Lillian Chikara, who was recently appointed as the National Director of Special Olympics Zimbabwe, is encouraging corporates and organisations to sponsor athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Chikara is of the notion that athletes with intellectual disabilities work hard every single day, they suffer and go all the way to get the best out of themselves just like their fellow athletes but never get big sponsorship deals.
With over 35 years in health, gender and development plus experience gained while working for the government of Zimbabwe, non-governmental organisations, bilateral donors and private consultants, Chikara has been using this to secure sponsorship for Special Olympics Zimbabwe.
A few months after her appointment, Chikara and her board acquired sponsorship from Minerva and Coca Cola Women’s Linc for the Special Olympics National Games.
Speaking to Tatenda Gondo, Chikara chats about how Special Olympics Zimbabwe is fighting inactivity, injustice and intolerance and reveals her aspirations to build a Special Olympics Village in the country.
Lillian, thank you for chatting with us. Please tell us a brief history about yourself.
I am the National Director for Special Olympics Zimbabwe since 1 June 2021. I have over 35 years of health, gender and development work experience. This experience was gained working for the Government of Zimbabwe, NGOs, bilateral donors and private consultancy focusing on public health, social work and humanitarian work. I am a holder of an MSc in Development Studies, BA in Human & Social Studies, diplomas in Adult Education, and three Nursing Diplomas in addition to short courses and on the job training.
Of significance, this year I have just completed a course on Disability Rights in Africa run by the University of Pretoria as well as another one by the Women Sports Leadership Academy just this last week to be more relevant to my current position.
What is Special Olympics Zimbabwe and your mandate?
Special Olympics Zimbabwe (SOZ) is a member program of the Special Olympics Africa (SOA) and Special Olympics International (SOI). The organisation’s main mandate is to use sports as a catalyst to reveal the champion in athletes, volunteers, coaches, spectators, fans and supporters through the inclusion revolution. Special Olympics Zimbabwe intends to remove barriers and stigmas that people with Intellectual Disability (ID) face, and to share with the community their gifts and talents. It seeks to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
How has your journey as Director Special Olympic Zimbabwe been so far?
Before I joined Special Olympics Zimbabwe I was working in the field of health and general development hence I am using this opportunity to utilise my many years of experience to strengthen the programme whilst also learning the intricacies of the sporting side which I am new to.
And then there are challenges – one of them was being appointed as the director amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown meant no or little sport, little or no support from corporates and limited networking.
You are also responsible for the marketing and sponsorship side of the organization. What are some of the challenges that you have faced when are you trying to secure sponsorship?
Yes, I am responsible for the marketing and sponsorship side of the organisation with the support of the SOZ Board. The first challenge is that of awareness of who we are and what we stand for as Special Olympics. Many people think we are part of the Paralympics and one has to explain that there are three Olympics Organisations IOC, IPC and SOI.
The second challenge is that many people and organisations want to support the elite sport and because it is an all-abilities sport this might not appeal to sponsors. With Special Olympics, we are serving children and adults with Intellectual Disabilities, a marginalised group who would not be heard or seen if it were not for them participating in sport.
We have sent out an appeal letter for our National Games 2022 that ended on 29 April and we have received financial support from only one organisation and in-kind support from some of our regular partners.
Last year Special Olympics Zimbabwe received donations from Minerva. May you please share with us how you secured this donation?
Last year we received a donation from Minerva and Coca Cola Women’s Linc that we got for the 2021 games which were planned for December 2021. We got this support through the networks created by our Marketing and Fund-Raising Board Committee. We developed a concept note and a budget and submitted them to the Delta Corporations who then facilitated the donation through the two entities.
This was a very welcomed donation as we just emerged from the hard lockdown and we managed to purchase some office furniture for the SOZ secretariat as well as revive the sub-programme that had been dormant for 2 years due to Covid-19. However, we did not hold the games as there was a further lockdown due to the Omicron Covid 19 variant emergency.
What do you think should be done to ensure that companies and organisations sponsor Special Olympics associations?
I appeal to companies and organisations to look at the sport from all angles the elite with all abilities and support them as they are serving a constituency that is included in the National Development Strategy 1 as well as the Zimbabwe Constitution and the National Disability Policy.
Intellectual Disability is sometimes not visible and does not get the attention it deserves. As ID makes up 4% of the population I would appeal to sponsors to set aside at least 4% of this sponsorship to sport to Special Olympics Zimbabwe.
What services does Special Olympics offer to parents and families of athletes with intellectual disabilities?
Special Olympics offers recognition to athletes and their families through inclusion in sport in the home, community and school site. It provides a platform for people with a common cause and brings them together through sport.
Families are supported through various platforms such as WhatsApp groups which became very active during and post COVID-19 lockdown. Groups were formed to coordinate the sub-programmes, some to keep in touch with family members for the various sport such as golf and track and field events.
Athlete leaders have their platform to discuss issues and training.
Volunteers and coaches also have their platform so that they link up with families for practice sessions and other activities that are undertaken at the local level.
Health screening Covid-19 vaccinations, health education, counselling and referral services are also offered to athletes’ through these support groups.
Respite to parents and families when athletes as at the various games allowing them to do other things.
Our ultimate goal is to have our premise, a house with a big space which we can develop to be a drop-in centre so parents can drop and pick athletes knowing they are in good care.
Groups for youth leaders to provide up to date information on what is happening in the programmes. The just ended sub-regional games that led to the national games saw families coming in their numbers to support athletes spurring them on during the games.
Twenty four athletes were selected by random pick to attend the World Summer Games in Berlin in 2023. Families were present during the selection to see how transparent the process was and this gives all ability levels a chance to participate in the World Game.
The athletes were in camp at Prince Edward High School from 21 to 24 April 2022 and one mother with a son with Downs Syndrome said “My son is always with me and seeing pull his small bag like he was going to board a plane and spent time without me for 4 days made my heart melt”. Pride and joy could be seen in her eyes.
How have volunteers contributed to the success of Special Olympic Zimbabwe?
Special Olympics is a volunteer-driven organisation and all its programmes are run by volunteers. The Board of Governors itself is a volunteer-based board to the secretariat at the national office and the sub-programmes level. Only the ND is a full-time member of staff. Volunteers help organise sporting events at all levels be it coaches, health workers, or sports officials are all the backbone of the programme because without them the wheel will not turn. We offer a General Orientation training that gives the volunteers a background of who we are and what we stand for.
The Medical examinations we hold are all through support from dedicated Doctors, Nurses and Physiotherapists, Psychologists and others who volunteer their services free to the programme.
How does one join to become a volunteer for Special Olympics?
We have a form that we can send out to those wishing to volunteer in the programme. This can be obtained as hard copy or can be sent on the email or WhatsApp.
What are your hopes and aspirations for Special Olympics Zimbabwe?
To have our own Special Olympics Village, a programme vehicle, functional sub programmes that cover the 10 provinces of the country and be a household brand that can be identified by all. Be able to have regular funding that ensures our programmes can run effectively.
What advice would you give to a parent or relative that has a child who is intellectually disabled but talented sports-wise?
Special Olympics is a place for all children and adults with ID whether a girl or boy, in urban or rural areas. Our goal is that all those with ID are registered with us to be able to participate in sports at no cost to the parent. Sport is good for them as this keeps them fit, develop healthy lifestyles, meets a friend and others like them, and learns how to socialize. Sport can give your child an opportunity to compete at sub-programme games, national games and even the Pan Africa and International Games such as Berlin 2023. There is joy in sport so do not let your child miss this opportunity
Photo 1 Caption: Lillian Chikara, who was recently appointed as the National Director of Special Olympics Zimbabwe, is encouraging corporates and organisations to sponsor athletes with intellectual disabilities. Photo: Supplied
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