SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2016
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St. Mary’s Men Club donation helps support Special Olympics in Florence
to each State Games event. Volunteer
coaches are responsible for training the
athletes, must pass a background check
and complete a certification program
prior to becoming Special Olympics
coaches.
Special Olympics Oregon serves
more than 8,000 participants with
intellectual disabilities through partici-
pation in 14 Olympic-type sports over
three sports seasons.
Through its signature sports pro-
grams, athletes gain self-confidence,
social competency and other enhanced
skills, giving them continuing opportu-
nities to develop physical fitness,
demonstrate courage, experience joy
and participate in a sharing of gifts,
skills and friendships.
St. Mary’s Men’s Club donated $500
to Special Olympics.
For more information contact head
coach Linda Stent at 541-991-3161 or
email her at lstent@charter.net.
COURTESY PHOTO
Dan Gilday, St Mary’s Men’s Club treasurer (far right), presents Linda Stent (center), Director of
Special Olympics, with a check for $500 for use by Special Olympics. Also present were Special
Olympics’ athlete Jake Pearson (far left) and his father, John Pearson.
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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
In every corner of the state, Special
Olympics Oregon is changing the lives
of people with intellectual disabilities.
Now it is Florence’s turn.
Local organizations, including St.
Mary’s Men’s Club, are donating to
bring Special Olympics sports to the
area.
Bowling is the first Special
Olympics sport organized in the
Florence area, with practices being
held Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
Anyone who has been identified as
having an intellectual (or cognitive)
disability by a medical professional is
eligible to be involved in Special
Olympics. Athletes must be at least 8
years old to compete. There is no upper
age limit.
However, athletes can participate in
practices at age 6.
There is no cost to join Special
Olympics, or any cost to train or com-
pete. Special Olympics raises funds
through sponsorships, private dona-
tions and special events.
Special Olympics athletes train
intensely for at least eight weeks prior