| In spite of some controversy and much discussion of | | | | As the first such event in the world, the Mental Health |
| logistics, the first Mental Health Olympics will open on | | | | Olympics is expected to draw worldwide attention to |
| September 28, 2010, at the Millennium Stadium in | | | | Cardiff. Hotels in Cardiff expect to do a brisk business |
| Cardiff, Wales. | | | | to accommodate participants and attendees. The |
| The Mental Health Olympics features international | | | | event promises to bring attention to mental health |
| athletes with formally diagnosed mental health issues | | | | issues throughout the world. Since these types of |
| competing in a number of athletic events. Events for | | | | disorders have often been met with misunderstanding |
| this unique gathering were carefully chosen with an | | | | and prejudice, those involved in the Mental Health |
| eye toward possible conflict with individual mental | | | | Olympics hope to see positive results from this |
| health conditions. For example, officials will not use a | | | | international event when it comes to overall |
| traditional starting gun to begin racing competitions to | | | | perceptions of mental illness. |
| prevent triggering panic attacks or other problematic | | | | As hotels in Cardiff and other accommodations and |
| symptoms. | | | | tourist-oriented businesses gear up to meet the |
| The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved | | | | challenge of hosting an international event, athletes also |
| this new addition to the sports calander in 2008. Since | | | | continue with their preparations. For those planning to |
| then, organisers have worked diligently in conjunction | | | | attend, it would be wise to book Cardiff hotels early, |
| with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the London | | | | while accommodations are still available. |
| 2012 Organising Committee as well as the IOC to | | | | This unique event could provide a once-in-a-lifetime |
| structure the event, considering logistics of location as | | | | experience for both athletes and attendees, with the |
| well as exactly what events will be most appropriate | | | | backdrop of beautiful Cardiff making it that much more |
| for competitors. Olympic standby events such as | | | | special to those lucky enough to attend. The influx of |
| shooting competitions have been eliminated, for | | | | visitors promises to give a boost to the Cardiff |
| example, and long-distance races are under evaluation | | | | economy, generating income for retailers and shopping |
| due to the effect they could have on diagnosed | | | | outlets as well as hotels in Cardiff. Add the first ever |
| schizophrenics. Events likely to make the final list for | | | | 2010 Cardiff Olympics to your holiday calendar for |
| consideration include Taekwondo and possibly fencing | | | | next year, and be a part of this historic event. |
| and archery. | | | | |