Mr. Christie declared that his tenure as leader of this Movement has contributed immeasurably to the quality of his personal life and the appreciation of the talents and abilities of those whom our society brand as disabled.  He commented that often he was commended for his dedication to the lives of the special athletes, but he declared that he himself was the one who benefited from his association with the athletes.  From them he learned the true meaning of courage, determination and the will to succeed in spite of challengers and handicaps.  

Christie will continue on the Board as a director until the reminder of his term (one more year), and hopes to be a part of the Movement for as long as they need him.  

The leadership now passes to the Deputy Chairman, Mr. Nello Lambert, who has been a director of the Board for 6 years, and has worked closely with the Chairman on all of the many projects and programs.  Mr. Christie registered his confidence in the new leadership and emphasized that the Board of Directors is an experienced, well-trained, well-organized and dedicated body, and is very capable to taking this Movement to greater heights.  He expressed his hope that the Board continue the goal of spreading Special Olympics throughout other islands.  

He appeals to the coaches, athletes, families, volunteers and partners to give the leadership all the support needed to continue the development of Special Olympics in the Bahamas.