On Sunday June 19, 2011, the Special Olympics Saint Lucia team and their family members travelled to Athens, Greece for the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games —thanks to the Bigger, Better Network, Digicel.
In April, Digicel St Lucia made a cheque donation of EC55, 000 to the St Lucia Special Olympics; ensuring 18 athletes will be in Greece to compete in the World Games in Athens, Greece. In addition, Digicel provided EC$8000 for team uniforms for travel to the games. The Special Olympic contingent who travelled to Greece included 18 athletes in addition to eight coaches and officials. The 18 St Lucian athletes will compete across football, bocce and athletics.
In St Lucia, public awareness of Special Olympics has received a tremendous boost on Facebook and other social media as customers and subscribers were given the opportunity to send greetings to athletes before their travel to the World Games.
St Lucia Special Olympics National Director, Junia Emmanuel Belizaire, said: “Digicel has been assisting the St Lucia Special Olympics for some time, but this is the largest sum we have received in a single donation. As such, I’m struggling to express what this means to us. We are simply elated that—thanks to Digicel—we can now ensure our 18 athletes will make the trip to Greece for the World Summer Games in Athens this year.
Digicel St Lucia’s General Manager for the OECS South, Geraldine Pitt, said: “We are delighted to be support a cause which is so very close to Digicel’s heart. Digicel is the proud sponsor of many athletes and major sporting principles in St Lucia including cricket, football, athletics—but our sponsorship of Special Olympics Saint Lucia team are our most treasured partnership.”
“The Special Olympics movement celebrates triumph over adversity and shines a light on those who have overcome great challenges to compete at Olympic level. These athletes are an inspiration to us all for their unwavering dedication and determination to be the best in their sport no matter what. We are honoured to be associated with Special Olympics, we hope that our support continues to garner further backing from the St. Lucia community and corporates alike—and we wish the very best of luck to all the athletes participating in the upcoming games,” continued Pitt.
