WHEN THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS FAMILY WORLDWIDE celebrated the first Annual Global Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day on September 25th 2010, it was to recognise a woman who had the courage to lead a worldwide struggle to improve and enhance the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities.
Her life exemplifies the difference one person can make in the lives of others and the quality of all our lives.
The freedom to choose is a right of all mankind and to share a quote by Maria Kennedy Shriver “Special Olympics Athletes are spokespersons for freedom itself . . . they ask for the freedom to live, the freedom to belong, the freedom to contribute, the freedom to have a chance. And, of all the values that unite and inspire us to seek a better world, no value holds a higher place than the value of freedom.”
In Barbados, for thirty three years Special Olympics has grown into more than an athletic meet; it has taken a broad approach towards the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Spearheading this movement locally over the years were a number of unsung heroes whose impact and indomitable spirit continue to keep the flame of Special Olympics Barbados burning.
Just as Eunice Kennedy Shriver has created a legacy; so too are our very own architects of change making an impact on so many lives here in Barbados.
For those of us, whose lives are driven to advocate for inclusion for persons with disabilities, honouring our own “freedom fighters” is often put on a backburner because they do not think of themselves as doing anything different other than being a good student of the greatest teacher and servant of all, Jesus.
Proud partner
The Barbados Council for the Disabled is proud to fight alongside foot soldiers who are most often found battling in the trenches, like Ilene Murray-Aynsley Eleanor Dottin, Marguerite Young, Keither Lennards, Dawn Rudder, Thelma Brathwaite, Peggy Inniss, Carrison Henry and other fighters like Gladwyn Rock, Peter Serieux and Wesley Worrell, just to name a few; all of who strongly believe that everyone counts and this is depicted in their unrelenting pursuit of an inclusive society.
For Marguerite Young, tirelessly fighting for change and equality in the lives of children and young adults has been her driving force in Special Olympics Barbados. The World Games in Shanghai in 2007 brought a number of successes for Marguerite and the Barbados Team who were especially honoured to be chosen to demonstrate the game of Cricket for the first time at the games.
Filling a need
Recognising the lack in support services for young children with disabilities, Marguerite has continued to lead the charge by adopting an all-embracing approach in the growth of Special Olympics Barbados in recent years, and quickly moved to reintroduce the Outreach Programme which had been dormant for some years.
The Barbados Council for the Disabled is hoping that this type of dedicated service can be exemplified more often in our media and the public arena and those issues affecting persons with disabilities do not become just another attractive news story.
These committed disabled and able “freedom fighters” continue to prove what service to humanity is all about and it is important that we encourage these attributes within our youth, who are anxiously seeking out role models and direction.
The Barbados Council for the Disabled recognises the immeasurable value of those selfless individuals who, if space would permit, we would list every special one. Thanks and may God Bless all of those hard working and dedicated individuals whose spirit and courage continue to guide their involvement in the fight for freedom for all.
