The Special Olympics starts on October second in Shanghai, China. Today, four Special Olympians from Belize departed on the Trans-Continental flight. They are Stephan Hines, Michael Graham, Chevan Madrill and Christine Rhaburn. Today the Special Olympics Association of Belize had a spirited sendoff for them at the BDF Coast Guard compound and 7NEWS was there. Dativa Martinez a member of the Special Olympics Board of Directors was excited beyond words.
Dativa Martinez, Special Olympics Board
"Today we are very very excited because what we have happening are four of our athletes are going to the World Games in Shanghai China."
Allan Hines, Father of Stephan Hines
"I have been trying so hard with him from ever since he attended kindergarten school up to standard six and he has been working hard in getting this opportunity to go along with this delegation to China."
Christine Rhaburn, Special Athlete
"I am so happy and I am sure that I will win and make Belize proud and I am sure I will be so happy that I will find friends."
Davita Martinez,
"I think at this time where Belize is really really looking for a mark in the sports world, both nationally and internationally it is very important for us to stand behind our Special Olympics athletes. I am confident that they will continue to put our names on the map by bringing home some medals."
Recently, a team of 12 special athletes participated in the Central American Games and earned gold, silver and bronze. The team for Shanghai comprising four adults and four children will have to fly for almost 24 hours before arriving in China.
