When you think of sports tourism in Barbados, Special Olympics probably does not immediately come to mind.  But just as our lovely country is attractive to cricketers, footballers, golfers and surfers worldwide, it is also becoming a place where athletes with disabilities feel very comfortable in our warm hospitality. During the month of October, two Special Olympics groups from Canada will visit Barbados.
 
From October 8 through October 15, Special Olympics Barbados will host a delegation of 19 persons from Special Olympics Brampton, Ontario. The group, which consists of 10 athletes, 5 coaches and 4 parents, will take part in a number of activities while here, including a tour of the Challenor Creative Arts and Training Centre, friendly football matches involving the Brampton athletes and Special Olympics athletes from Challenor and the Ann Hill School and a joint celebration of EKS Day (Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day).
 
EKS Day, observed worldwide, commemorates Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of late U.S. President John F. Kennedy. In the EKS Day observance, athletes from Special Olympics Barbados will teach athletes from Special Olympics Brampton how to play cricket, and the Brampton athletes will teach Barbados athletes how to play softball. The full schedule of events, with venues and times, is listed below. Special Olympics sports events are free of charge, and the public is encouraged to come out and cheer the intellectually challenged athletes from Barbados and Canada.
 
On October 17, Keith Boyce, Special Olympics golf coach from Special Olympics Mississauga, Ontario, returns to Barbados with two of his accomplished Special Olympics golfers, Aaron Lindsay and Arthur Rea, Jr. . Mr. Boyce is the impetus behind the current Special Olympics Barbados golf programme. In 2012, Keith Boyce, along with Aaron and Arthur, conducted a golf clinic, which started the local Special Olympics golf programme. He is also responsible for supplying most of the golf equipment which is used by Special Olympics Barbados.
 
The fine golf facilities in Barbados, which have always been a major force in sports tourism, have been very generous in their support of Special Olympics. Twice a week, the Barbados Golf Club hosts practice sessions for Special Olympics athletes. In addition to visiting the Barbados Golf Club while they are on the island, Keith, Aaron and Arthur will be playing golf at the Apes Hill Golf Club and the Royal Westmoreland Golf Club, compliments of those facilities.
 
Schedule of Events for Special Olympics Brampton, Ontario

Wednesday, October 8, 3:00 pm: Greeting of Special Olympics Brampton visitors; Grantley Adams International Airport
Thursday, October 9: Visit and tour the Challenor Creative Arts and Training Centre
Friday, October 10, 10:00 am, Police Sports Club, Weymouth: Friendly Soccer Competition, Special Olympics Brampton vs. the Challenor Creative Arts and Training Centre
Saturday, October 11, 10:00 am, St. Leonards Secondary School, St. Michael: Special Olympics Barbados and Special Olympics Brampton Joint Celebration of EKS Day (Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day). (There will be a sharing of new sports disciplines on that day, with the Barbados athletes teaching the Brampton athletes cricket and the Brampton athletes teaching Barbados athletes softball.)
Monday, October 13, 10:00 am, Police Sports Club, Weymouth: Friendly Soccer Competition, Special Olympics Brampton vs.the Ann Hill School
 
 
NOTE TO NEWS AND MEDIA OUTLETS:  Special Olympics spokespersons are eager to share information about Special Olympics Barbados and its programmes.  To arrange interviews please contact: Edward Thompson: Phone: (246) 423 0967; E-mail: yanquibajan@gmail.com or publicrelations@specialolympicsbarbados.org
Special Olympics Barbados, 1st Floor, Speedbird House, Independence Square, Bridgetown, Barbados, (246) 426 9064
Website: www.specialolympicsbarbados.org
 
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