June 15, 2020
Manitoba Celebrates Athletes, Coaches During Special Olympics Manitoba Awareness Week
The Manitoba government is celebrating the achievements of athletes, coaches and families as part of Special Olympics Manitoba Awareness Week, Families Minister Heather Stefanson and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced today.
“It was an honour to initially introduce legislation to celebrate the achievements of Manitoba’s Special Olympics athletes,” said Stefanson. “This week is an important opportunity for all Manitobans to commit to inclusiveness for people with intellectual disabilities, year-round. Just as this year’s theme highlights, we must all accept each other with no exception.”
In 2013, the province officially began recognizing the second week in June as Special Olympics Manitoba Awareness Week. This year, Special Olympics Manitoba Awareness Week runs from June 14 to 20 on the theme of ‘Accept With No Exception’.
“Sport brings all of us together,” said Cox. “Through the commitment of athletes, coaches, family members and other supporters, Manitobans with intellectual disabilities have built a community focused on excellence and personal development, as well as the spirit of friendly competition.”
“This week recognizes the incredible dedication of our athletes and our broader mission of promoting respect and inclusion for people with an intellectual disability through sport,” said Jennifer Campbell, chief executive officer, Special Olympics Manitoba. “This year’s theme reminds us that all Manitobans benefit from inclusion. We can achieve more together when everyone is accepted and included.”
The ministers noted the province provides annual funding to Special Olympics Manitoba through Sport Manitoba, including more than $117,000 last year.
During Special Olympics Manitoba Awareness Week, youth and adult athletes can participate in a virtual competition to showcase their skills in a variety of exercises that are easy to do at home. For more information on the competitions, Special Olympics Manitoba and other special events happening this week, visit www.specialolympics.mb.ca.
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