Minister for Sports, Culture, and Community Development, Roselyn Paul, has said that the government is committed to supporting the aspirations of athletes with disabilities within the sporting sector in Dominica.
She made this statement at the Special Olympics Youth Summit on Friday. The function was the first of its kind hosted in the Caribbean and brought together Special Olympics officials from across the world and Special Olympics youth leaders of Dominica and the Caribbean.
Special Olympics has been the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities for more than 50 years. Their work succeeds in changing lives, building advocacy networks, and creating a lasting positive impact that serves nearly seven million athletes and unified partners in more than 193 countries.
“The government of the Commonwealth of Dominica is committed to supporting the aspirations of all athletes and that includes our Special Olympics athletes. The government is very cognizant of the differences among our people and ensures that people with disability can access the necessary sources and get the necessary support.”
She further said that Special Olympics Caribbean must be commended on the establishment of the Athlete Leadership Council which provides a platform for athletes to share ideas on key topics, issues, and events that are geared toward influencing change.
“Additionally, it provides the opportunity for athletes to get involved in organizing events, assist in athlete recruitment, and to support coaches. This summit, therefore, is critical in advancing the agenda of greater inclusion and in the strengthening of the work of the counsel. Leadership at all levels will be of importance in order to drive the processes required to achieving greater inclusion.”
Paul stated the preparation of future leaders to drive the process is key and the leadership programs will allow Special Olympics to nurture the potential leaders within the Special Olympics movement which is “critical” for providing the tools such as empathy, appreciation for differences, and diversity among others.
“In its efforts to strengthen the work of Special Olympics across the Caribbean, I have been advised that Special Olympics Caribbean has initiated this youth athletes leadership summit which is designed to bring together youth leaders from across the Caribbean to help foster increased development activities, that will empower youth with and without intellectual disabilities to create inclusive communities.”
The minister noted that the summit engaged partner organizations, national governments, and civil society as part of a shared commitment to social inclusion through sports for youth of all abilities.
“We just implemented the project for the top floor of the office of People with Disabilities organization and we ensure that everyone with [a] disability can access the top floor of the building. On November 19, 2021, my government like others in the region signed the October 2021 Special Olympics Caribbean sports member declaration. Among the many resolutions the declaration focuses on ensuring full inclusion of athletes with intellectual disabilities in community sports structure and supporting national Special Olympics organizations to hold annual competitions among others,” she added.
She said this declaration, therefore, provides the full backing for their continued operation and gives the government the opportunity to further implement the UN Convention on the rights of people with disabilities.
“This coming together is critical in advancing the workings of Special Olympics at the ground level across the region. Youth [are] integral to society and they have the ability to drive sustained change. The education of youth is important if these changes in the mindset are to be achieved.”
Paul noted that empowerment of individuals is also a key factor since sports play a major role in bringing people together and allowing persons to work as a collective. She asserted that it is necessary that the athletes are so empowered on the issues of inclusion and their involvement in the education process, which will ensure that the wider public appreciates the need for greater integration of special needs access in every aspect of life.
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