Special Olympics in Shanghai, China
A partnership to advance the rights of children with intellectual disabilities was announced recently by UNICEF and Special Olympics International, on the occasion of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China. Working together, the two organizations will advocate for health care, education, recreational sports and employment policies that will benefit children with intellectual disabilities.
The partnership was launched during a one-day Global Policy Summit entitled “Commitment to Changing Lives: the Global Policy Summit on the Well-being of People with Intellectual Disabilities,” which was attended by senior representatives from the world of sports, politics, business, academia and development. “Special Olympics helps those with disabilities to develop their full potential,” said UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman. “This new partnership will help make the point that children with disabilities have the same rights as all other children. They are entitled to adequate health care and quality education, and to live in an environment that protects them from abuse, exploitation and disease.”
“Special Olympics and UNICEF have a rich history of advocating on behalf of and improving the lives of underserved populations,” said Dr. Timothy P. Shriver, Chairman, Special Olympics International. “This collaborative effort is in keeping with the goals of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to counter stigma and promote inclusion for children with intellectual disabilities in developing countries around the globe.#
