The Inaugural Class of Global Family Leaders Mohammed Abdouni Mohammed Abdouni, Special Olympics Lebanon As the father of Special Olympics Lebanon athlete Hala Abdouni, General Mohammed Abdouni is not only active in his nation's Program, but also serves on the Regional Advisory Council and heads the Family Committee. With the help of the Lebanese army, Abdouni has helped to support the Program's facilities for more than 10 years. Through active involvement in his local and regional schools in Beirut, Abdouni would like to extend the Family Support Network and develop bridges between all people. Sandy Hembd Sandy Hembd, Special Olympics Colorado (USA) As the mother of twin Special Olympics athletes, Mike and Mark, Sandy Hembd has been involved at all levels of Special Olympics for over 28 years. She began in California where she developed California's Spirit Team. Hembd then went on to work at Special Olympics headquarters, where she helped write, produce, and launch Athletes for Outreach, which was the precursor to the International Global Messengers. Her current involvement is with Special Olympics Colorado, where she has served on the Program's Board and as coordinator for the Family Support Network. In addition to her many activities in support of Special Olympics, Hembd is also working to develop a residential community for adults with developmental disabilities. Patricia Hickey Patricia Hickey, Special Olympics Ireland Patricia Hickey first became involved with the Special Olympics in 1995 when she and her twin boys, Stephen and David, started a Special Olympics program on their own. In November of 2003 the club will celebrate its ninth birthday and now consists of fourteen athletes and their families. Hickey served as a member of the Board of Directors and National Families Committee for Special Olympics Ireland. As a Global Family Leader, Hickey worked to promote the Family Support Network and help the Special Olympics movement reach out to more families of children with mental disabilities. Hickey is involved in numerous other organizations in Ireland that help to facilitate awareness and support for people with mental disabilities. "Special Olympics has an important role to play in early intervention where a child has just been diagnosed with a learning disability," said Hickey. "The program can support the parents and child in a positive manner especially at a time when negativity seems to prevail." Margaret Mbithi Margaret Mbithi, Special Olympics Kenya For the past six years, Kenya's Margaret Mbithi has been involved with Special Olympics Kenya on behalf of her nephew, 25-year-old Salim Twalib, who competes in the 400m and 200m athletic events. Active in her community and readily addressing the topic of people with intellectual disabilities, Mbithi has served as a coach and an inspiring leader for Special Olympics athletes. In 2003 she became a Global Family Leader and attended the 2003 World Games in Dublin, Ireland. As a Global Family Leader, Mbithi spent time traveling around Africa talking with families about Special Olympics, working to change their attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities. Mbithi used the fact that her students won a gold and silver medal at the 2003 World Games, as a recruitment tool to bring more athletes into her program, and to increase awareness among families of the importance of supporting their athletes. Following her role as a Global Family Leader, Mbithi plans to continue coaching and participating in sports activities, as well as continuing her work of recruiting more families into Special Olympics. Cecelia Britez de Olmedo Cecelia Britez de Olmedo, Special Olympics Paraguay Cecilia Britez de Olmedo is the mother of Diego Olmedo, who has competed in cycling, roller-skating and currently tennis. She began her involvement with Special Olympics Paraguay in 1995. Olmedo has participated in many different organizations in Paraguay that advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. She is an active member in developing a family structure in Paraguay that will be able to reach out to the entire country. As a Global Family Leader, Olmedo uses Public Relations, information sharing, and education to promote the Family Support Network and bring more families to the Special Olympics movement. "Participation of families in the life of the athletes is critical," said Olmedo, "because they feel more safe knowing that they are in the company of their loved ones." Tan Ruyan Tan Ruyan, Special Olympics China China's Tan Ruyan, the father of athlete Tianzhe, has been involved with Special Olympics China since September 2002. He became a Global Family Leader in 2003 and attended World Games in Dublin, Ireland. In his two years as a Global Family Leader, Tan found that information about Special Olympics could best be spread by utilizing established support groups and organizations within the community. His efforts have resulted in greater awareness and enthusiasm throughout the country as China prepares for the 2007 World Summer Games. Through his service, Tan realized that Special Olympics China lacked a focus on adults with intellectual disabilities, and has made strides to reach out. As Tan's tenure as a Global Family Leader comes to a close, he plans to spend much of his time helping China prepare for 2007 World Games, and to continue foster support for the Special Olympics families. Carolina Zuppa Carolina Zuppa, Special Olympics Italy Zuppa and her family have been involved with Special Olympics since her brother, Fabio, joined Italy's program in 1984. Since 1995, Zuppa has served as Special Olympics Italy's Family Coordinator. In 2003 Carolina became a Global Family Leader and attended the 2003 World Games in Dublin, Ireland. Since becoming a Global Family Leader, Zuppa was instrumental in organizing the Europe/Eurasia Regional Family Forum. Throughout her term she continually worked to share the joy and pride inherent in being a Special Olympics family member. Zuppa's plans for the future include continued involvement in Special Olympics Italy, and further support for Special Olympics family programs around the world.