Special Olympics Rwanda staged the annual national Games which attracted 230 athletes at Kicukiro grounds over the weekend. Vying for a place in Team Rwanda, the intellectually challenged athletes both adults and children competed in three sports disciplines; athletics, volleyball and basketball. In true Olympic tradition, the Special Olympics Rwanda National Games begun with a torch run on Saturday at Kicukiro as part of the opening ceremony. As an international non-profit organization, Special Olympics is dedicated to empowering more than 9000 individuals with intellectual disabilities in different programs to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports, training and competitions. In between games yesterday, the athletes had the opportunity to receive free medical screening as part of the Healthy Athletes program. Six doctors and 37 paramedical volunteers carried out general medical check ups, vision screenings; dental check ups and provided health advice for all 230 athletes taking part in the tournament. The Special Olympics Rwanda Program Board Chairman John Rusimbi said that they are completely humbled by the achievements especially that people with disabilities are usually relegated to the bottom of the ladder. We have shown that these people can compete and be the best,” he said. Ends
