Saturday, April 10, 2010
9:30am-3pm
Meridian High School
1900 W. Pine Ave.
Meridian, ID 83642

Having fun, developing skills and building self-esteem, all while participating in year-round sports training and competition is the life of a Special Olympics Idaho athlete. With the opportunities to excel and have fun, come the associated benefits of improved health and self-image. The lessons learned in Special Olympics also impact the life skills of the athletes. Sports’ training enhances focus and gives participants a structure for learning important lessons about perseverance, endurance and setting goals. Sound good to you? Come experience it for yourself at Project Unify Youth Games at Meridian High School on Saturday, April 10th.

From a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities to a global movement of more than 3 million athletes, Special Olympics has been changing lives and attitudes for more than 40 years. The Project Unify Youth Games are an opportunity for youth, families, volunteers and educators to experience Special Olympics through a unique day of sports, fun and activities. There is no training or practice required prior to the event just an online registration form or a mail in registration form due by March 19, 2010.

Participants will choose between basketball, soccer and track & field sports clinics. The Parents Pavilion allows families and volunteers to connect with organizations and services from around the Treasure Valley. There will be resources on getting your school involved, local Special Olympics programs and even how to start your own team!

Project Unify Youth Games will bring together youth with and without intellectual disabilities, grades k-12 and ages 5-21, who attend school or receive related services. Youth without intellectual disabilities have an opportunity to participate in Special Olympics through the Unified Sports Program, a program that unites youth with and without intellectual disabilities on the playing field. Youth competing side by side leads to great understanding and acceptance by peers without disabilities, but also improved social skills and confidence for the athletes with intellectual disabilities-not to mention long-lasting friendships that extend into the classroom and the community.

Youth with intellectual disabilities will benefit from the FREE medical screenings at Medfest. This means that families leave with their children eligible, registered and ready to begin participation through their local Special Olympics Idaho program. All participants will receive a t-shirt and the participant plus one parent/guardian will receive a free lunch.

Schedule of Events
9:30am - 10:00am Check In
10:15am - 10:30am Opening Ceremonies
10:45am - 12:00pm Sports Clinics
12:00pm - 12:30pm Lunch
12:30pm - 1:45pm Sports Clinics Continue
2:00pm - 2:15pm Closing Ceremony
3:00pm - Parents’ Pavilion and MedFest Close

Love it! What do I do next?

Please contact Shanna Endow with any questions regarding this event. sendow@idso.org or 208-724-1717