Sacha Richardson, Director of Special Olympics Bermuda, is emphasising the importance of inclusiveness and the significance of events such as the Invitational Games, which takes place on Thursday.

The Games, which will be hosted at the Dame Flora Duffy Stadium on Thursday between 9am to 2pm, are open to all persons with physical and intellectual disabilities from middle-school age and above and will consist of a number of track and field events such as the 25-metre dash and walk, shot put, tennis ball throw, turbo javelin and long jump.

While the event, which was supposed to be held as part of the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrations last week before it had to be rescheduled, offers an opportunity for differently-abled persons to compete in a supportive environment, Richardson also believes it holds far greater cultural significance within Bermuda.

“It is so important to have these type of events,” said Richardson. “Not only does it give differently-abled people the opportunity to come out and have an experience but it also plays a crucial role in inclusive environment within Bermuda.

“we find that there is a lot of attention around certain events and celebrations and then it drops off. We are trying to do as much as possible at Special Olympics Bermuda because it is vitally important to highlight this part of our community.

“It is about so much more than just the sporting aspect. The purpose of the Invitational Games is sport but it is also so much more about the social aspect, creating a sense of inclusion within the community and also educating people about disability.

“There is still a sense of stigma that surrounds profound disability and a lot of what we try to do is changing that stigma. I think people are so used to seeing someone with a physical disability and can understand that but there are so many more aspects to other learning disabilities.

“It is a case of the wider community needing better education and to do what we can to make sure everyone is included within the community. I like to think about inclusion, diversity and equality and making it a daily action so it is no longer a concept.”

In terms of the sporting action itself, the Games will also be used as preparation ahead of next year’s Special Olympics World Games, which will take place in Berlin, Germany from July 16 to 25.

Richardson remains hopeful of having a strong representation of athletes representing Bermuda on the world stage again just as at the World Games in Abu Dhabi in 2019 and at last year’s USA Summer Games in Florida.

“Part of the purpose of the Invitational Games is to identify athletes for the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin and to try to meet the qualification standards that are required,” she added.

“We are definitely hoping to have at least a similar number of athletes as competed previously. We will definitely have the same sports represented such as athletics, tennis, and equestrianism and hopefully some of those will be repeat athletes.”

On both occasions the team returned home to a heroes’ welcome after their exploits with Bermuda picking up eight medals in Abu Dhabi and a further four in the United States.

“It’s so important that we make sure these athletes get the acknowledgement and recognition that they deserve,” said Richardson. “we would expect that type of reaction for any other athletes representing Bermuda and so it is fantastic that the Special Olympics team had that.

“It’s a big deal what they do and it’s important that we not only have these opportunities for the athletes but also that they have the chance to experience that recognition and feel included.”

While registration was officially due to close yesterday, Richardson has revealed that anyone still interested in being part of the Invitational Games can still register via e-mail at srichardson@panaceava.com.