Special Olympics   "Let me win, or let me be brave in the attempt"   On 17 December last year in Skopje, the founding assembly of the Special Olympics, which is now registered as a civic association, took place. This association was founded by a group of enthusiasts aiming to integrate people with intellectual disabilities in the social life. They will try to accomplish their goal through sports engagements of these people. -The Special Olympics mission is to provide conditions and re-socialization of mentally handicapped people. The Special Olympics is a foundation, initiated by the famous American family, Kennedy. It was created by Joseph Kennedy, inspired by Junice Kennedy. It is a very respectful institution in the world, supported and promoted by many famous people. Great stars such as Sting, John Bon Jovi others, prepare a Christmas CD, the money from which are donated in this foundation. We have been trying to do something similar in our country too - our member is Ivo Jankovski from the "Third Ear" production, who has been attempting to realize this idea, and we have also discussed with Avalon production who offered their support. We are hoping to have such a CD in spring. We also got the business sector support, form Siscon, and we have been negotiating with Telecom, Mobimak, Kometal, Skopje Brewery. MTV and A1 gave their full media support. We are also supported by the Macedonian President, Mr. Boris Trajkovski and Mrs. Florija Ljatifi from his cabinet, and we have referred to the Ministry of Young and Sport. We cooperate with the World Bank, USAID, OSIMF and other national organizations, among which the association "Poraka" (Message), says Mr. Ognen Stamatoski, Special Olympics - Macedonia Director. Although the association was not formally registered, last year Mr. Stamatoski and his associates realized several activities: a children ping-pong team took part at the Special Olympics Balkan Championship in Banja Luka, and in April 2002, the Macedonian Football Team came third at the Special Olympics of Three Continents that took place in Athens. The preparations for this year's Special Olympics that will take place from 20 to 29 June are in progress. Macedonia will participate with several teams. -These successes, as well as the sole participation, are a great stimulus for the people with metal disabilities. We find it most important to motivate both parents and children and attract those who are not part of the institutions. Unfortunately, many of them are isolated and "hidden", and all we want is to encourage them and make them part of the social events. At the same time, it is very important to influence the public to accept them more and to overcome the prejudices, says Mr. Stamatoski.   M. Ivanova