50.00. They will also be sold at the door on Friday evening for the same price.
Residents are encouraged to go out and witness this showcase of culture through various music styles ranging from baroque to contemporary.~~Adz:Right~~
A Special Olympics official told SKNIS that it was fitting that a concert like this, which highlights a different culture, is being used to facilitate the group’s participation since they will be traveling to an East Asian country with a rich oriental heritage.
The athletes will be exposed to the traditions of the people when they take part in a “host town progamme.” Under this programme athletes will be hosted by different towns in China. The residents will show the visitors what life is like in their country.
Ms. Cotton suggested that this may include activities such as preparing dishes. “It is an excellent opportunity to learn all that we can about the culture,” she concluded.
