Special Olympics & Lions Clubs

As a District we are blest with a very committed group of organisers and coaches.  In the case of the World games in Shanghai the District provided more than 45% of the team GB athletes.  Yet the District itself has only about 10% of the population of the area covered by team GB.

We should support our athletes and coaches as much as we possibly can.  Remember that it is through sport that many with a learning disability learn to have a life partially independent of their carers.

The forthcoming events are as follows:-

Special Olympics Leicester
These national games are to be held between the 25th and the 31st July 2009.  These dates are well away from clashing with the International Convention in Minneapolis. The games committee are hoping to accumulate 1500 local volunteers to assist with marshalling etc.  (This is similar to the number obtained locally for the games held in Glasgow).

Special Olympics World games Athens
These games are to be held between the 25th June and the 4th July 2011.  This will unfortunately clash with the Lions International Convention.

Opening Eyes Program
At both of the events noted above the opening eyes program will be operating.  This is a program specifically designed to identify sight problems with those with learning disabilities.  It is funded from monies provided by Lions Clubs International through their foundation in Chicago.  In the past many athletes have been identified with sight threatening conditions.  These have been identified during the program and the condition rectified, some requiring hospitalisation.  Since many of the athletes are unable to read, pictorial rather than alphabetic tests must be used.  These take much longer than the tests those of us who wear eye glasses are accustomed to.

DG Hugh Kershaw - Special Olympics Officer

View the links to other District 105NE Projects