-
Special Olympics swimmers celebrate their medals - Source: Neville Bailey Photography
The Athletes' oath of the Special Olympics is: "Let me win. But
if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
All of the 1000 plus athletes competing at the National Summer
Games 2009 in Manawatu will be abiding by this oath.
The youngest of the athletes is Mitchell Brewer, a nine year old
swimmer from Manawatu.
This is a stark contrast to the oldest competitor, 79-year-old Ray
Rose from Wanganui who is here to compete in bocce (a form of
petanque).
The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year round sports
training and athletic competition for people of all ages with
intellectual disabilities.
The purpose of the games are to promote physical fitness and help
the athletes to show courage and enjoy themselves.
The Special Olympics is an attempt to transform communities by
encouraging people open their minds and to accept and include
people with intellectual disabilities.
Participation in sport is seen as a way of building qualities that
are used both on and off the field.
Confidences, self-esteem, and teamwork are emphasised by being
involved in sport and it improves the ability of people with
intellectual disabilities to lead productive lives.
The Special Olympics NZ National Summer Games will be held in Manawatu from December 2 to 5.
