Training, dedication and accomplishment will take center-stage this week when athletes of all ages test their skills in the largest local sports event for persons with intellectual disability, the Special Olympics Barbados National Games Track and Field Finals. More than 600 athletes participated in last year’s annual meet, and large numbers are anticipated again on this Friday. All of Barbados is invited to come to the Carlton Sports Club in Black Rock to experience the purity of sports and real athletic success when children and adults with intellectual challenges push hard for goals some people can’t imagine, against obstacles few have had to face. What happens can be truly magical, and sharing in that triumph reaches the heart of each and every spectator. The Special Olympics Barbados National Games are held each year in conjunction with “March – The Month of the Disabled”.
 
The festivities get underway at 9:00 am when the Royal Barbados Police Force Band and the Honorable Steven Blackett, Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development set the exciting tone for the day. After the traditional lighting of the Special Olympics Torch and Flame, the competition begins with a series of track and field events, including 25, 50 and 100 meter sprints, 200 and 400 meter middle-distance races, relays and the soft ball throw. Many of the athletes putting their skills on display qualified for Friday’s competition in the Special Olympics Barbados National Games Track and Field Preliminary Meet earlier this month. Not only will teams and athletes be competing from schools and special units from across the island, but they will also be joined by independent participants.
 
The annual track meet is also an occasion to honor some of those who have been strong and continuing supporters of Special Olympics Barbados. Recipients of the 2017 Special Olympics Barbados Service Award are the Barbados Defence Force Sports Programme,
Barbados Red Cross Society, Bico Limited, Mrs. Vivian Garrett, Dr. Lynn Morris, RMJ Agencies, Mr. Aidan Taylor, Mrs. Marlene Walters and Ms. Lev Waterman. Mr. Kelvin Layne will receive the Marguerite Young Memorial Shield named and presented in memory of the late Special Olympics Barbados Chairman.
 
The Special Olympics Barbados National Games Track and Field Finals offer an opportunity for the public to share in one of the most inspiring events on the nation’s sports calendar, and there is no admission charge for the experience. The cheers and encouragement that ring out from the spectators let intellectually disabled athletes know that they are supported as the seek greater understanding, acceptance and inclusion.
 
*Photo caption: “Special Olympics athletes sprint to the finish line and great accomplishments.”
 
Event: Special Olympics Barbados National Games Track and Field Finals
Date and time: Friday, March 24, 2017; 9:00 am
Venue: Carlton Sports Club, Black Rock
Admission: Free
 
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 or (246) 825-0021 (cell); E-mail: yanquibajan@gmail.com or publicrelations@specialolympicsbarbados.org
Special Olympics Barbados, Arbor House, #23 James Street, Bridgetown, Barbados, (246) 426 9064
Website: www.specialolympicsbarbados.org
Facebook: Special Olympics Barbados