The
Special Hands Project, founded and supported by Special Olympics World Winter
Games PyeongChang 2013 Organizing Committee, is bringing athletes and others
from seven developing countries to Korea. The seven countries have never before
participated in a Special Olympics World Winter Games. These countries are
Cambodia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Vietnam.
Also taking part are government officials from each of the seven countries. The
athletes of the seven countries taking part in the Special Hands Project may
also be participating in some sports and non-sports activities. One of the
seven countries is Papua New Guinea. The Special Olympics organization there is
a Founding Committee and aspires to be an accredited Special Olympics Program.
"There are many people with intellectual disabilities in the rural areas who
are afraid to come out and participate in our programs," said Sophia Tuna,
Interim Secretary/Treasurer.
About Will Schermerhorn: I am
director of web products for Special Olympics.