Special Olympics cry for support for Special Olympics

Ahead of the  Special Olympics  Winter Games scheduled for Austria in March next year, the Board of Special Olympics Ghana has made a passionate appeal to corporate bodies, institutions and organisations to support team Ghana financially to enhance adequate preparations and participation in the games.

The board need a total of $80,000 to procure equipment for their preparations  and other necessities  as they prepare for the games. About 177 registered countries including Ghana are participating in the winter games .

Speaking to the Daily Graphic, a board member of Special Olympics Ghana, Nana Wereko -Ampim Opoku, said they had  already procured some equipment in preparations towards the tournament “but we still need more, hence our appeal to the public to support us meet all our obligations to participate  in this important games.”

“We imported  plastic balls, plastic sticks  and goal posts for their preparations. However, we also need goalkeepers accoutrements , special winter clothings and other items which are very expensive, hence our appeal for financial support.  

He  explained that the Special Olympics international organised Olympic type of games for people who are intellectually challenged with the view of motivating them to mingle with society .

He said 10 athletes, together with five officials would be in Austria to represent Ghana, adding that floorball game was specifically selected because it was the only game Ghana could participate and excel.

“Before then, we organised a regional competition before selecting the best to represent Ghana in the winter Olympics Games,” he noted, adding “Ghanians should  know that people who are intellectually challenged  also do things that others can do.  Some can run and play any type of game, but our biggest problem to harnessing their potentials is funding, hence our appeal to corporate Ghana to support us.