|
New York City, 4 February 2008 - Last Thusrday, two Special Olympics International Board Directors were honored in New York City. Her Excellency Vivian Fernandez de Torrijos, First Lady of Panama, was named “Special Human Rights Envoy of People with Disabilities for Latin America” by UNICEF at a ceremony at the United Nations. Special Olympics athlete and actor Eddie Barbanell received the Beacon of Hope Award from the Institute for Community Living (ICL) at its reception at Cipriani Wall Street. Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver was in New York City to celebrate with both awardees.
|
Download print version (Adobe PDF file, 29K) of this press release |
“All our Board Directors are passionate and their tireless efforts on behalf of the athletes resonate in all that they accomplish,” said Shriver. “These honors bestowed on both First Lady Torrijos and Eddie Barbanell are a testament to their commitment to creating an inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities.
In her role as First Lady of Panama, Torrijos created the National Secretaryship for the Social Integration of People with Disabilities and initiated a public awareness campaign to build inclusion. She also founded the Disability Advisory National Council and has served on the Special Olympics International Board of Directors since 2007. A partnership between UNICEF and Special Olympics, launched in October 2007, promotes the participation and empowerment through the building of self-reliance, confidence and self-advocacy skills of children with intellectual disabilities and their families. Pilot projects of the partnership are underway in Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, El Salvador, Jamaica, Panama and Uzbekistan.
As an actor, Barbanell is determined to change attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities. He played a starring role in the Farrelly Brother’s film “The Ringer,” and when not acting participates in Special Olympics in Florida, where he resides. Joe Pantoliano of the hit show “The Sopranos” emceed the ICL “Giving Voice to Independence” event where Barbanell was recognized for his activism for people with intellectual disabilities. Barbanell has been a Special Olympics International Board Director since 2006 and is the second Special Olympics Board Director and athlete to receive the ICL Beacon of Hope Award. Loretta Claiborne received the award in 2006.
The Special Olympics International Board is the ultimate governing authority for the Special Olympics movement and is comprised of leaders in the areas of business, government, disability, sports, and entertainment.
|
