Five representatives inducing three athletes from the Special Olympics- Dominica, are among thousands from the United States and the Caribbean who have travelled to Central Florida to participate in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
The five-man delegation includes athletes Raedian Felix, Crispin Daley who will participate in the 100 and 200 metres in athletics, Michel Detouche who has been drafted to play the sport of bocce, coach Julian Benjamin and National Director of the Special Olympics- Dominica, Ainsworth Irish.
Event organizers say the major sporting event which will be held from Sunday, June 5 through Sunday, June 12 will feature more than 4,300 athletes with intellectual disabilities going head-to-head in 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports These include athletics (track & field), basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, equestrian, flag football, golf, gymnastics, open water swimming, powerlifting, soccer, softball, stand up paddleboard, surfing, swimming, tennis, triathlon, and volleyball.
Speaking to Dominica News Online (DNO), Irish revealed that over ten weeks of practice formed part of the local team preparation for the week-long competition which is hosted once every four years to provide a platform for the athletes to demonstrate their physical fitness.
“I’m extremely happy as the national director, to be part of this and to show to people that Special Olympics in Dominica continue to move on,” he said. “This is truly a demonstration that although these individuals have their various disabilities, they do not allow that to inhibit their ability to move forward.”
According to Irish, following this competition, preparation will continue for the Special Olympics World Games which will take place in Berlin, Germany from June 17 – 25, 2023.
He made known that the committee is also hoping to get more people involved so that soon Dominica will be able to host and participate in unified sports, which is a combination of challenged and non-challenged athletes.
The Special Olympics National Director issued a call for more Dominicans to change the notion that “once there is no money involved, then I won’t get involved.”
“We have over 40 special athletes but it’s too much work for the few of us to handle, so that’s where the support of the community comes in,” he told DNO.
The committee will soon be hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM)which Irish hopes will attract more individuals who can support and augment the work of the organization.
Congrats to all the Olympians whether Special Olympics or the CAC games we appreciate you! Keep up the good work, and keep striving to beat your Personal Best (PB). We are cheering you on as far as Toronto Canada. Special shout out to Lafond in her Triple Jump efforts!!!
congratulations to the team. Its a pity that more athletes could not attend. But sponsorship is a critical factor in allowing more athletes to be part of theses games. Good luck and every success in the games.
Wishes our Athletes, Best of luck, just to be Able to Represent 🇩🇲 is a tremendous Honor. Wining a couple medals would be the icening on the Cake. To all those involved! Thanks for your efforts and Dedication, Blessings. We’re Hoping for you’ll safe travels and. RETURN HOME.