The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Francisco Camacho, led the inauguration of the Special Olympics Dominican Republic, where more than 400 athletes participate with the purpose of qualifying for the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
Camacho stressed that one of the main policies that has encouraged this management led by the Government of President Luis Abinader, is that of inclusion, for this reason the Ministry of Sports and Recreation supports the most emotional and love-filled sports activity, the Olympics. Specials Dominican Republic 2022.
The inauguration of the Special Olympics was held at the Virgilio Travieso Soto Sports Palace of the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center, with the participation of more than 400 athletes from the National District and the provinces of Duarte, Santiago, Peravia, Monseñor Noel, Azua, Hermanas Mirabal and San Jose de Ocoa.
“I attend the most exciting sporting event I have ever seen. Sports activity is the most inclusive activity. We are all equal in sports”, expressed Camacho when addressing the public.
From the Ministry of Sports, programs and strategies have been implemented that allow Dominicans, regardless of their physical or mental condition, to feel integrated into the sports practice organized by the institution, said the official.
“And on the 6th of this month we will begin the walk for inclusion that will lead to inclusive breaks in each of the educational institutions,” concluded Camacho with the uproar of those present that yes, it can!
On his side, Guillermo Enrique Álvarez García-Godoy, president of the Dominican Republic Special Olympics, pointed out the progress of these competitions in the country, while highlighting that it has an excellent sports program, in which not only the insertion of the athlete, but they can compete.
In that order, he stated that competition is one of the most important things in life, because it leads to the challenge, to achievement, to victory, and that is where self-esteem arises, which is the basis for progress and coexistence.
The athletes of these Olympics seek to qualify for the Special Olympics World Summer Games to be held in Berlin, the capital of Germany, in 2023.
“Today is a great day for our country, for the community with intellectual disabilities and for everyone. A day in which our athletes, our heroes, our champions who will bring us the medals from Berlin 2023 will stand out. Today the champions who won the qualifiers in the National District and the five provinces are gathered”, said the president of Special Olympics.
He pointed out that he will make every effort to bring the Special Olympics to every corner of the country, so that it is known throughout the world.
The Dominican Republic Special Olympics have started on the occasion of the International Autism Day, which is commemorated on April 2 of each year and seeks to raise awareness about this condition that affects one in 160 children worldwide, according to the World Autism Organization. Health (WHO).
What is autism spectrum disorder?
It is a condition related to brain development that affects the way a person perceives and socializes with other people, causing problems with social interaction and communication.
This condition begins to be seen in the early years of childhood, it is usually noticed when it causes problems to function in society, for example, in social situations, at school and work.
Children often show symptoms of autism in the first year.
While there is no cure for autism spectrum disorders, early and aggressive treatment can make a big difference in the lives of many children.