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Jundiaí, 2 July– “I wish you all a fine competition, and I wish that, regardless of any triumphs or medals, you will leave this tournament with the greatest victory a human being may achieve: ‘love for life’,” said Aryy Fonsen, Honorable Prefect of Jundiaí, at the Opening Ceremony of the first Special Olympics Pan-American Tennis Tournament.
More than 110 Special Olympics athletes from 18 countries (Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela, Bahamas and Spain) will take part in four days of competition that will unite everyone involved in a festival of respect, happiness and integrity.
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The tournament is part of the “We are all Tennis” initiative to promote tennis in the region, launched in 2006 with the participation of Special Olympics Latin America, the South American Tennis Confederation (COSAT), and the Central America and Caribbean Tennis Confederation (COTECC).
It is an honor for the South American Tennis Confederation to be part of such an important event as this,” said Sergio Elías, President of COSAT. “To the athletes: thank you for being here, thank you for showing the world that tennis is for everyone. Thank you for showing us that sports is not all about the plays we know but rather the heart we put in them. Thank you for showing us that with hard work and sacrifice we can reach our goals.”
As a tribute to the 100 years of Japanese immigration to Brazil, a Taiko ensemble opened the ceremony, with the rhythm of the drums thrilling the hundreds of fans gathered in Parque du Uva, in Jundiaí, Brazil.
Hundreds of spectators, athletes and special guests admired and enjoyed every moment of the ceremony that ranged from the music of Sueli, Alexandre e Irami to traditional dances such as forro and samba, and a special presentation by Leticia and Andrei, who performed an act of the Cirque du Soleil.
A samba rhythm representing the spirit and joy of Brazil delighted the audience during the 90-minute ceremony. Volunteers formed a grand circle around the athletes to represent the city embracing them.
One of the highlights of the night was the arrival of the Flame of Hope and all that it represents: the courage and spirit of Special Olympics athletes. Finally, the Banda Rossa Nova concluded the night with the tournament’s official song.
Among the distinguished guests were: Fosen; Elias; her Excellency Dra. Linamara Rizzo Battistella, State Secretary for the Rights of People with Disabilities; Fernando Balbino, Director of the Superior School of Physical Education (ESEF); Alaercio Borelli, Jundaí Secretary of Sports; Jose Salego, Jundaí Secretary of Education; Cecilia Ancalmo, President of COTECC; Jorge Lacerda, President of the Brazilian Tennis Confederation; Vanesa Menenga, former professional tennis player and host of the event; and J. Brady Lum, Special Olympics International President and COO.
Lum said, “This week at this event, we will witness the true sports ideals—courage, determination, hard work and skills—to reach the best of yourselves. Your example is a great inspiration and makes us realize that we are all tennis!”
Over the next few days, the city of Jundaí will see the real spirit of the Special Olympics athletes. Each competition and every competitor will invite participants to “Be a fan.”
The theme for this Pan-American Tournament — “Be a Fan” — embodies the Special Olympics vision of its 40-year history as well as the values of its athletes: dignity, courage, acceptance and spirit. This year, the global Special Olympics movement celebrates the innovative and inspirational vision of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who in 1968 introduced the idea of sports as a means to transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and also their communities, creating a world of tolerance and inclusion for everyone.
For further information on the Special Olympics Pan-American Tennis Tournament, visit www.esef.br/panamericano
Contact
Claudia Echeverry
+ (507) 317-0615
cecheverry@specialolympics.org
Raquel Delgado
+ (507) 317- 0615
rdelgado@specialolympics.org
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