2011 Special Olympics

Special Olympics Annual Report 2011 Special Olympics Annual Report 2011
UNITING
THE WORLD THROUGH
SPORT
Special Olympics provides millions of athletes with
intellectual disabilities in more than 170 countries
the opportunity to experience the power of sport.
Sports are understood and celebrated by all people,
regardless of race, nationality, gender or religion.
Our athletes experience pride, courage and joy
while inviting families and entire communities to join
in the celebration. This phenomenon was recognized
in 2011, when Special Olympics was awarded the
“Spirit of Sport” award from SportAccord, the
umbrella organization of international sports. The
award recognizes the commitment and humanitarian
spirit of members that have utilized sports to make
exceptional contributions toward positive social change.
Striving in the Sea
A clear blue sky hung over the Aegean Sea as Special Olympics
athlete Donghan Kim participated in the first-ever World Summer
Games open water swimming competition. Back home in Korea, he’d
only been able to practice in the calm waters of his local pool. But in
Greece, along with 35 athletes from 20 different countries, Donghan
swam 1500 meters in open water to finish in just over 23 minutes.
Through power, skill and determination, he took home the silver medal.
Donghan admits, “Swimming in the sea is much harder and takes more
energy than swimming in the pool.” However, he gladly accepted the
challenge, as he worked to keep up with gold medal winner Andrew
Smilley of the Cayman Islands. Donghan said he was excited to win
the silver medal, but is not ready to rest on his laurels. Next time
around, he hopes to beat his personal best and go for the gold.
PHOTOS: (Top right) Donghan Kim takes a breath as he participates in
the first-ever World Summer Games open water swimming competition.
(Top left) Some 35 athletes from 20 different countries enter the water.
16 17
Honoring the determination and fortitude of Special Olympics
open water swimming athletes, the World Open Water Swimming
Association nominated the event for the 2011 World Open Water
Swimming Performance of the Year. Thanks to the generosity of
William Price, and the determination of athletes Kester Edwards
and Sam Silver, open water swimming has become a new and
exciting part of Special Olympics.
Thanks to the Annenberg Foundation, we have been able to
advance many of our sports initiatives—from coaches’ education
and training to developing sports partnerships that benefit the
entire movement.
READ MORE ON OUR WEB SITE:
WWW.SPECIALOLYMPICS.ORG/SPORTS