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March 25, 2007
Governor and First Lady lend support to St. Croix Special Olympics Support for the 30th annual Special Olympics in the Virgin Islands came from the leadership of government Saturday when Gov. John deJongh and First Lady, Cecile, visited the Renaissance Park on St. Croix where the games were being held to lend their support to the athletes. "The games promote self-esteem, which is very important for children whether there is a disability or not," Cecile deJongh said. The games Saturday and the St. Thomas Special Olympics on March 31 are a pre-cursor to the introduction of Camp Shriver, a two-week event that provides recreational activities for people with intellectual disabilities. Camp Shriver will be held for two weeks this summer in both island districts. The park was filled with volunteers and family members encouraging wheelchairs racers who displayed much determination as they pushed their chairs towards the finish line. Other children took part in the softball throw, long jump, foot races, tennis skills and basketball. At each event, teams of volunteers cheered the participants on. More than 50 athletes participated in Saturday’s Special Olympics with volunteers totaling about 150. Janice Lee, a retired teacher, has organized the Special Olympics since 1977. deJongh congratulated the volunteers and parents who turned out to support the athletes. In a special mention of the participants he pointed out, "These athletes are special, they show a true competitiveness and should be proud of their accomplishments." Both deJongh and the First Lady also extended congratulations and deep appreciation to three volunteers who have assisted in the Special Olympics over the last 30 years: Albert Bachoo, Celestino Holder and Dagger Lee. On Saturday March 31, the Special Olympics will shift to St. Thomas beginning at 9 a.m. at the Charlotte Amalie High School grounds. |
