Support

“Some ideas are unarguable, with a moral face that makes them unstoppable, like the athletes of Special Olympics.�

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. 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.