Mayors from communities across Newfoundland and Labrador will be signing declarations marking September 17-23 as Special Olympics Awareness Week in their respective communities. The declaration urges all citizens to take an active interest in Special Olympics and its programs. The declaration is part of an Atlantic-wide movement that will see government representatives from all Atlantic provinces honour Special Olympics.

The awareness campaign is being spearheaded to attract new athletes and volunteers to the Special Olympics organization. It is estimated that at least one per cent of the general population has an intellectual disability. That translates into over 5,000 individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador. Although 400 athletes across this province are currently registered with Special Olympics, the goal is to ensure that all persons with intellectual disabilities are aware of the programs and are given the opportunity to benefit from participating in sport.

Studies have shown that the Special Olympics program has a positive impact on the lives of individuals with an intellectual disability and their families. Through its sport programs, Special Olympics has been shown to increase the self esteem, social skills and general health of participants.

"Special Olympics changes the lives of all those who become involved with it, whether it is an athlete, coach or a board member," said John Byrne, executive director of Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador. "We are looking forward to awareness week activities designed to highlight our organization and show individuals the benefits of Special Olympics."

Mr. Byrne said that, although "olympics" is in the title of the organization, "we are much more than just games. Our local programs run year round and offer a variety of sports to individuals of widely varying age and ability. We are looking to expand our local programs by attracting new athletes and the volunteers that will assist in running the programs on a daily basis."

Special Olympics has been providing athletic and social opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador since 1986. Currently, there are programs serving in excess of 25 different communities, 400 athletes and 200 coaches and volunteers across the province.

For more information about Special Olympics Awareness Week and the activities associated with it, contact Executive Director John Byrne at 709-690-8334, or by e-mail at johnnyb@sonl.ca

Special Olympics Awareness Week strives to reach out to new athletes, volunteers and sponsors so that all individuals with an intellectual disability in this province are aware that they have the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics. Special Olympics is a not-for-profit sports organization that provides sport training and competitive opportunities to individuals with an intellectual disability.

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Media contact:
John Byrne
Executive Director
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador
354 Water Street � Suite 426
St. John�s, NL A1C 1C4
709-690-8334, 738-0119
Web site: www.sonl.ca

2007 09 14                                                   11:45 a.m.