Domino’s Pizza and Abaco Markets Limited (AML) are seeking to raise 50,000 dollars for Special Olympics Bahamas.

During a press conference at Domino’s Cable Beach, Ranae Knowles, vice president of marketing for AML said helping the organisation raise money for the special athletes to participate in the 2015 Summer World Games in Los Angles is a worthwhile cause.

“We see a responsibility for corporate citizens to do their part to assist Special Olympics Bahamas with this great venture in terms of encouraging persons with intellectual disabilities as well as assisting them with attending international meets,” she said.

National Director for Special Olympics Amanda Moncur thanked AML for its continued support and added that the funds will assist in the continued operation of the programe.

“This is especially exciting because we’re going to aim to raise $50,000 dollars towards maintaining our programmes locally, we train year round on various islands in various sports,” she said.

“To run the programme for the entire Bahamas cost us about $150,000. We have our national games every year. Every May or June we fly athletes in from the Family Island programmes, we house and feed them. We have tournaments that the athletes take part in throughout the year in various sports. Also the up keep of our training programs in terms of transportation, providing water and assisting coaches with training, we are spending money year round.”

She added the athletes have been working very hard and that being a part of the Special Olympics means a lot to the participants.

“We’ve seen so much growth in our athletes, it gives them so much self-worth,” she said.

“This is something they can excel in. We reward them no matter their achievement and that’s what Special Olympics is all about.”

Organisers said the programme suffered as a result of the recession but continues to thrive.

“We are looking to do more creative ways of fund raising that would incorporate Bahamians to let them know what Special Olympics is about, it’s about athletes with intellectual disabilities,” they explained.

“We want them to get them to know our athletes; we want them to get to know our charity. So were going to do more of these fund raising opportunities just so people get to know us and then want to support. Yes we have suffered but we’re still maintained but we now want to break off running with our athletes and our organisation.”

The organisation is asking for more corporate sponsors to jump on board.

Dominos Pizza donated 5,000 coupons at a value of $75, however special Olympics will sell the coupons for $5 over the next month.

AML outlets like Solomon’s Fresh Market and Solomon’s and Cost Right locations in both New Providence and Grand Bahama will be carrying the coupons.