Vice President Moreno of Ecuador visits Special Olympics

By Tim Shriver

The Special Olympics team in Washington, DC had the pleasure of meeting with the Vice President of Ecuador, Lenin Moreno, on his first visit back to Washington, DC in 40 years. Vice President Moreno is a steadfast champion of our athletes and those with disabilities. What is so inspirational about him is that he has not stopped at words but pushes his country to act — and they have! He has changed the nation of Ecuador and has worked tirelessly to give rights to those with intellectual disabilities. He represents the new kind of leadership the world needs more of and has made a stand that people with intellectual disabilities won’t be later, they will be now.

Vice President Moreno told me he will always be ally of Special Olympics, and on behalf of our athletes and the Movement, we could not be more thankful for this inspirational ally, leader, friend, partner, and supporter. He told me that we will not stop until every person with disabilities has full rights. I could not agree more.

I ask that you join Vice President Moreno in this fight for full dignity of people with intellectual disabilities and commit to fight until the end. As the Vice President stated, we have much work to do. Each of us has the ability to help unite and change the world and what a force we will be if we all come together and follow Vice President Moreno’s lead!