Two mothers are leading an effort to bring Special Olympics programming back to Wrangell, launching a search for community volunteers to help establish a permanent, year-round athletic calendar for residents with special needs.
Organizers Christy Good and Holly Hammer succeeded in getting representatives from the Special Olympics Alaska headquarters in Anchorage to come to Wrangell for an informational meeting at 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Elks Lodge for anyone interested in participating or volunteering.
Both women have children with special needs who have previously participated in the organization’s events.
Hammer’s son, Carter, competed in 2017 during the last Special Olympics event held in Wrangell.
Good’s 24-year-old daughter, Keely, has participated in various activities across the nation as the family moved over the years.
Good specifically wants to involve the Elks Lodge bowling alley for the bowling season, which runs from August to November, due to the sport’s immense popularity and accessibility.
To participate in Special Olympics, eligible athletes must be at least 8 years old and have a documented intellectual or developmental disability. There is no maximum age limit for adults. Children ages 2 ½ to 7 can participate in early developmental motor-skill training.
“There are plenty of opportunities to be active with the Special Olympics,” Good said. “That’s why volunteers are so important because everything within the program runs on volunteerism.”
“Every child deserves the chance to be seen for their strengths, not defined by their challenges,” Good added. “Kids with disabilities have incredible resilience, determination and joy to share, and it’s our responsibility to create opportunities where they can shine, belong and reach their full potential.”
