The first ever Special Olympics equitation competition in the Algarve will be held on May 22 at Pinetrees Riding Centre in Almancil.
The Algarve association for parents and friends of mentally disabled children (AAPACDM), based in Faro, has been authorised by Special Olympics Portugal to organise the event, which is sponsored by Grupo Moneris. It promises to be a fun day, with more than 30 riders from eight associations and institutions across the region participating.
Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organisation for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions for more than 4.4 million athletes in 170 countries.
It all began in the 1950s and early 1960s, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of US President John Kennedy, saw how unjustly and unfairly people with intellectual disabilities were treated. She also saw that many children with intellectual disabilities didn’t even have a place to play and so decided to take action.
Soon, her vision began to take shape as she held a summer day camp for young people with intellectual disabilities in her own backyard. Her efforts culminated with the first International Special Olympics Summer Games held in Chicago in 1968.
This event is part of Loulé municipality’s programme of sports events included under the ‘Loulé City of Sport’ project this year.
There will be a limited number of tickets available for the public. If you would like to attend, contact Claire Larson at 916 787 925.
