Nu’uvali says PYASC involvement for Special Olympics Samoa is breaking down barriers faced by youth in her community.
“PYASC is creating a positive impact in that the youth of today is recognised and can have their say.
“From a Special Olympics Samoa perspective if someone with a disability can know their rights as a human being and be able to contribute to planning and be heard at PYASC, then I’m delighted that we’re part of this conference,” she says.
Special Olympics Samoa gives people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Athletes who have an Intellectual Disability and the community.
Nu’uvali says the vision of Special Olympics Samoa has been tailored to local needs.
This vision is to enrich the lives of more Samoans living with an intellectual disability by providing quality sporting opportunities and engaging the broader community in it’s goals and objectives.
“We have a unified programme where we recruit youth and athletes to Special Olympics Samoa.
“We’re sending athletes and two of our youth to the conference, so for Samoa this is a milestone for SOS to be part of PYASC,” she says.
An international event like PYASC, convened by the Oceania Football Confederation, Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the Government of New Caledonia takes Special Olympics Samoa to a different level.
“It will be benefit Samoa, particularly as we incorporate with the Ministry of Youth and the awareness of Special Olympics Samoa is already massive. But taking it to an international conference lifts the profile of the work we do and the youth we serve,” she says.
And there are plenty of social barriers to overcome. Samoa, not unlike other Oceania nations, has plenty of challenges before its youth that are obstacles to realising potential.
But sport, she says, makes a difference.
“Lack of opportunity, unemployment, lack of finance, gender issues where its always men take the lead and women do not, youth are leaders of tomorrow but often their voices are not heard in village councils.
“With our programmes recruiting from the village level, sport is very strong here, but there is a lack of recognition so with sporting bodies and the programmes set out give youth not able to succeed in the national level in terms a chance to express themselves,” she says.
PYASC takes place in Noumea, New Caledonia, from 2-7 December, 2013, and features a strong line-up of guest speakers and delegates from all over Oceania representing a veritable tapa cloth of diverse youth.
Nu’uvali becomes emotional when she describes her gratitude toward the organisers and her hopes for the future and the PYASC participants.
“I wish I could convey more than a mere thank you to the organisers. I’m grateful to OFC, Government of New Caledonia and Secretariat of the Pacific Community for making this initiative happen.
“Gathering youth from different countries together is great for everyone and for Samoa to be part of this event is already very moving,” she says.
For more information about Special Olympics Samoa please click here www.specialolympicssamoa.org .
Special Olympics Samoa’s Goals:
Promote Equal Opportunities
equal Respect
better Future for our ATHLETES
together we CAN make a difference
unify our national organisation.