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together in PIAA competitions . And this school year , McDowell also established a unified bocce team and recently hosted their inaugural match at the school against General McLane .
While Special Olympics Pennsylvania programming begins with sports , athletes also enjoy health screenings , leadership training and a greater sense of connection . All these opportunities are made possible by a team of incredible volunteers – program leaders , coaches , mentors , unified partners and event help .
To learn how to get involved , visit www . specialolympicspa . org , contact Executive Director Deanna Renaud at drenaud @ specialolympicspa . org or stop in at the Regional Office located inside Erie Sports Center , 8161 Oliver Road .
WELCOMING SPECIAL OLYMPICS AND ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES
The Erie Sports Center is a world class regional multi-sport facility that is inclusive in all its programs . The Center offers 10 different sports - soccer , baseball , lacrosse , softball , wrestling , basketball , volleyball , pickleball , football and drum corps - that vary from recreational to elite level . The home of sports and entertainment in Erie is also the home of Special Olympics Western Pennsylvania and the Arc Erie County ’ s annual Buddy Walk . With new facilities being built such as a miracle field and highperformance sports science center , and new programs being rolled out that cater to both able bodied and disabled athletes and unified leagues , the Erie Sports Center is a welcoming , professional environment for disabled athletes who are looking for recreational sporting opportunities or the ability to train as an elite athlete . This will also allow Erie to become a regional tournament hub for Special Olympics providing more local opportunities for disabled athletes . Troy Bingham , owner of the Erie Sports Center said , “ We are really excited about the annual Buddy Walk and Special Olympics being based at the Sports Center and we look forward to growing more specialized programming and facilities to support disabled athletes in the region .”
Contributors : Katherine Reim , The Arc Erie County and Achieva Family Trust , kreim @ achieva . info Mike Fiorelli , Community Resources for Independence , mfiorelli @ crinet . org Deanna Renaud , Special Olympics , drenaud @ specialolympicspa . org Troy Bingham , Erie Spots Center , troybingham @ bigpond . com
The Niagara Network is a group of business professionals affiliated with the human services industry . If you would like to join or find out more information about the group and its members , contact Katherine Reim at kreim @ achieva . info or 814.504.5556 .
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