This evening Special Olympics Belize and the Government of Belize signed
a partnership agreement to quote “improve the lives of people with intellectual
disabilities by advancing the Special Olympics movement.” But the biggest
news at today’s ceremony wasn’t the signing. It was the announcement
that Special Olympics International selected Kim Simpliss as a global ambassador.
That’s right - Simplis who is the founder and Director of the Lifeline
Foundation today joined the ranks of Nelson Mandela, Arnold Schwarzenegger,
and Muhammad Ali who are all Special Olympics global ambassadors. Prime Minister
Dean Barrow was there for the announcement and personally signed the partnership
agreement with Special Olympics Belize. He told us it’s more than a symbolic
gesture. For Simplis though – the selection is humbling.
Kim Simplis, Special Olympics’ Global Ambassador
“I am humbled. I didn’t expect this at all and I can only say
that I am grateful and thankful and that I will try to do my very best to work
for this movement, this very important movement. I think it is important to
mention that these athletes are doing very very good work out there and they
are making us proud whenever they attend these Olympic games and they have to
recognized and if I’m that voice behind them then I can happy to do that.”
Keith Swift,
As Prime Minister why was it important for you to be here personally for the
signing?
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
“I think the signal that it sends to demonstrate government’s
absolute commitment to the cause of the Special Olympics athletes in the country,
the need to have the public recognize that these are kids of value, these are
kids of worth, and that the difficulties they face must be overcome by them
with the help and involvement of the society as a whole.”
Akintade Atkins, Special Olympics Belize
“There is a lot to be accomplished but in a nutshell, this partnership 
will actually set a pace, it will charter a course not only in Belize but in
the entire Caribbean for the inclusion of persons with disabilities into the
society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected, and given enough
opportunities to become useful and productive citizens.”
Keith Swift,
Will government offer any real help to the Special Olympics Committee?
Hon. Dean Barrow,
“Absolutely, there will be financial help that is going to be offered.
As well the Ministry of Education has already designated one of its teachers
to play a special role in offering assistance to the Special Olympics movement
here to the Special Olympics Belize Association, and the association is working
with the Ministry of Sports so that the same sort of thing may be done. The
idea is to perhaps get an individual at the Sports Council to help to coordinate
the efforts to take these Special Olympics athletes forward. So no this is not
just a kind of confection, this is serious business.”
Last year’s Special Olympics was held in China. Belize sent four
athletes and four of them brought home medals. At the top of that list was Michael
Graham who brought home one gold medal for the 200 meter. Stephan Hinds brought
home two bronze medals in track and field and Chevan Madrill brought home one
bronze in track and field. Part of government’s commitment is to substantially
increase the number of participants in the Special Olympics.
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