Statement made on 29 November 2007 by Senator Jim Munson
Hon. Jim Munson:
Honourable senators, as the month of November draws
to a close, I remind you that this month is Special Olympics Month in Canada.
The Special Olympics is an international movement that provides opportunities
for people with intellectual disabilities to train and compete in athletic
events.
I am proud to have been part of Canada's team in Shanghai for the 2007
Special Olympics. Canada's team gave exceptional performances and showed the
world exemplary sportsmanship.
Over 7,000 athletes from 160 countries participated in the Special Olympics
in Shanghai. That is an impressive number. Not long ago, in China, where I lived
for several years, one rarely saw people with mental disabilities. They were
hidden away. People were ashamed of them. The fact that 1,000 Chinese athletes
participated in these games is proof that the Special Olympics have the power to
transform attitudes.
Many honourable senators may remember a time when we thought mentally
challenged people were incapable of participating in sports. In fact, many
mentally challenged people were kept isolated from society as if we were ashamed
of them. Started in the 1960s, the Special Olympics has shown the world what
kind of hogwash that prejudiced thinking was.
Putting the principle of inclusion to work, the Special Olympics breaks down
barriers and challenges our thinking about people with intellectual
disabilities.
The movement has changed a small part of the world in a big way. The Special
Olympics movement is alive and well in Canada, but we can do more to give a
greater number of potential athletes a chance to participate. For Special
Olympics month, I urge honourable senators to get involved. Senators can be a
coach, volunteer to encourage an athlete to practise, or contribute financially
to the movement. By supporting the Special Olympics, honourable senators will
help to reach out to these potential winners and will strengthen the Special
Olympics movement. Honourable senators will help breakdown the barriers that
still exist for people with intellectual disabilities. By supporting Special
Olympics, they will help to make Canada more inclusive and the world a better
place.