| During
the past year fund raising efforts have not been
able to keep up with the costs required to send
local Special Olympics Athletes to the various
athletic competitions, such as Summer Games in Terre
Haute and Winter Games in Paoli.
Delaware
County athletes participate all year long in a
variety of sports including athletics, swimming,
basketball, bowling, power lifting, bocce,
horseshoes, skiing, snowshoeing, flag football,
volleyball, softball, and golf. The budget for
all of these activities totals $35,000.
The
goal of for the athletes in Delaware County is:
-
To help them know what they are capable of and
what
they can do
- To foster pride in themselves and in their
achievements
- Sports training/competition that adds additional
growth
mentally, socially, and spiritually
It
is important to note that Delaware County Special
Olympics has to raise its funds by itself through
various ways. Delaware County receives no
financial support from the state or national
levels. It is an all-volunteer program and all
monies raised stays in Delaware County to support
our local athletes and programs. The United
Way of Delaware County does not support us in any
way.
Regrettably,
we find ourselves at a point right now where we
might not be able to send all of the athletes to the
Summer Games that qualify and/or would like to
attend. For the Summer Games alone the cost to
send 110 Athletes and Volunteer Coaches is $100 per
person, totaling $11,000. This three-day event
is eagerly looked forward to year round by all
athletes. The cost per person includes
housing, food, uniforms, and transportation to
Indiana State University where the competition is
held.
You
could help sponsor Athletes this year by sending
your contribution to:
Special
Olympics of Delaware County
P.O. Box 176
Muncie, Indiana 47308
Donations can be
dropped off at any local Old National Bank branch. |