Special Olympics Bahamas does not intend on leaving any team member behind. In preparation for the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games, Special Olympics Bahamas is starting a year-long fund-raising drive to ensure it carries a full team next summer. The games will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, March 8-21.
“Special Olympics Bahamas is looking to take a 40-member team delegation that will compete across five disciplines- Bocce, Unified bowling, swimming, track and field and for the first time ever, unified soccer,” said Special Olympics Bahamas’ National Director, Gilbert Williams.
“Head coaches for each sport have already been named and assistants and athletes will be confirmed over the next three months.
“Regular training is currently ongoing in all five of the aforementioned sports and will intensify once the teams have been selected. The delegation is expected to be made up of a mix of New Providence based athletes, coaches and eligible Family Island athletes and coaches.”
According to a recent release by Special Olympics Bahamas, the total cost for the delegation is around $104,000. Currently, there are several fundraisers already planned to ease the cost of travel, including the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run/Grill Out/ Family Fun Day on August 19.
All of the proceeds from the family fun day will be donated to Special Olympics Bahamas. The Torch Run begins at 9:30 a.m. The first exchange takes place on the grounds at Commonwealth Bank on Nassau Street. The second exchange takes place at the Police College on Thompson Boulevard, and the final exchange takes place on Thompson Boulevard.
Special Olympics Bahamas is also hosting a National Bocce Championship on April 27 in Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, and the annual Track and Field Nationals on May 26.