The journey for a nine-member team from Dominica to attend the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, California has been made a little bit easier, thanks to the sponsorship of telecommunications giant Digicel and the government of Dominica to the tune of EC$30,000.
The team consist of five athletes, coaches and medical personnel.
On Wednesday, Sales and Marketing Manager at Digicel Dominica, Nathalie Walsh, handed over a EC$ 10,000 cheque to the President of the Dominica Special Olympics (DSO) Ainsworth Irish and Minister for Sports, Culture and Constituency Empowerment, Justina Charles, pledged, on the behalf of the government, the remaining EC$20,000.
The games will take place from July 25th to August 2nd, 2015. Some 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, together with 30,000 volunteers are expected to participate.
Irish said the team is happy to receive the financial boost.
“We are happy for the support of Digicel and the Government of Dominica,” he said. “This morning is a very historic occasion. The athletes have been training diligently for the opportunity to represent Dominica in the major international sports event.”
Walsh said Digicel celebrates the spirit of the Special Olympics that “gives athletes the opportunity to exhibit courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship, and discover their true potential.”
“Digicel Dominica continues to be a strong supporter of sports as a socio cultural and physical development avenue,” Walsh said.
She stated in all of its 18 markets, the company works towards an all-inclusive society by supporting Special Olympics.
Meantime Charles said the government of Dominica has over the years given over $40,000 worth of support to the Special Olympics Committee and made a commitment that the support will continue.
Dominica will be competing in two sporting disciplines – Track and Field and Bocce (a ball sport).
In 2010 DSO took part in the PANAM games held in Tobago with seven athletes.
In 2004 DSO took part in the first Caribbean Games in Jamaica.
EC$ 12,000 more is needed for the LA games and as such a Digicel has initiated “Donate Dominica” boxes to be placed at Digicel locations and other business places for anyone wishing to donate.
A radiothon is also planned at a date to be announced later to assist in the venture.
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