Special Olympics Launches First National Games in Afghanistan
First-Ever National Games for Individuals with Special Needs

Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, August 23, 2005 -- (Business Wire India)

Special Olympics, the movement dedicated to empowering people with intellectual disability through sports training and competition, will begin its first ever Special Olympics Afghanistan National Games at Kabul Stadium and Bagh Zannah. The competition will be held from August 23 to August 25, 2005. Approximately 360 special athletes with intellectual disabilities will participate in the sports of -Athletics, Bocce and Football.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 11 am followed by the lighting of the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope,” at 12.00 noon. Marking this historic occasion with their noted presence will be the Minister of Youth, Minister of Martyrs and Disabled, Afghanistan Inspector General of Police and the National Olympic Committee President, Mr Anwar Jekdalek. The objective of the Torch Run is to carry the Flame of Hope as a symbol and inspiration in a country torn by constant strife and trauma by reaching to all individuals, and to serve as a catalyst for change in attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities.

In a message, Mr Troy Greisen, Managing Director, Special Olympics Asia Pacific, said, “With each and every event in various corners of the world we strive to help raise awareness and draw much deserved attention towards need for action by society at large for inclusion of people with intellectual disability. Through the achievements of these remarkable athletes competing at the first Special Olympics Afghanistan National Games, their lives will be better. In turn, we hope to change attitudes of society toward these individuals, gain more acceptance, and ultimately enhance the well being of the entire country.”

One of our goals in Afghanistan is to establish new local programmes in communities across the country. We are here to expand this movement and spread the message of hope to parents and families of persons with intellectual disabilities. Through these Games we will demonstrate that these capable individuals that have hurdled such difficult circumstances can not-only be proven as great athletes, but can also be fully accepted, empowered to serve as leaders and that their abilities can actually outshine their disabilities. ” he added.

Elaborating on the Special Olympics Afghanistan's objectives, Mr Nasrullah Izat National Director, Special Olympics Afghanistan, said, “We hope these Special Olympics National Games will be an experience of a lifetime for these athletes. And with consistent endeavors, we aim to reach a goal of enrolling 900 athletes in our programs by the end of 2005. Also, we plan to host our first-ever Healthy Athletes screening at the National Games this fall, where free medical screenings will be given to potential and current athletes.”

Inkind and financial support for the Program will come from Special Olympics International, the U.S. State Department, the Swiss Development Corporation, and various United Nations agencies.

Special Olympics year-round sports training programmes and competitive events in Olympic-type sports are open to all people with intellectual disability who are at least eight years old, regardless of the degree of their disability. The programme is absolutely free for the athletes and their families.

Special Olympics Afghanistan offers sports in Athletics, Bocce, Football, Cricket and Volleyball. Special Olympics Afghanistan started with a meager number of 5 athletes in 2003, and by 2004 there were 383 athletes training weekly. The estimate of individuals with intellectual disabilities in Afghanistan is approximately 900,000 (by World Health Organization), therefore giving Special Olympics Afghanistan an opportunity to touch & transform the lives hundreds of thousands more.

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for 1.7 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 170 countries, Special Olympics has created a community based volunteer drive model that enhances society. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics.

For more information, visit www.specialolympics.org or contact:

Special Olympics Afghanistan
Nasrullah Izat
nasrullah_izat@yahoo.com or +93-702-78-025.
Road 2, Street 1 (right); House #61; Kart-I-Naw
Kabul, Afghanistan

Special Olympics Asia Pacific,
Ekta Jha, Manager of Communications,
+91 (11) 51825366 / 67, ejha@specialolympics.org