Let the games begin.
And so will be the case on Monday when hundreds of athletes with intellectual disabilities turn up to the Apia Park for the Samoa National Games.
Yesterday evening, the Torch of Hope was taken for the final run from the Police car park to the steps of the F.M.F.M II Building, where the Games were officially opened.
The flame was carried into the opening by three-time gold medallist for the Special Olympics Samoa, Sale’ilua Mata’utia.
<!-- 336x280 (bottom-article) -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-2469982834957525"
data-ad-slot="1033882026"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>{/googleAds}
Athletes, special needs teachers, guests, families and friends were present.
“By next year, you will be competing against eight thousand athletes and you will be carrying Samoa’s flag with you to the Special Olympics,” Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi said.
“Samoans’ blessings are upon you and we hope that you will come back with medals for our country."
“If not, we will still be proud of your efforts because it’s important that you will enjoy competing with your other competitors.”
Chairperson, Leta’a Daniel Devoe said the Special Olympics movement in Samoa has come a long way.
Last year, 33 athletes were chosen to compete in the Asia Pacific Games in Australia. They brought back nine gold medals, nine silver medals and eight bronze medals.
“This year, we will be choosing twenty athletes out of 400 athletes to compete in the Special Olympics,” said Leta’a.
“At the moment, the athletes are putting a lot of effort in preparation of the games.”
According to Leta’a, the money they received from both Upolu and Savai’i during the National Torch Run was $20,000.
“That money will be used for the preparation of the athletes for the games next year,” he said.
Leta’a acknowledged Digicel for supporting the Special Olympics.
The athletes will have a medical screening today at Pesega, followed by a church service at the Mulivai Cathedral tomorrow before the competition kicks off at the Apia Park on Monday.
<!-- ads-articles(24.03.14) -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:inline-block;width:336px;height:280px"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-9419815128221199"
data-ad-slot="2395638412"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>{/googleAds}