SOI director here

By Norman Katende THE managing director of Special Olympics, Africa wants more athletes to take part in the Special Olympics games. “What we want is to get more athletes involved in these games. Parents should help us with this,” said David Mutambara, a Zimbabwean, in an interview yesterday. Mutambara is here for the All Africa Special Olympics congress which starts tomorrow at Speke Resort, Munyonyo. He said international sports can not have the basic settings unless a large number is involved in the competitions. Asked about Uganda’s bid to host the Africa region Special Olympics meet in 2002, Mutambara said that he is currently inspecting the different facilities. “I am grateful that I am meeting my Programmes (national directors) for the first time. We need to share views so that we uplift Special Olympics in the region,” said Mutambara. Special Olympics has its headquarters in Washington DC. “The most important thing we have got to share as a continent is a united front which will help us solve our problems,” he added. Director and chairperson organising committee, Rebecca Kutesa, said Uganda would benefit from the awareness and publicity of the congress. Participants from over 30 countries are expected to arrive in the country today. ends