5.8.2010   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 212/123

A.

whereas Special Olympics Europe provides sporting and social opportunities for adults and children with intellectual disabilities,

B.

whereas Special Olympics programmes are established in every Member State, involving half a million athletes,

C.

whereas Special Olympics implement EU policy daily, by promoting sport and volunteerism across borders, by breaking down stereotypes about disability, through public health provision and by including marginalised people in social activities,

D.

whereas Special Olympics Europe will host two major upcoming events: in 2010 the Special Olympics European Summer Games will take place in Warsaw, Poland, and in 2011 the Special Olympics World Summer Games will take place in Athens, Greece,

E.

whereas the EU financially supported the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Ireland,

1.

Considers that the provision of Special Olympics services at local, national and international levels requires significant funding;

2.

Notes that Special Olympics Europe is seeking financial assistance from the Commission to help fund the European Summer Games in Warsaw in 2010 and the World Summer Games in Athens in 2011;

3.

Acknowledges the benefits for athletes, families and the wider community that will result from these events taking place in Europe;

4.

Calls on the Commission to support the Games in Warsaw in 2010 and Athens in 2011;

5.

Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Council, the Commission and the parliaments of the Member States.