Happening Now
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The Congress In Photos
See NEW daily photos of the happenings at the Global Congress through photos and words.
See the slideshow

Reflections From Marrakech
Jenni and Jason Newbury are youth delegates at the Global Congress. Here is their reflection on day one.

"Today was phenomenal," says Jason Newbury, a Special Olympics athlete from New Jersey. This is an impressive statement, especially from someone who spent a lot of the day recovering from the jet lag. For Jason, Robyn, and myself, this trip is already exciting: it is our first time in Morocco, and our first time flying internationally. It is a thrill not only to experience this new country, but to meet people from so many other countries at the same time. The day began with inspiration and motivation from our leaders and hosts. By the time lunch hit, we felt ready for activation. We enjoyed wrestling with both the family and youth issues within the "Building Communities" track. One large takeaway for the three of us was found in the many distinct struggles of various countries. It is hard to push forward without leaving others behind, to make new goals when some programs are not yet satisfied with their performance on the old ones. We have to keep the mindset of being one body, with many parts. We can all have the same goal, the same purpose, the same internal drive, but it may be put into action in unique ways for different programs. This is why creativity is so important over the next few days. We must not only think of ideas and solutions for the problems in our own region, but work towards a future for all of us.

 Upcoming Events
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What's Happening Tomorrow

» The SOI Board of Directors will meet.

» General Session and Panel Discussion on Build Communities. Learn from agents of change on how to build stronger communities for our athletes.

Panalists include: 
° Aaron Williams, Director of the Peace Corp
° Jorge Santini, Mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico
° Dina Galal, IGM, Special Olympics Egypt
° Maria Shriver, first Lady of California

» Youth from around the world will follow the discussion with their own opinions of how to build communities.

» Delegates will receive a preview of the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games - Athens, Greece.

» The Congress will close with an inspirational Closing Ceremony and Sports Experience.

» Dinner will be a spectacular affair hosted by the Ministry of Tourism.

 Departure Information
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Departure Information for Delegates
Although it feels like many of you just arrived in Marrakech, it is now time to begin confirming departure transportation details. The Ministry of Interior has now confirmed with Global Congress organizers the following information:

Departures out of Casablanca Airport:
Luggage:
You must bring your luggage to the lobby of YOUR HOTEL NO LATER than 6 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure time. This extra time is needed to load your luggage before your departure to the airport.

Persons:
Please be in the lobby of YOUR HOTEL NO LATER than 5 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure time in order to meet your transportation and depart for Casablanca.

Departures out of Marrakech Airport:
Luggage:
You must bring your luggage to the lobby of YOUR HOTEL NO LATER than 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure time. This extra time is needed to load your luggage before your departure to the airport.

Persons:
Please be in the lobby of YOUR HOTEL NO LATER than 2 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure time in order to meet your transportation and depart for Casablanca.

It is important to note that delegates and/or guests staying in Morocco past June 10 for unofficial/personal business will need to arrange their own transportation to the respective airport.

Should you be notified of changes to your originally booked flight itinerary prior to your scheduled departure from your hotel, please notify Congress organizers at globalcongress@specialolympics.org. If your flight(s) were booked directly through SOI travel consultant Kris Tase, he will be available in Marrakech to help resolve any flight issues. He can be reached via e-mail at kris.tase@garbertravel.com.

IMPORTANT:
Hotel Bill:
Upon checkout, you are responsible to pay for any additional charges directly with the hotel that you incurred during your stay. This includes any charges you made to your room.