September 23, 2004

U.S. GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS SPECIAL OLYMPICS IN ROMANIA

A $500,000 grant from the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will provide 15,000 athletes the chance to show Romania their abilities, not their disabilities, through a three-year program entitled "Support for Changing Attitudes."

During a press conference today in Bucharest, USAID Mission Director Rodger Garner shared the floor with Special Olympics athlete Emilia Vaduva, who spoke of the satisfaction and pride she feels when competing in the games. Ms. Vaduva, 26, was raised in a center for children with disabilities in Timisoara. Now she is a role model for disabled persons throughout the country.

Along with the announcement of the U.S. Government grant, the press conference also highlighted the traditional Torch Run and Special Olympics opening ceremonies, which will take place tomorrow, September 24. The "Torch of Hope" Run, as the organizers call it, will begin at 3:30 p.m. in front of the National Theater. Runners will carry the Torch of Hope along a 5km route that will conclude at the Iolanda Balas Soter Stadium at 5:00 p.m., at which time the opening ceremonies will begin. US Ambassador J. D. Crouch, Prime Minister Adrian Nastase, Mayor Traian Basescu and athletes who participated in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens are among those invited to the opening ceremonies.

In addition to the comments provided by Mr. Garner and Ms. Vaduva, the press conference also featured remarks by: Octavian Morariu, representing the National Agency for Sports; Cristian Topescu, Representative of the Special Olympics Board of Directors; Christo Velkov, Representative of Special Olympics Europe; and the Director of Special Olympics Romania, Cristian Ispas.

Special Olympics began in 1968, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver organized the First International Special Olympics Games in the United States. She saw that individuals with intellectual disabilities were far more capable in sports and physical activities than many experts thought. Today, there are Special Olympics sports programs in more than 150 countries. Events are geared to accommodate a variety of levels of ability so that athletes can compete with others who have similar capabilities.

During the next three years, Special Olympics Romania will work to: improve the quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities in Romania; improve the support and information offered to families of Special Olympic athletes; increase public awareness of the contribution people with disabilities make as valued citizens.

For more details, please contact:


Cristian Ispas, Special Olympics Romania Foundation
Str. Pitar Mos 27, ap.13, Sector 1, 010452, Bucharest, Romania
Tel/Fax: +4021 6592541