Community Corner
Special Olympic Young Athlete Program a Huge Success
Cranford kids gather with their "buddies" each week
Every Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., dedicated teenage volunteers from Cranford gather together with their "buddies" to participate in the Young Athlete Program, which is designed for children with special needs between the ages of three and seven years old. The goal of the class is to help develop the skills needed to eventually compete in the Special Olympics, which begins at age eight.
The program was initiated last year under the directorship of Sally Curci, a local resident and teacher, who has two children with special needs.
Curci has already seen the success of the children in the program, not only from a physical standpoint, but from a social aspect as well. And much of the credit goes to the volunteers, made up of middle school and high school students who can't wait until Saturday morning just to see the kids' smiling faces.
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"This program would not succeed if it wasn't for our dedicated teenage volunteers who get up early each and every Saturday to make this dream a reality," said Curci. "These teenagers become "buddies" and work one-on-one with the children in a group setting. The bonds that have been formed are amazing. Sometimes I wonder who is having more fun, the younger children or the older children."
At first, many of the children are unable to participate, at least initially, in a typical gym environment. The parents know that every child is safe and welcome in the program, and that they don't have to worry about "unique behaviors". A child may start the program not participating at all, or running all around the gym, but as the weeks and months go by, they are not only participating, but excelling in the activities.
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"To see the progress of each child from the beginning of the program to the end is just miraculous," added Curci. "It truly brings tears to your eyes. Many of the children will eventually compete in inclusive recreation activities as well."
For more information about the program, you can contact the Cranford Community Center at 709-7283.
