On
3rd November, Special Olympics Rwanda and FIFA pooled resources to change
the lives of 250 Special Olympics athletes.
Valence Dsengimana is just one athlete who has noticed the change. “Since
I began playing I am now physically fit and unlike before, I can easily remember
things which was a problem. Now everything is possible,” he smiles.
The football
Competition was part of the FIFA – Special Olympics Football for Hope project
which has seen the 2 largest sporting bodies in the world unite and deliver
the beautiful game to Special Olympics athletes in Africa .
Special
Olympics Rwanda and FIFA deliver football, health and pride in Kigali
The
project also draws in support from national federations who provided 16 referees
to oversee this tournament.
In between games, the athletes had the opportunity to receive free medical screening
as part of the Healthy Athletes program. Nine doctors and 35 paramedical volunteers
carried out general medical check ups, vision screenings, dental check ups and
provided health advice for all 250 athletes taking part in the tournament.
Eight media houses covered the event in all 3 mediums – print, electronic and
radio reaching an estimated 70% of the Rwandan population.
