ROMANIA: Games Create Memorable Experiences for All

Special Olympics Romania organized National Games in the south eastern city of Buzau from 3-6 June, 2009.  Forty-four delegations, made up of 375 athletes and coaches, competed in bocce, football and basketball individual skills competitions, and Unified Football.  In addition to competition, Special Olympics Romania organized a "Health Day," giving athletes the chance to be screened in an integrated setting: first at a Special Smiles screening, followed by screenings in FitFeet, Opening Eyes and Health Promotion, and ending with a Healthy Hearing screening, the first to be implemented in Romania.
 Sixty parents joined delegations during the Games with a Family Forum organized for them and caregivers.  The focus of the forum was to provide information on the importance of healthy nutrition and physical activity.
 The entire Games were supported by 200 hard-working and dedicated volunteers: doctors, university teachers, physical therapists and students.
 The Opening and Awards Ceremonies included a huge bonfire, painted faces, dancing and birthday celebration - all creating a fantastic and memorable atmosphere.
 Everyone's positive emotions could best be summed up by the comment of Maria Mocean, a mother whose son, Mihai (17) was competing for the first time. She said: "We wish you to have the strength to continue your work to help society accept people with disabilities. It is a very difficult task, but the results are remarkable, as we can see here."
 The National Games were organized in partnership with the Buzau County Sports Direction.
 Special Olympics Romania had organized a press conference on 3 June. Four local newspapers reported on the Games while “Newsin” press agency published information about the event on their website.  A television crew from TVR1 (national television) filmed the Games and a show will be broadcast shortly.
  
Photo:  The hand of friendship is as important as winning. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Romania