Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago caters to the needs of all intellectually challenged citizens through the medium of sport, and it will be remiss of us if we did not comment on the disrespectful and disparaging remarks made by Mr. Devant Maharaj, political activist and former Minister of government, on a recent Radio Talk Show, and Social Media.
To equate his own particular perceived shortcomings of a parliamentary team with the intellectual challenges of Special Olympics athletes, is rather unfortunate, unforgivable and very distasteful. We believe that a person of his standing in society should instead be more considerate to all Special Needs persons among us, recognising the humanity of us all, instead of involving our organization in his political imbroglio. Special Olympics is an apolitical organisation that stands against all forms of discrimination in words and in actions as we create a more inclusive world. We fight for equality, acceptance and the dignity for all of our athletes in Trinidad and Tobago and as part of the Special Olympics International family.
Our Special Olympic Athletes would be better served with a much more positive mention encouraging them to achieve their fullest potential, especially in this difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic. We must do all in our power to support our athletes, so that when next they represent our beloved Trinidad & Tobago, they will bring home 64 Medals and Ribbons as they did in 2019 at the last World Games in Dubai
Words matter and we are therefore demanding that Mr. Maharaj apologize publicly to all Special Needs persons in society, as well as to the Special Olympics T & T organization. We have been toiling in the vineyards for the past 38 years, building lives and nurturing character as we chip away at ingrained stereotypes and expectations of the intellectually challenged amongst us. We must always do better in our society and strive to be exemplars for the next generation.
#PledgeToInclude
ABOUT Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago : https://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsTT
For further information please contact:
David R Benjamin
Chairman of the Board
Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago
Mobile: 1 868 740 5611
