New Bus for Special Olympics
Marketing Manager ofTexaco, Victor Thompson, picturd here with Aileen Sammel, givesthe SOCI bus its first free fill-up as National Director
Special Olympics Cayman Islands (SOCI) recentlytook delivery of a new 15-seater Toyota Hiace bus that the organizationhopes will help achieve some long-held goals of the programme.
"The purchase of a vehicle has been discussed at the Boardlevel for some time," revealed National Director Aileen Samuel."However, we were very aware that not just the purchase costbut also the upkeep of the vehicle over the long-term would haveto be considered."
Last year things started falling into place and through the generosityof corporate sponsors and other fund-raising activities the fundsfor purchase began to materialize. Particularly useful was themedia campaign spear-headed by CITN and generously supported byCorporate Cayman for the 1999 World Summer Games.
Since SOCI had already raised most of the funds needed to sendthe team of nine athletes to North Carolina, it was decided thatthe proceeds of that fundraiser be applied to the vehicle purchase.Since then other sponsors have come forward to assist. Most recentlyTexaco has pledged to provide fuel for the vehicle and TexacoXpress Lube has promised to provide routine servicing.
The rugged vehicle seats 15 and has several features that madeit a good choice for SOCI. The high roof, wide entry door andsturdy hand-rail make access easy for the athletes. Mrs. Samuelis particularly pleased that all seats are provided with seatbelts since safety of the athlete (and volunteers) is of primeimportance to SOCI.
The vehicle is to be used for transportation of athletes and equipment,especially to the outer districts where it is hoped that the vehiclewill be instrumental in reaching those mentally challenged personswho are not currently associated with either the Lighthouse Schoolor the Sunrise Centre.
These schools have worked very closely with SOCI over the pastyears and their students remain the core around which the programmeis focused. However, the Board of SOCI is strongly committed tomaking sure that all mentally challenged in the Cayman Islandshave access to the skills, sharing and joy that is part of theSpecial Olympics movement worldwide.
Highly visible with it red and teal logos, the vehicle will beseen all over Grand Cayman working to achieve these goals.