Rwanda’s team to the just concluded 2007 World Special Olympics Games held in Shanghai, China has landed an invitation to take part in the 2009 Winter Special Olympics Games to be held in the United States of America state of Florida. 

The 25-man team returned back on Sunday after winning 15 gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal in both athletics and football events in the just concluded games.

The Special Olympics Rwanda national director, Anaclet Ruzindana told Times Sport on arrival that the world event in China was a successful one for the Rwandan team.

"Our team performed better in this edition compared to last year’s edition in 2004.

We were among the top four countries in the world which took many medals, a feat which exhibited many talents inhibited in our players,” Ruzindana said.

Ruzindana attributed their success to good preparations and a strong squad of many and talented players.

Ruzindana further added that their major target now is to train and field a big team which will take part in the 2009 Winter games which will be held in Florida, USA.

"We want to train both the swimming, volleyball and basketball teams such that they can’t get a chance taking part in the games designed for people with mental abilities,” Ruzindana said.

The Special Olympic Games is meant for both children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

This year’s World Summer Games which concluded in China, revolved around the pillars of courage, sharing and joy, with the slogan "let me win but if I cannot let me be brave in the attempt.”

Responding to the theme, Ruzindana stressed the need of giving priority to the intellectual disabled people in the country.
"These people deserve respect and company within our communities.

They are human beings like everybody and they must deserve any right like other people in the country,” Ruzindana said.

With the quadrennial games recording an entry of 7000 athletes, the next edition 2012 will be hosted in Athens, Greece

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