Jakarta, Kartunet - Every two years, the Special Olympics International, a global sporting event for athletes with intellectual disabilities, is held, involving thousands of athletes. To maintain Indonesia's consistent participation in this event, significant support from various parties is needed to send athletes with intellectual disabilities to the Special Olympics, which this year will be held in Los Angeles, United States.
This was conveyed by Special Olympics Indonesia (SOIna), the organization coordinating Indonesian athletes with intellectual disabilities. In preparing and sending the Indonesian contingent to participate in the Los Angeles Olympics, SOIna requires support from many parties, including the Government and the public. To this end, SOIna has worked hard to undertake various efforts to secure this support, including fundraising from the Government, the public, and the business sector.
SOIna is the only organization in Indonesia accredited by Special Olympics International (SOI) to organize year-round sports training and competitions in Indonesia, aiming to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to become more useful and productive members of society. The Special Olympics movement has grown rapidly, currently reaching over 4 million athletes in 180 countries worldwide.
"We hope that this year SOIna can once again send its athletes to participate in the Special Olympics World Games (SOWSG) in Los Angeles and provide them with the opportunity to showcase their abilities in an international sporting event," stated Dr.
Pudji Hastuti, Chairperson of PP SOIna. Mrs. Pudji added that these efforts require substantial support.
"Therefore, we earnestly request the support and assistance of the Government, the public, and the business sector so that we can prepare and send the entire contingent." The Special Olympics World Games is an international Special Olympics sporting event for individuals with intellectual disabilities to demonstrate their courage, abilities, and skills in sports.
This multi-sport event, held in both winter and summer, also provides them with the opportunity to be accepted into society and eliminate negative stereotypes about them in the eyes of the world. More than 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, will attend the Special Olympics World Games 2015 in Los Angeles, United States.
If you wish to learn more about the Special Olympics and contribute your support, please contact Ms. Natasya, Public Relations Special Olympics Indonesia, at 081286167014 and 021 3800501.