Special Olympians hold Awareness March

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MEMBERS of the local Special Olympics Committee, Special Olympians and  students of the Cotton-Thomas Comprehensive School took to the streets of Basseterre Friday (Nov. 18) in a creative and visual promotion of inclusion.
 
The march formed part of the Special Olympics Week of Activities which is being held under the theme “Creating a World of Inclusion, Dignity and Respect”.
 
Winding its way along some of Basseterre’s main thoroughfares, including Fort and West Independence Square Streets, the march was that week’s penultimate activity.
 
Many had deemed the march interesting while some peered at the Special Olympians with inquisitive eyes. And still there were others who took the opportunity to take snapshots of the participants who had donned sporting outfits.
 
Divided into groups, some Olympians wore uniforms depicting the various sport disciplines in which they participate locally, regional and international.
 
The march culminated at the Independence Square.
 
Head Athletic Coach Sylvester Dore explained to this publication that the march was part of a sensitisation campaign centered on the week’s theme.
 
“Throughout the week we have been looking at reaching the public and informing them of what Special Olympics is all about. Many persons have heard of Special Olympics but we wanted them to understand what the programme is and what it is about, so throughout the week we endeavoured to do that.” 
 
Recapping the past week, Dore explained that the activities held included: a Tag Day, where students not only sold tags to members of the public but also used the opportunity to introduce themselves as Special Olympians; talks in primary schools and an Appreciation Day where the athletes were hosted by public and private sector entities at a number of activities.
 
He also spoke of an Appreciation and Awards Reception which was hosted by the Governor-General of St. Kitts-Nevis, Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, at Government House.
 
While the last activity for that week took place Friday in the form of a concert at the Basseterre Church of God, a Healthy Fitness Walk is scheduled for Saturday (Nov. 26).
 
 
Each year, Special Olympians from across the Federation participate in international games and are always successful in their pursuits. This year, they participated in the Special Olympics World Games held in Greece and returned to their homeland with five Bronze and two Silver medals.
 
This is no small feat and as expressed by Dore, participation in these games helps in boosting the athletes’ self-confidence.
 
“Special Olympics is not just about sports but also about involving the athletes in everyday life and society and about helping them to be more independent. It’s about boosting their self-confidence and helping them to be contributing members of society.