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Left to right: Florence Nabayinda; An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D.; and Derek Scobie, Procter & Gamble, Ireland celebrate the confimation of funding ensuring the participation of 15 African countries in the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. [Photo courtesy of www.2003specialolympics.com/; all rights reserved]
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An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D. met Ugandan athlete and coach Florence Nabayinda on 13 May to confirm the participation of fifteen African countries at the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. The Special Olympics Programs in these countries had encountered financial problems, with their participation at the World Games in some doubt. Thanks to a combination of support from Special Olympics Inc, their Host Towns in Ireland and 2003 World Games' Official Supplier, Procter & Gamble, emergency funding has been secured to cover the travel expenses of the delegations.
"When we were told that these countries' participation was in doubt we immediately looked at ways to secure their travel costs," said Mary Davis, Chief Executive Officer, 2003 World Games Organizing Committee. "We appreciate the challenges each delegation has to face in terms of team selection, logistics as well as financial implications. We are delighted to have a full representation from the African countries and commend all those involved in making it happen."
"Coming to Ireland and participating at the World Games will hopefully strengthen their Programs and we are extremely grateful to Special Olympics Inc, their Host Towns and Procter & Gamble for ensuring that they will be here. They, like all the other delegations, will get a tremendous welcome when they land on our shores on June 16th," she added.
The fifteen African countries concerned are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic Congo, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo and Zimbabwe. All had indicated in recent months that they were having difficulty raising some or all of the money required to travel to the World Games.
David Mutambara, Managing Director of Special Olympics Africa, said, "This financial support from all the organizations involved has already impacted on the lives of athletes preparing for the Games and will continue to have a positive influence on families and communities for a long time to come, as well as enhancing the significant role Special Olympics plays in our countries."
Procter & Gamble is one of the oldest Special Olympics sponsors, supporting athletes in their training and competition for over 20 years. Procter & Gamble Ireland wanted to ensure the company continued to play a significant role in the biggest sporting event of the year. A comprehensive 10-million voucher campaign has been rolled out under the banner 'Join the Winning Team', where each redemption of vouchers from leading Irish grocery brands including Ariel, Fairy, Charmin, Flash, Bounty, Pampers and Pringles will make a 10-cent donation to 2003 World Games.
"Through the 'Join the Winning Team' Program, we wanted to help make these the best World Games ever. We were happy to be in a position to provide additional support to ensure the African countries can compete in the Games," said Derek Scobie, Procter & Gamble, Ireland.
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