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Washington D.C. -Approximately 40 Special Olympics athletes from across the United States will meet with their U.S. Representatives and Senators on Capitol Hill on 27 February to urge Congressional support for Special Olympics' fiscal year 2007 appropriations requests. Athletes' families, coaches and state Program leaders will join them in efforts to obtain funding up to the levels authorized in the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act. The act, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush in October 2004, authorizes US$15 million per year to support Special Olympics education initiatives, its Healthy Athletes® programs and worldwide expansion for the organization. In fiscal year 2006, Special Olympics received approximately US$5.4 million in federal funds to support Healthy Athletes.
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“Special Olympics has taken the lead in eliminating stereotypes and discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities, and through our programs, athletes are empowered to excel and be recognized as leaders,” said Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver. “Through continued federal support, we will reach more people with intellectual disabilities, and will enhance the understanding of the value of acceptance and inclusion among their families their communities and in life.”
As many as 193 million people worldwide have an intellectual disability. Intellectual disabilities cross racial, ethnic, educational, social and economic lines, and can occur in any family. During this visit to Capitol Hill, the Special Olympics delegation will thank Members of Congress for their past support, and will emphasize why continued support of Special Olympics' health care, education and worldwide expansion initiatives is critical to people with intellectual disabilities, their families, and their communities-not just in the United States, but around the globe.
Created in 1997, Healthy Athletes addresses the health disparities faced by people with intellectual disabilities through a variety of free health screenings and services in a series of clinics conducted in a welcoming and fun environment. The program has grown over the years to include a variety of disciplines- Special Olympics-Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes®, Special Smiles®, FUNfitness, Health Promotion, Fit Feet, Healthy Hearing and MEDfest-providing Special Olympics athletes with basic screenings and referrals for follow-up care as needed, as well as education about healthy lifestyles. Throughout 2006, the funding was used to support nearly 150,000 health screenings at 600 events across 125 Special Olympics Programs worldwide.
Special Olympics continues to create programs and events that touch the lives of millions of athletes, families, coaches and volunteers all over the world. The organization held the first Special Olympics USA National Games last year in Ames, Iowa, and the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games will be held in Shanghai this October.
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