Special Olympics workshop classed a hit March 17, 2010
The Pacific Youth & Sports Conference (PYASC) has provided Special Olympics Asia Pacific with the ideal platform to showcase their aims to the youth of the Oceania region.
David Rutherford, Managing Director of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Region, addressed the almost 800 participants and emphasised the organisation's commitment to creating a pathway from the village to the world stage for athletes of all abilities and backgrounds.
The former CEO of New Zealand Rugby says he sees symmetry in the values, goals and aims of the Special Olympics and OFC.
“OFC has brilliant football resources and we have brilliant resources at community level in our programme so it’s about finding the ideal model for working together,” Rutherford said.
Following his presentation, Mike Goodacre and Sue Kysow facilitated an interactive workshop, outlining the history, structure and future plans of the Special Olympics in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Once an individual joins the Special Olympics organisation it is very difficult to leave because of the satisfaction and experiences it gives you as an individual,” Goodacre told workshop participants.
Catering for athletes of all abilities, genders and open to all participants regardless of age, Goodacre said training programmes take place every day of the week, all over the world.
“The benefits for participants are more than mere physical fitness – growth in self-confidence, engagement with the community, employment, new life skills can add up to a life-changing experience for athletes.”
Special Olympics Asia-Pacific region is comprised of 22 countries, 26 different sports and includes Australia, New Zealand and Samoa – the first pacific island nation in the region to affiliate.
New Zealand has 5,000 Special Olympics athletes – second only to Ireland in the percentage of the population involved.
“One of the key messages is distinguishing the Special Olympics from the Paralympics. The Special Olympics operates every year and includes athletes from all ability levels from grassroots to elite,” Kysow said.
Allison Geno, from Papua New Guinea, was enthusiastic about the Special Olympics workshop. Geno said she was most impressed by the Special Olympics inclusiveness of athletes of all abilities.
“I thought the presentation was excellent – its contents are something I can take back to my country and share with other people because we don’t have anything like this in Papua New Guinea,” Geno said.
“Sport is a good way of bringing a community together and I think its great special needs athletes have this opportunity,” Geno said.
Mau Motusaga, 23, from Samoa, was equally impressed with the Special Olympics workshop.
“I thought it was interesting to hear Mike and Sue share their passion for the Special Olympics. I’m from the Division of Youth in Samoa and we work in collaboration with NGOS for special needs people. It’s good to hear there are opportunities for people in Samoa with special needs to reach for,” Motusaga said.
Motusaga drew a sense of pride with their country leading the way in the Pacific. She was optimistic but cautious about the responsibility that brings Samoa.
“This makes me proud but scared too – its one thing to lead the way but it’s another thing to make sure our programmes remain sustainable. I am sure most of the delegation here are unaware of the great work being done in Samoa for special needs people,” Motusaga said.
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