Laos Outreach
Special Shoes for Special People
- 15-year-old Ouan
- Ouan Runs in His New Shoes
- More New Shoes!
- Laos Special Olympics
- Laos Special Olympics
- Laos Special Olympics
LAOS - “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” SPECIAL OLYMPICS MOTTO
One step. Two steps. Three steps. More. Soon 15-year-old Ouan hits his stride running like the wind, at least in his heart. It’s a great feat for this special athlete from Laos, made possible by a gift of athletic shoes from Operation Blessing.
“In the past, I didn’t have the good shoes to wear for playing sports. I felt pain when I ran without the shoes. Now, it is comfortable and convenient when I wear these shoes to play sports.” Ouan says. “I wear them to school too. I like the shoes. They are beautiful, and keep me warm when I wear them in cooler weather.”
In a recent ceremony Operation Blessing gave 92 pairs of shoes to 58 athletes from the Special Olympics Team, and to 34 people with physical disabilities.
“I feel happy that I can get the shoes for playing sports! I felt so excited on the day I went to receive the shoes because they fit me. They are not too small and not too big.” Ouan says.
Several Special Olympic staff assistants who have some disabilities of their own say they tried unsuccessfully in the past to get shoes for the athletes. So this gift touches their hearts even more now.
“I am happy that I got the sports shoes. The children (athletes) and I have never received them before. We received clothes, but never shoes.” Mr. Khamphon says. “We are very happy that CBN thinks we are important and cares about disabled people.”
CBN has been distributing shoes in Laos since 2008. As of February 2011 Operation Blessing has given out 4000 pairs. While shoes might seem like a small gift to some people, they make a big difference in the lives of these Laos athletes. Not only do they use them for competition, but the shoes also help when the weather is cold by keeping their feet warm, so they wear them to school, to play, and to do other activities.
“If I had to buy them myself, I could not afford it because they are too expensive for me on my small income.” Mr. Thongchanh says.
Ouan hopes he can get the shoes again in the future. In the meantime, even though he’s only 15 years old, he knows one way he can show his thanks that will really matter. He prays for the people who gave him such a critical gift.
“Thank you CBN. I wish the donors have strong health, no sicknesses, no other pain, and a long life.” Ouan says.
When you give to CBN you are helping children like these young athletes in Laos. It makes an incredible difference in their lives. If you are not yet involved, please join us. It’s easy to lend a helping hand help bring a message of hope to people throughout the world. Become a partner today!
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