Oryem assures Special Olympics of support

Nov 14, 2001

SPORTS state minister Henry Oryem Okello has pledged government support to the Special Olympics (SO).

By Norman Katende SPORTS state minister Henry Oryem Okello has pledged government support to the Special Olympics (SO). While opening the Africa SO regional conference at Munyonyo yesterday, Oryem said that government has a special concern for people with disabilities. “I pledge my support and government commitment to Special Olympics activities. I will appeal to the private sector to make them help you,” said Oryem who advised the delegates from 31 countries to demand for the same from their respective governments. “It is time we spent much time and resources on the special child. Let us “hit” the drum harder,” said the minister in reference to the conference theme of “Beating the Drum.” He requested the delegates to be SO ambassadors and advised them on the importance of challenging people to make them realise that mental retardation is not a disease. “Providing dignity and equality for Special Olympians is indeed a human right. We have to fight to give the athletes the chance,” he said, adding that sports is powerful communication tool. SO Africa managing director David Mutambara appealed to the delegates to develop a common focus to share ideas. “Let’s be open, let’s be frank, let’s be critical and developmental conscious,” he said. The conference ends on Friday. SO International grant manager John Tomaro , meanwhile, sees a future for Special Olympics in Africa. In an interview yesterday, Tomaro said Africa has the potential but getting it out was still a problem. “The challenge to the African leaders is to realise what happens to the mentally retarded and handicapped in the everyday life,” he said, adding that this was a great challenge. “Africa will look like what African leaders want it to be.” Despite an annual $200m budget, Tomaro said it is not enough to develop all regions. “Our plan is to leverage this money. In this way, we will be establishing a presence which will stand the test of time. “We should recognise the training and competition and find a way of sustaining it. Let us have 99% of training and 1% of fundraising,” he said. Tomaro said Africa’s volunteerism spirit does not match that of America, but added that he saw a bright future on the continent judging from their participation in international competitions. ends

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