On Thursday night Special Olympics Samoa received a major blow to their elaborately crafted plan. At the last moment news came in that due to some unforeseen circumstances, the current venue would not be available for the event. But never to lose heart, Special Olympics Samoa made immediate arrangements to shift the venue to the available Hockey Field. But it was not the complete solution as it was impossible to contact most the invitees and the participants about the change in venue, on time.

But inspite of these setbacks, Kirsten and Tai excelled themselves and showed their unfaltering dedication towards the Special Olympics cause. In literally no time at all they arranged for 2 large Marquees & Seating, P. A. System & Music, First Aid People, Refreshments, Transport for some Athletes, Workers to rake up some of the long cut grass. After a hectic night, on the morning of 26th, at the appointed time, the hockey field was marked out for Athletics Running Events, Softball Throw & a Bocce Court was also set up in one of the marquees!

To the great credit of participating athletes, they arrived on time and were registered on the spot for the event. Once everyone settled in, the Opening Ceremony was conducted. The athletes smartly paraded holding the Samoan and the Special Olympics flags with pride and took their oaths. Tai Tauiliili then gave a welcome speech and the event was on its way!

The Athletes were divided in to different groups on the basis of their age and enthusiastically went about taking part in their respective sporting events. The sports covered were, 25m & 100m Running Events, Softball Throw and Standing Long Jump, with all performances and results being recorded on the computer. Some selected Athletes even competed in the Singles Bocce Competition. At the successful completion of these activities, the Awards Ceremony was organized and certificates were presented to all participating Athletes. And in the Closing Ceremony everyone was thanked and invited again for next Sports Day to be held on 26th March. Which pepped-up the Athletes as something to look forward to, in a short time. TV3 was present to cover the event in media and even interviewed some of the Special Olympics Samoa staff.

Even though the Athlete attendance was less than expected, the ones who did attend had a lot of fun, enjoyed to the fullest and gave their best to turn the event in to a successful one. According to Mike, the small problem of the attendance can be easily solved with a little more communication and cooperation. A special mention needs to go out for the volunteers and the coaches who showed good skills and trained the Athletes so well. Their role was second to none and a crucial one for the success of the Sports Day. A permanent Sports Day venue will go a long way in helping and encouraging them further and that is what Special Olympics Samoa intends to do. Also, more volunteers need to be called in, who can help organize and attend these Friday morning events on a regular basis.

Having said that, the work being done by Kirsten & Tai is extremely commendable & generous and not for a moment it seemed like it was just the 2nd Sports Day. With a little more help they are sure to do wonders and take the cause of Special Olympics to a greater height and further reach. Out and out it was a memorable occasion made extra special by the initiative, drive and the undying and unfaltering spirit of the Organizers, Volunteers, Athletes & Their Families, alike. The next Sport’s Day will surely be something to look forward to!