special olympics

The temperature outside may have been in the mid-teens, but that did not stop dozens of people from going for a swim.

In one of the European Union’s poorest countries, Valeriu Nicolae hopes to reform the damage done to the most vulnerable demographic: children. Nicolae's humanitarian organization, Casa Buna, helps young Romanians receive basic necessities and education. The organization helps 315 children, giving them things like toothbrushes, clothing and school supplies on the condition that they stay in school. Nicolae has long been an advocate to aid poor children in order to prevent them from dropping out of school and turning to substance abuse. His goal is to bring about greater social change.

Participant Clinton 'Clint' Chandler holds the torch during the relay. He was one of several BYU Special Olympic athletes to participate in the torch relay. (Maddi Dayton)

A Special Olympics delegation from Egypt celebrates the opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics Summer World Games. (LDS Public Affairs)