Special Olympics were held in St Vincent and the Grenadines last weekend, after a six-year hiatus.{{more}}

An official opening ceremony was held last Friday at the Victoria Park.

Errol Allen, chair of the Special Olympics SVG board, declared that the event “underlines the incredible talents, energy and commitment of persons with intellectual disabilities.

“It is also an event which will show to all Vincentians the huge potential that all persons from all circumstances and backgrounds can offer when provided with the support, encouragement and opportunity they richly deserve,” Allen said.

The chair noted that the mission of Special Olympics was to foster acceptance for persons who, otherwise, would have been excluded from similar events.

Furthermore, he stated that Special Olympics SVG is focused on providing support for persons, which include children and adults with intellectual disabilities, to find joy, acceptance and success through sports training and competition.

Minister of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities and Youth Frederick Stephenson also delivered brief remarks.

Stephenson noted that, over the years, Governments have given support to persons with disabilities in ensuring that they are treated equally.

“It is fitting that the Government do put the necessary measures in place to ensure that all our persons with disabilities are afforded equal rights,” he said.

Part of these equal rights include the new building code which stipulates that all government buildings and every new basic building in St Vincent and the Grenadines be equipped with ramps and hand rails to ensure that persons with disabilities can access whatever service is available.

In addition, Stephenson pointed out the various upgrades that have been done to the School for Children with Special Needs, including the reconstruction of the Georgetown location.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves commended the organizers of the event.

“This event really is about the persons with very special abilities,” Gonsalves said. “The joy which we have seen on their faces and the enthusiasm really should inspire all of us. I am very pleased that this event is taking place. It is part of a worldwide movement and I want to encourage more Vincentians to get involved in assisting.”

Gonsalves also kicked off the football to signal the first event of the games.

Primary sponsors of this year’s event were the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG) and Digicel.(BK)