Lending a Hand at Special Olympics Family Fun Day

Filed Under: Special Olympics Bahamas
Wednesday November 12^th, 2008

(NASSAU, BAHAMAS) — Dozens of special athletes enjoyed a day of healthy competition, music, food and fellowship recently when Special Olympics (SO) Bahamas held its annual Family Fun Day on the Eastern Parade. The event was particularly exciting this year because it was preceded by SO’s annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, in which approximately 200 people took part, including members of the Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Forces — along with a fire engine, an ambulance and motorcycle escorts to lead the way.

When the race was over, the SO athletes showed off their skills at bocce, a game similar to boules, enjoyed dancing to the tunes of DJ ‘Super’ Johnson, and competed in an array of fun activities including egg and spoon races, obstacle course races and balloon tossing. TimeWorks, the volunteer arm of Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc., was among several civic organisations that turned out to lend a hand by providing lunch and enthusiastically taking part in all of the games.

“One of the goals of Special Olympics is to provide opportunities for young persons to interact with our special athletes and to appreciate their ability to form meaning relationships,” said Basil Christie, Chairman of SO Bahamas. “We feel that this was achieved in this event. Another goal achieved was the participation of many family members. We look forward to this level of success in the remaining events on our schedule and register our gratitude to all who continue to support us.”

“We felt privileged to be able to take part in the Fun Day once more,” said Suzy Robinson, Chairperson of Lyford Cay Foundation Inc.’s Gifts and Grants Committee, which oversees TimeWorks. “Last year’s event was so inspiring, and this year’s was even more so, because so many volunteers and friends of all ages were there and had a great time with the athletes.”

Established in 2004 on the principle that the time and skills of people can be as valuable as their money, TimeWorks serves the Bahamian community by mobilizing a diverse group of individuals in volunteerism and civic engagement. To date, it has provided more than 3,000 ‘man’ hours to local non-profit organisations.

TimeWorks’ sponsors include Pictet Bank & Trust and RBC Royal Bank of Canada. In the coming months it will be partnering with Hands For Hunger — which collects fresh, high quality food that would otherwise go to waste from restaurants, hotels and others and delivers it to needy people throughout New Providence — and the Rotary Sunrise Reading Fair, slated for next March, which promotes literacy at every level.

To learn more about Special Olympics Bahamas please call 356-2433 or email specialolympicsbahamas@yahoo.com.