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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
SPECIAL Olympics Zimbabwe have stepped up preparations for the World Summer Games in Los Angeles, United States, next year. The association will be holding a fund-raising dinner this weekend as part of their preparations for the prestigious event.

SOZ will be hosting the dinner in partnership with the Lions Club of Harare at Pandari Lodge this Sunday. Zimbabwe are looking at sending a contingent of 25 athletes and coaches to the Special Olympics World Summer Games.

This is in line with SOZ’s mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

The athletes will participate in three disciplines – golf, athletics and seven-a-side soccer. SOZ national director, Molly Matambanashe, said these Games will provide a platform for the athletes to showcase their talents.

“The ultimate goal of Special Olympics is to help persons with intellectual disabilities participate as productive and respected members of the society at large by offering them a fair opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents through sport training and competition and by increasing the public’s awareness of their capabilities and needs.

“People with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, enjoy, learn and benefit from participation in individual and team sports, adapted as necessary, to meet the needs of those with special mental and physical limitations,” said Matambanashe.