Parent Teacher Magazine Cabarrus County Schools Nov/Dec 2018 | Página 11

Mission: Special Olympics mission is to Cabarrus County Special Olympics training and competition opportunities in 17 sports. Practices for most of these sports are offered in the evening during the week. The sports are offered at no cost to the qualifying individuals. Below is a list of the sports each season: provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Fall - Basketball, Bocce, Equestrian, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, & Bowling (starts in September) Winter - Alpine Skiing/Snowboarding (starts in October) & Cheerleading (starts in October) Spring - Swimming (starts in February), Athletics, Powerlifting, Cycling, Softball & Volleyball. Eligibility: To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, an athlete must be at least eight years old and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: an intellectual disability, cognitive delay as measured by a formal assessment, or a closely related developmental disability (meaning that person has functional limitations in learning and adaptive skills). We also have a young athletes program that 3-7 year olds can participate in. All athletes must have a current athlete participation form on file. At this time, Special Olympics Cabarrus County serves over 750 qualifying individuals. SPRING GAMES: This event is a two day track & field competition for qualifying individuals. All athletes are rewarded for their efforts. Athletes can compete through their school, group home or adult agency or as an individual. Spring Games 2018 is on April 11th for middle school, high school, and adults and April 12th for elementary school students. YOUNG ATHLETES PROGRAM: This program is for individuals ages 3-7 years old. It teaches individuals fine and gross motor skills to prepare them for sports. At the time, we offer this program at the Mary Frances Wall Center and McKnight Child Development Center. What does Special Olympics Cabarrus offer? SPORTS PROGRAM: Throughout the year, Special Olympics Cabarrus County offers Visit www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us for more information. Cabarrus County Schools Kids:Plus Program • safe and healthy environment • unique enrichment and recreational program incorporating learning and fun • breakfast (morning programs and full day programs) and lunch (on full day programs) • after school snack • 4H included in curriculum • staff members trained in CPR & First Aid • all staff members are Cabarrus County Schools employees www.cabarrus.k12.nc.us/kidsplus 704.786.5699 The Kids:Plus Before & After School Program includes: KIDS:PLUS is the only before and after school child care in Cabarrus County conveniently located at each elementary school.