Special Olympics District of Columbia
WISH LIST: $100: sponsors 1 athlete for Summer Games competition; $500: 30 basketballs for 500 athletes in an 8-week session; $1000: 250 competition medals for Summer Games
Special Olympics began in the early 1960’s when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a day camp for people with mental retardation, and everyone realized that the participants were far more capable, and benefited in far more ways, from sports and physical activities than many experts had believed possible. In 1969 Special Olympics District of Columbia began its fledgling program with a handful of athletes – now 1,500 strong each year. An 8 to 10-week training schedule, followed by a competition and awards ceremony, gives all athletes the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share their gifts with others. Sites in Wards 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 offer aquatics, basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, soccer, speed skating, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. The entire program, including athletic uniforms, transportation, equipment, and awards, is offered at no cost. This year, two athletes will go to Shanghai, China for the 2007 International Games – a perfect example of the transformative impact Special Olympics can have. Catalogue donors: step up to the plate.
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Stephen A Hocker Executive Director |
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