A Truly Global Event
Again San Juan becomes the home of sports and Special Olympics, for the second time hosting an event for our organization for the second time. All the families, coaches, judges, officials and special guests welcomed more than 300 Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities from 29 countries around the world.
The opening ceremony was magnificently filled with colors and joy and the presence of Jorge Santini, the major of the city of San Juan; Henry Neumann, the secretary of sports for the city of San Juan; Donna De Varona, Special Olympics Board member and Olympics medalist; Dennis Brueggemann, President and Regional Managing Director of Special Olympics Latin America; and Andy Miyares, Global Messenger of Special Olympics, among other government personalities, participating country consulates and Regional Directors of Special Olympics.
The Ceremony was held at the San Juan Natatorium and kicked off with the delegation parades of participating countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Venezuela, the United States, Cayman Islands, Italy, Great Britain, Czech Republic, Russia, Canada, Bharat, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, China, Bonaire, Egypt and Lebanon.