http://www.usembassy.ro/Documents/Special_Olympics_05192005.html

April 28, 2005 PRESS RELEASE

U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Thomas Delare, sports commentator Cristian Topescu, and Olympic medalist Nadia Comaneci were among the participants in today’s U.S. Government-funded round table discussion on the future of Special Olympics in Romania. The round table was hosted by the National Academy of Physical Education and Sports in Bucharest. In August, 2004, the U.S. Government provided a $500,000 grant through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to Special Olympics Romania for a three-year program entitled “Support for Changing Attitudes.” This program will give 15,000 athletes the chance to show Romania their abilities, not their disabilities, through sports events, the creation of family support networks, and leadership training opportunities. Today’s discussion brought representatives of the Ministry of Education, the National Agency for Sports, the Romanian Olympics and Sports Committee, the National Authority for Children’s Rights Protection, the National Academy for Physical Education and Sports, and others together to explore ways to continue Special Olympics activities in Romania after the three-year program ends. Nadia Comaneci has been involved with Special Olympics since 1991. Speaking before the United Nations about volunteerism, she has said, “When I look back at my Olympic career, it is true that I have had some great successes in my sport of gymnastics. But many of my most cherished memories are not from winning medals, but from the occasions when I have donated my time and energy to help others.” Throughout the “Support for Changing Attitudes” program, Special Olympics Romania works to: improve the quality of life of individuals with learning disabilities in Romania; improve the support and information for families of Special Olympic athletes; and increase public awareness of the contribution people with disabilities can make as valued citizens. In a speech last year, Nadia Comaneci said, “Special Olympics athletes exemplify the highest ideals of sport. Their dedication to achieve their goals, their courage to fulfill their dreams and their commitment to overcome obstacles deserve the admiration and respect of all of us in the sports world and beyond.” Special Olympics began in 1968, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver organized the First International Special Olympics Games in the United States. She saw that individuals with intellectual disabilities were far more capable in sports and physical activities than many experts thought. Today, there are Special Olympics sports programs in more than 150 countries. Events are geared to accommodate a variety of levels of ability so that athletes can compete with others who have similar capabilities. For more details, please contact : Cristian Ispas, Special Olympics Romania Foundation Str. Pitar Mos 27, ap.13, Sector 1, 010452, Bucharest, Romania Tel/Fax: +4021 6592541