Jul 31 - Special Olympics Gibraltar Granted Freedom of the City
The Special Olympics Gibraltar were granted the Freedom of the City, as announced by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo in Parliament yesterday morning.
This announcement was made at the same time as the Gibraltar team are in Los Angeles, taking part in this year’s World Games.
Annie Risso MBE, Programme Chief Executive of Special Olympics Gibraltar, said: “In this day and age to get such recognition for an organization which since 1985 has strived to better the lives of people with intellectual disability through sports is beyond words. Here in LA so far from our home country the feeling of belonging has intensified and we are emotional, ecstatic and grateful for this acknowledgement.
“What greater acceptance than the Freedom of the City bestowed on a Programme that works entirely with volunteers whose aim is to better the lives of our athletes.
“Thank you to the Government of Gibraltar, to our community and to all those, who, from day one, recognised that this was the way forward.”
As for the athletes taking part in this week’s games, here are the winners with their prizes:
Samuel Santos and Unified Partner Dylan Cocklan were awarded a gold medal for open water swimmer – it’s the first time a Gibraltarian athlete has competed for this.
Daniella Risso Vinent has won two silver medals for the 25 & 50 meters in athletics.
Dorrian Zammitt fought hard for 4th place in 50 meters and went on to take Bronze in standing long jump.
Miguel Rubio took Silverin 400 meters athletics.
Sallyann Mauro took Bronzein 50 meters breast stroke swim.
Nigel Baglietto came fourth in the 200m and fifth in the 400m.
Samyr Anakkar took Bronze in bowling singles.
Virginia Wink took Bronze in equestrian dressage and Glen Wimbleton took 4th place in same category.
John Joshua Buttigieg will bring home a silver medal for dressage.
The athletes are due to arrive in Gibraltar next week.
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