Press Release

(For Immediate Release)

[Photographs attached for media use]

Special Olympics Barbados

1st Floor, Speedbird House

Independence Square

Bridgetown, Barbados

Press Contact: Edward Thompson

                        (246) 423-0967

                        sunscribe@sunbeach.net

                        sunscribe@caribsurf.com

9 February, 2012

Special Olympics Announces

Annual National Games Schedule

Special Olympics Barbados is gearing up for a full slate of national competitions in several sports disciplines.  The Special Olympics Annual National Games present an excellent opportunity for intellectually challenged athletes to experience the thrill of achievement and recognition of their efforts and training.  In addition, the Annual National Games allow all Barbadians to share in the triumphs of these courageous athletes.  All the venues are free and open to the general public.

The athletes are prepared.  In addition to their year-round, weekly training, last Sunday, Special Olympics athletes received free health screenings in fitness, vision, hearing, foot care, dental care and general health.

Following an exciting 2011, when seven Barbados athletes attended the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, and all seven returned home with medals, the Barbados Annual National Games will include some of those same medal-winners.  The competitions in five sports disciplines begin Monday, February 20 with the Special Olympics National Aquatics Meet. Swimmers in several divisions plan to make a big splash at the Aquatic Centre on that day.

Track and field is always a popular event, and it certainly engenders exciting competition among Special Olympics athletes.  Three track and field meets are on the schedule for the Annual National Games.  On Friday, February 24, the Track and Field Preliminary Meet will take place at the Carlton Grounds in Black Rock.  The following Friday, March 2, younger athletes will display their talents when they take part in the Junior Track and Field Meet, also to be held at the Carlton Grounds.

The track and field events culminate at the National Stadium on Tuesday, March 6 with the largest event on the schedule, the Special Olympics National Games Track and Field Meet.  Athletes who qualified in the Preliminary Meet will be hoping for their best times and distances in the competition.

But that’s not all. Prior to the Annual National Games Track and Field Meet, Special Olympics athletes will also participate in national competitions in bocce, cricket and football.  The Special Olympics National Bocce Championship, which will take place Sunday, February 26 at the Hockey Astroturf in Wildey, will feature two medal winners from the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games.  Bocce, a bowling game of Roman origin, has grown in popularity with older Special Olympics athletes and will include Unified Sports competition.  Unified Sports pairs intellectually-challenged athletes with players who are not Special Olympics athletes.

What is the biggest sport in Barbados?  Some will adamantly argue that it is cricket, while others will say soccer has a foothold on that distinction.  Those on either side of the issue will have an opportunity to see spirited matches this month. The Special Olympics National Cricket Championship bowls off Monday, February 27 at the Police Sports Club, Weymouth. It is cricket certainly worth watching and cheering.  For soccer fans, the Special Olympics National Football Championship kicks off Wednesday, February 29 also at the Police Sports Club.

Barbados is invited to attend the National Games events, all of which are free-of-charge.  It is an opportunity to show support of intellectually challenged individuals who are successfully integrating themselves into the national sports community.

As in the past, the Special Olympics National Games are being held in conjunction with the Month of the Disabled, March 2012.  Special Olympics Barbados is also inviting interested and caring Barbadians to participate in its programmes and activities by becoming volunteers.  The organisation is particularly appealing to adults, especially retired persons, to assist in many areas for the National Games and on-going programmes.  To volunteer, call the Special Olympics Office at (246) 426-9064.

Special Olympics Barbados National Games Schedule

DATE                    TIME                     DISCIPLINE                                      VENUE

Feb. 20        8:30 – 3:00           Aquatics                                                                Aquatic Centre, Wildey

Feb. 24            8:30 – 3:00           Preliminaries (Track & Field)             Carlton Grounds, Black Rock          

Feb. 26          8:30 – 5:00           Bocce                                                     Hockey Astroturf, Wildey

Feb. 27        8:30 – 3:00           Cricket                                                   Police Sports Club, Weymouth

Wed Feb. 29         8:30 – 3:00           Football                                                Police Sports Club, Weymouth

March 2          8:30 – 3:00           Track & Field (Juniors)                      Carlton Grounds, Black Rock          

Tues, March 6      8:30 – 4:00           Track & Field                                      The National Stadium

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: sunscribe@sunbeach.net

            sunscribe@caribsurf.com