FEW weeks to the kick-off of the 2011 Athens Special Olympics World Summer Games in Greece, Special Olympics Nigeria (SONigeria) athlete, Damola Roberts, has expressed great hope that he would win medals at the global championship.Roberts, who was part of the contingent to the 2003 and 2007 editions in Ireland and China, however, sought the support of corporate firms and individuals for the team in its quest to make the trip to Greece for the tourney lasting from June 25 to July 4. The down-syndrome athlete, Roberts, was exuding confidence, stating that he has the wherewithal to pick medal in Athens.I have been able to get some primary education, perfect my social skills and, most importantly, explore the possibilities in sports, he said. I am a proud member of Special Olympics Nigerias aquatics team going to Athens. In 2003, I was privileged to represent my family and country at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Ireland. That was something!There were thousands of athletes from over 100 different countries of differing levels of ability and age battling different mental challenges, but all united in the Special Olympics oath.He added: In 2007, the SOWSG held again in Shanghai, China. In fact, the Games held in the venues used for the 2008 Summer Olympics. What a show! Nigeria had a team of 24 athletes, who between them brought home gold, silver and bronze medals. The truth is, sports is probably the best form of human endeavour that I can excel in.It not only helps me as an individual, it also gives me the opportunity to be part of the greater society. There are many young people like me, but very few can boast of the family support I have. I am not likely to win a Nobel Prize for excellence in academics or discover a cure for cancer, but I can, and want to contribute to the society by helping to create opportunities for others with your help.For this years event, he said: We want to send a Nigerian contingent of 45 athletes and 18 coaches/carers to the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece. Please help us. We have great opportunities for medals in track and field, aquatics, basketball, badminton and football.We can bring glory for our country Nigeria and see our names up in lights, be celebrated on the podium, receive the applause and cheers of crowds who are all fans of the human spirit. As people with mental challenges, we have often been discriminated against, sidelined and deprived, but as athletes we have an opportunity now to be part of something great, worldwide and lasting.Billed for the Athens tourney are 7,500 Special Olympics athletes from 185 nations competing in 22 Olympic-type sports.
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