Ambassador
Ambassador Wayne
AMBASSADOR WAYNE AND MARCELO TINELLI GATHER TO RECEIVE ARGENTINE ATHLETES PARTICIPATING IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS
November 7, 2007
Ambassador Wayne and Marcelo Tinelli gathered on November 7 at the Embassy to receive a group of Argentine athletes who participated in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Shangai, China from October 2-11, 2007.
Marcelo Tinelli is one of the patrons of “New Special Olympics Argentina,” an NGO that runs a sports training and athletic competition program for more than one million kids and adults with intellectual disabilities. According to Special Olympics Program Director Pía Soldati, the organization serves 21,400 people in Argentina and expects to include 5,000 more by 2008. During the meeting, the athletes told the Ambassador about their successful experience in China. Mr. Tinelli pointed out that the delegation of 35 Argentine children competed with 8,000 athletes from all over the world and won 27 medals. However, “although medals are important, integration is what really matters”— added Mr. Tinelli.
Tinelli also mentioned that the children work all year round to be able to attend the Games, which are held every one- and- a- half to two years and that, as patrons, their goal is to help them, be with them, and support them. “Ideas del Sur Foundation” has been supporting the Special Olympics for six years.
Both the Ambassador and Mr. Tinelli highlighted the many skills of the children. The Ambassador noted that the effort of the youngsters “is very important to the Embassy” and thanked those who collaborate with the Special Olympics as well as those who devote their time to supporting the organization’s activities. “It is an act of pure love by all the people participating in the Special Olympics, both athletes and those who give their support. Thank you very much for the chance to meet them.” – concluded the Ambassador.