Special Olympics Barbados has taken a step into cyberspace with the unveiling of its Internet web site, www.specialolympicsbarbados.org . The interactive site is designed to keep the public and all those involved and interested in Special Olympics informed of the organisation’s activities and programmes.
 
The site allows Special Olympics to provide up-to-the-minute reports on its athletes, volunteers, coaches, families and supporters and how they are furthering the goal of full inclusion of intellectually challenged individuals into the larger society.  While the Home Page gives an overview of current and recent events, the Photo Gallery Page takes the viewer to numerous slideshow presentations of all past activities, including the triumph of Barbadian athletes in the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece.
 
Edward Thompson, Public Relations Officer of Special Olympics Barbados, says, “We want our web site to become an informational portal for the entire disabled community.  To that end, we are providing links to organisations such as Special Olympics International, the Barbados Council for the Disabled and other entities serving the disabled community with an Internet presence.”
 
Videos of Special Olympics athletes, their coaches and their families are an integral part of the web site.  The stories of those who have benefited from their association with Special Olympics are especially touching and inspiring.
 
Special Olympics Barbados serves more than 800 intellectually challenged individuals of all ages.  In addition to its sports programmes in athletics (track and field), aquatics, bocce, football and cricket, the organization conducts annual Healthy Athlete Screenings, Outreach Skills Training for athletes over the age of 16 and Annual National Games in all of its sports disciplines.  The organisation is currently considering adding softball and golf to its sports programmes.
 
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: publicrelations@specialolympicsbarbados.org
 
Website: www.specialolympicsbarbados.org