Fauquier Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international program of year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The concept was born in the early 1960s when Mrs. Shriver started a day camp for individuals who are developmentally/cognitively delayed. She saw that people who were developmentally/cognitively delayed were far more capable in sports and physical activities than many experts thought.
Who is eligible to participate?
Anyone 8 or older who has an intellectual disability can become a Special Olympics athlete. Athletes age 2-7 are eligible to participate in a Young Athletes® program.
Participation in Special Olympics training and competition is open to all persons with an intellectual disability, a cognitive delay or a closely related developmental disability who are at least 8 years old regardless of how mild or severe the person’s disability, and whether or not that person also has other mental or physical disabilities.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
Summer Games Reminders
May 26 Medicals due for Summer Games by 5 PM to Harrisonburg Office
June 11 – 13 Summer Games again will be held in part at St. Christopher’s School this year. Shuttle buses will run on Friday and Saturday to and from the University of Richmond to St. Christopher’s.
For those planning early, the family hotel at Summer Games will be the Richmond Crown Plaza West located on Broad Street. The
rate is $74.00 per room. Please contact Leisha Santilli at 804-612-1609 or lsantilli@specialolympicsva.org.
Summer Games Demonstrations
Mini-javelin was added as an athletics event last year. Several National Games athletes will compete in the mini-javelin this summer. A mini-javelin demonstration will be held at Summer Games. Areas may choose to offer this event at Area competitions.
A Young Athletes demonstration will also be included in Summer Games. Children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 – 7 will have the opportunity to participate in modified track events and receive a Young Athletes ribbon.
"The 2010 Fauquier Special Olympics Track and Field event was a great success. The weather was perfect and thanks to the wonderful volunteers the athletes had plenty of help and support. Volunteers came from Boy Scout Troop 10, Liberty High School, Fauquier High School, Kettle Run High School, Highland School, Taylor Middle School, Wakefield School, LFCC and other very generous local organizations that support this annual event. Shown here are members of Troop 10 receiving their certificates at their recognition ceremony. The support continuing support of these organizations and individuals make these events possible. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP."
