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“Get kids moving and give them the means to do it.” Inspired by this mission, Special Olympics Oregon (USA) designed the Program's first Youth Games presented by NikeGO. More than 1,200 children and their family members turned out in May for the unveiling of this engaging and innovative initiative designed to increase youth participation in Special Olympics Oregon sports programs.
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Shelby Weaver makes a dash at the softball skill station. |
The Youth Games, which were open to families with children ages 8 to 20 with intellectual disabilities, were designed to introduce youth and their families to the Special Olympics experience. These young athletes had the opportunity to take part in golf, softball and athletics. Although registration didn't officially begin until 8:30 a.m., families began to pour into the registration area at 7:30 a.m.
Paula Peterson, a parent of one of the participants, summed up the day, saying, “The Youth Games event was such a special day for my son and me. My son chose to participate in golf, which is something he really only knows about through his experience with a Mario video game. He loved playing for real, and I loved the physical activity.”
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Isaiah Suarez Ortiz (left) gets instruction from volunteer Jan Lucas. |
As a result of their participation, 100 youth signed up as new Special Olympics Oregon athletes.
In addition, information about Special Olympics sports and Healthy Athletes® programs were available throughout the day. Joan Medlen, Clinical Advisor, Health Literacy & Communications, Special Olympics Health Promotion, said it was great to see families she has known for years experience Special Olympics, some for the first time. “It's been a long time since I've seen so many smiles on the faces of people getting active in one place?everyone was enjoying themselves!”
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Participants learn that warm-up exercises prepare them for more intense play. |
Special Olympics Oregon Youth Games is a project funded by a Nike grant and is part of a larger NikeGO initiative created to combat childhood obesity by encouraging children to get involved in sports. And the children won't have to wait long. The next Special Olympics Oregon Youth Games will be held 6 October 2007.
(Jean Hansen is the Director of Youth Games and Outreach for Special Olympics Oregon)
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