Community can help support special athletes
Published on Thu, Mar 26, 2009 by Beckye RandallRead More Communities
Special Olympics athletes are gearing up for their spring season, with teams being formed for soccer, swimming and track.
There's only one problem, according to program manager Cheryl Davis. The local unit, based in Marysville, has no money for equipment, uniforms or awards.
Marysville School District provides generous support for the program, supplying coaching staff, facilities and transportation to most events. Greg Erickson, the district's athletic director, is "100 percent behind us," said Davis, but some of the costs must come from other sources.
Local Special Olympics chapters usually receive funding from the state organization, but this year there's a spending freeze because of the economy.
"That means we have soccer starting up, and all our soccer balls are split at the seams," said Davis.
At a recent spring league meeting, parents and caregivers were given the bad news that they would have to be more proactive in fundraising for the kids' activities.
"Having Special Olympics is so important for these kids," said Erin Ragland, a local parent whose 10-year-old son, Aiden, participates in the track and basketball programs. "They just don't have many options to play on teams or enjoy physical activity. For Aiden, there's no other extracurricular activity he can participate in."
There's no fee to register for Special Olympics teams, but Davis is asking parents to think about personal fundraising in support of the program. A car wash may take place in the next few weeks, and other sources of donations are being explored.
"We've also asked for help with administrative costs," said Davis. "Things like postage stamps, a ream of paper, printer ink or mailing labels would really make a big difference." A para-pro (formerly known as a teacher's aide) at Marshall Elementary, Davis often pays for office supply costs out of her own pocket.
"I got hooked on Special Olympics 26 years ago," said Davis, "and it's been part of my life ever since."
The Marysville Special Olympics program serves about 120 athletes each year. The local program is one of the only units in the state that continues to work with adult athletes.
Community contributions "would mean everything to this program," said Davis. Financial donations can be mailed to Cheryl Davis in care of Marshall Elementary, 4407-116th St. NE, Marysville 98271.
There's only one problem, according to program manager Cheryl Davis. The local unit, based in Marysville, has no money for equipment, uniforms or awards.
Marysville School District provides generous support for the program, supplying coaching staff, facilities and transportation to most events. Greg Erickson, the district's athletic director, is "100 percent behind us," said Davis, but some of the costs must come from other sources.
Local Special Olympics chapters usually receive funding from the state organization, but this year there's a spending freeze because of the economy.
"That means we have soccer starting up, and all our soccer balls are split at the seams," said Davis.
At a recent spring league meeting, parents and caregivers were given the bad news that they would have to be more proactive in fundraising for the kids' activities.
"Having Special Olympics is so important for these kids," said Erin Ragland, a local parent whose 10-year-old son, Aiden, participates in the track and basketball programs. "They just don't have many options to play on teams or enjoy physical activity. For Aiden, there's no other extracurricular activity he can participate in."
There's no fee to register for Special Olympics teams, but Davis is asking parents to think about personal fundraising in support of the program. A car wash may take place in the next few weeks, and other sources of donations are being explored.
"We've also asked for help with administrative costs," said Davis. "Things like postage stamps, a ream of paper, printer ink or mailing labels would really make a big difference." A para-pro (formerly known as a teacher's aide) at Marshall Elementary, Davis often pays for office supply costs out of her own pocket.
"I got hooked on Special Olympics 26 years ago," said Davis, "and it's been part of my life ever since."
The Marysville Special Olympics program serves about 120 athletes each year. The local program is one of the only units in the state that continues to work with adult athletes.
Community contributions "would mean everything to this program," said Davis. Financial donations can be mailed to Cheryl Davis in care of Marshall Elementary, 4407-116th St. NE, Marysville 98271.
blog comments powered by Disqus
