Special Olympics hosts Young Athlete Play Day

Getting ready for some fun as the Special Olympics hosts Young Athlete Play Day Thursday

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Lots of yellow shirts looked much like worker bees from the 2nd floor of the PAC Thursday morning as volunteers prepared for a morning of activities.

Penn University students volunteered to run each event and worked as team leaders. William Penn Men’s Basketball Player Ross Howe was on hand to help out with the balance beam and said why he was there. “Want to see them have a good time”, saying he’s never helped with the Special Olympics before.

Another Men’s Basketball player, 3-point sharpshooter Taylor Stoutner, was there helping teammate Howe with the balance beam. Stoutner’s thoughts on helping out were, “I think it’s good”, and gave a chance for interaction. “It’s a good experience for them; and us too.”

“This program was created to serve children too young to participate in traditional Special Olympics Iowa games (minimum entry age being eight years and up),” said SOIA Director of Athlete Initiatives Kathy Irving. “We are thrilled with the response from the Oskaloosa community and what this program will mean for the children with intellectual disabilities and their families.”

Irving also noted the Play Days also provide networking opportunities for parents of children with intellectual disabilities. Activities for the day include: ball darts, basketball, batting, bowling, 25-foot dash, musical balance beam, ribbon routine, soccer kick, standing long jump and tennis ball throw.