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Special
Olympics Africa > Support
“Some ideas
are unarguable, with a moral face that makes them unstoppable, like the
athletes of Special Olympics.”
Bono, Musician
In 1968, Special Olympics
invited the world to let go of limiting views, prejudices and
misconceptions  about people with
intellectual disabilities and embrace the idea that they can be
respected, valued, contributing members of society. Individual donors,
corporate partners and many others make it possible for Special
Olympics to offer children and adults with intellectual disabilities
the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and
experience joy through participation in the program.
Strategic Support
Special Olympics awards
millions of dollars each year through its Christmas Record Grants
Program. The revenue generated by the Christmas Records Grant funding
comes from sales of A Very Special Christmas albums created through the
generous donation of services of many recording artists. Since 1987,
the Christmas Records Grant Program has provided in excess of $US49
million in support of Special Olympics Programs around the world.
Christmas Records Grant
funding has been a primary catalyst in helping the Africa region
realize the following:
• Increase the
number of Special Olympics athletes.
• Improve the
quality of services provided to athletes, families, coaches and
volunteers.
• Create new,
innovative ways of expanding the Special Olympics movement.
Special Olympics Africa
extends its appreciation to the Christmas Record Grant Trustees for
their continued support of Special Olympics activities in Africa.
The Special
Olympics Africa Trust
The Special Olympics
World Summer Games in 2007 not only saw the largest number of athletes
competing in the regions’ history, but also the launch of the
Africa Trust to ensure that this momentum grows as we reach out to more
athletes each day.
The Special Olympics
Africa Trust aims to attract US$20 million revenue over the next 5
years and thus ensure the future of all Special Olympics programs in
the region.
Special Olympics South
Africa athlete and Global Athlete Congress Chairperson Ephraim
Mohlakane made a moving address to all delegates at the launch of the
Trust, “People used to tell me that I couldn’t do anything.
Now look at me. And some people think that Africa won’t succeed.
I’m here to tell you that we can and we will. Watch
Africa!”
The Special Olympics
Africa Trust provides a vehicle for all foundations, corporate and
private donors looking to make an indelible impression on the lives of
individuals with an intellectual disability across Africa.
Partnerships
FIFA
2006 saw the launch of
the FIFA Special Olympics Football for Hope project in the Africa
region. Initially piloted in 3 programs namely Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania the partnership
expanded to a further 7 programs in the region in 2007 given the
success of the pilot programs in the other 7 programmes (Benin,
Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda).
The partnership has seen significant opportunities offered to Special
Olympics athletes, coaches and volunteers through certified training,
competitions, national federation support and free medical screenings
for athletes as part of the Healthy Athletes program.
Plan
International
A groundbreaking new
partnership signed on 31 October 2007 between Plan International and
Special Olympics, two leading international NGOs, will bring sport,
education, and health opportunities to thousands more children and
young adults with intellectual disabilities in some of the most remote
parts of Africa. The agreement will mean that Plan will help to
establish Special Olympics Programs beyond their mainly urban centers
and deep into the continent's rural communities.
Value-in-Kind
Support
Special Olympics Africa appreciates the support
from numerous organisations and companies who continue to offer their
expertise and time to strengthening the movement in Africa.
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