For mother Gulbahor Erkinova from Uzbekistan, Special Olympics has brought great joy to the life of her daughter Shahnoza.
Opportunities to Change Our Lives for the Better
My name is Gulbahor Erkinova. I am the mother of Shahnoza, a 15 year-old girl with Down Syndrome. We found out about Special Olympics in the beginning of 2005, through the mother of a pupil in Shanoza's school. Since then Shahnoza and I have been involved in athletics and swimming and our lives have never been the same!
As a result of her weekly training sessions, my daughter became physically stronger, cheerful and more outgoing. She now has no problem meeting other children, communicating or taking part in games.
Shahnoza also loves dancing. One day in 2007, through her dance, she changed the attitude of our neighbours towards us. She danced with enjoyment and beauty in the garden for guests coming from different republics to participate the Special Olympics Games in Bukhara (photo). It was a particularly memorable event for our family, but also for people in Makhalya district where we live. Their attitude towards our family and our daughter changed positively.
When our children do not train, we often meet with other members of the Family Program. Together, we go to the theatre, to parks, visit the circus, the zoo, amusement parks or we celebrate holidays like New Year, Navruz, International Day of Children’s Protection and other celebrations. My daughter and I meet new friends all the time. It gives me great pleasure to see the happiness on my daughter’s face when anybody from the Family Programme calls or informs us about upcoming events. Shahnoza’s reply in such cases never changes. She very simply but sincerely says: “Special Olympics juda yakhshi!” which means: “Special Olympics is very good!” Our family completely shares this opinion with Shahnoza!