Special Olympians return with medals

The seven-member delegation included four athletes and three officials and today they returned to Belize after a splendid performance at the recent Special Olympics in China.

Michael Graham, Gold Medallist, Track & Field
“Just try hard and bring the gold to Belize.”

Marion Ali
“Anybody can do this?”

Michael Graham
“Yes.”

Marion Ali
“Was it really difficult for you?”

Michael Graham
“Yes maam.”

Marion Ali
“Why?”

Michael Graham
“Dah because deh put me with lone tall man.”

Marion Ali
“And you still beat them? That’s how good you are right? How old are you Michael?”

Michael Graham
“Thirteen years old.”

Marion Ali
“Thirteen. And the other guys were what?”

Michael Graham
“Fourteen to eighteen.”

Myrna Elliott, Head Coach, Head of Delegation
“They really performed very well. I am very satisfied with their gold and their bronze and in the end they had tours where they had a lot of experiences.”

Marion Ali
“What does the performance of these say to other athletes out there who don’t have special needs?”

Myrna Elliott
“Well, it’s time for them to get up and get in sports; join a sport and be out there, be active and try and get some where to go out and win medals and show their country that they also can win medals.”

Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Sports
“Bringing back a gold and three bronze especially when it comes to a Special Olympics I believe is a wonderful opportunity for Belize. We have gone out there; they will have known where Belize is. They have put Belize on the map so they did a wonderful job.”

Marion Ali
“What’s your ministry doing with respect to putting the world of sports on the international map sports wise?”

Rodwell Ferguson
“Yes as I came into the ministry since June I realize there is a lot that needs to be done by Belize. And first of all I believe even the budget for the Ministry of Sports should be expanded and we will be able to do more. As we notice recently we paled the Under 16 football and the Under 19 softball and we didn’t do too well especially in the football but as we look at it we definitely can improve in sorts because Belize has the talent. So I believe with time we will improve.”

A ceremony and reception were held this evening at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City for the Special Olympians.