Jonathan Shaw,Minister for Disabled People, explains the importance of challenging preconceptions through high-profile sporting events.

The Special Olympics provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talents of people with learning disabilities, and challenge preconceptions about the capabilities of disabled people.

People with learning disabilities are among the most socially excluded in the UK and it is vital we use major events like the Special Olympics to tackle these issues.

The Special Olympics is open to all people with learning disabilities and a number of gold medals are awarded in each sport. It provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with learning disabilities. This gives athletes the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and share friendships with other athletes and the wider community.

Special Olympics Great Britain currently provides a free sports programme to more than 8,000 children and adults across Great Britain through 135 clubs. Athletes in Britain can develop skills and further independence by volunteering as coaches in Britain, with Special Olympics GB. Directgov was proud to sponsor the athletics event at the Special Olympics.

The Special Olympics is, of course, distinct from the Paralympic Games, which provides elite level sports competition every four years.

London 2012 will provide a wonderful opportunity to drive a real change in society’s perceptions of disabled people.

Although entering people with learning disabilities into the Paralympics is a decision for the International Paralympics Association, the Government fully supports the efforts to see athletes with learning disabilities competing once again in the Paralympics.

It is encouraging that the International Paralympic Committee envisages having systems in place to enable athletes with learning disabilities to participate in London 2012.

I have been impressed by programmes that raise the awareness of learning disability more widely, such as the Healthy Athletes programme at the World Winter Games in Idaho. People with learning disabilities were visibly involved at the World Winter Games, not only as athletes, but as performers and presenters at the Opening Ceremony, and behind the scenes as volunteers.

It is important that we learn from all these successful programmes and opportunities to raise the awareness of disabilities on a global scale in 2012.