President Klaus Iohannis declared on Tuesday, at the decoration ceremony of the Special Olympics Foundation in Romania, that inclusion represents a "goal that we must achieve across the entire society and in all aspects of our lives".

"Inclusion is a goal that we must achieve across the entire society and in all aspects of our lives, and the Special Olympics movement actively contributes to attaining this goal. Through the activities you carry out, you change mentalities, root out prejudices, promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity," said the head of the state. "At the same time, you manage to convey confidence to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are in great need of support and encouragement, and you give them a strong voice, drawing attention to their specific needs and the challenges they face. Also, through education and sports, you support youth and entire communities and provide an extra chance for a better future for Romania," the president pointed out.

Iohannis emphasized that Special Olympics athletes set an eloquent example of strength and determination.

"Dear brave athletes, you are role models for the entire society, you constantly show what success really means and you constantly demonstrate that, through ambition and perseverance, obstacles can be overcome and success is possible. Your positive attitude, confidence in your own strength, the courage with which you face every challenge and the way you keep getting better at what you do is an inspiration to us all. At each competition you participate in you win us over with your incredible stories and impressive performances that touch our hearts and motivate us to believe that what sometimes seems insurmountable is possible when you don't give up and put in substantial efforts to achieve your goals. I wish you to stay as brave as so far and continue to surpass yourselves with each challenge," Klaus Iohannis told the attendance.

The head of the state also congratulated the representatives of the Special Olympics Foundation in Romania.

"I urge you to remain as attached to this cause as you are now, to continue to inspire children and young people and stand by their and their families' side. Many happy returns and good luck in your future activities," Iohannis said.

Mihai Arsenie, member of the Special Olympics Steering Committee, highlighted the importance of sport for people with mental disabilities.

"Through sports we learned to be brave, we gained more confidence in our strengths, we lead a healthy life and have more friends. Through sports we demonstrate that we have skills, qualities and talents to contribute with to an increasingly inclusive society. Thank you for putting your trust in what we can do to change mentalities around us," said Mihai Arsenie.

On Monday, President Klaus Iohannis signed the decree for awarding the Special Olympics Foundation in Romania with the Order of Merit for the Promotion of Human Rights and Social Commitment in the rank of Knight as a sign of "appreciation for the altruism, devotion and professionalism proven in the 20 years of activity dedicated to the promotion of diversity and the inclusion of intellectually disabled people through sport." AGERPRES (RO - author: Florentina Peia, editor: Andreea Rotaru; EN - editor: Simona Klodnischi)