Marian Catholic High School Hosts Special Olympics

On May 15, Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights was host for the Region E Culminating Event for the Young Athletes of Special Olympics.

Over 150 athletes between the ages of two and seven from Cook, Will and Grundy Counties took part in activities designed to help them improve physically, cognitively and socially.

Traditionally, to compete in Special Olympics, an athlete had to be eight years of age, leaving a large gap in a very important developmental age. In 2006, Special Olympics piloted a gross motor-sports play program for young children, with and without intellectual disabilities to introduce them into the world of sports.

The Young Athletes program provides athletes who are not old enough to participate in Traditional Special Olympics competitions the opportunity to begin preparing for those events.

Marian Catholic students lend emotional support to the athletes by making posters for each child and participating in an Opening Ceremony that includes a torch relay with Chicago Heights police officer escorts. Marian Catholic students line the path holding posters, pinwheels, and ribbon wands to encourage the young athletes.

Seniors volunteer to organize and oversee the individual activities.

“Involving the students in the day helps them gain a sense of appreciation for all people, regardless of their limitations and celebrate their ‘abilities’ rather than focus on their ‘disabilities,’ said Denise Iggins, Faculty Coordinator of Marian Catholic’s Discovery in Service Program. “It is an opportunity to show respect and inclusion towards all.”

This is the fourth year Marian Catholic has hosted the Regional Young Athletes event.

For more information, http://www.marianchs.com/

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