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Local ‘Little Stars’ join Special Olympics lineup |
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Monday, 23 February 2009 |
“Little Stars” of Ascent Children’s Health Services in Benton is the first team of its age group to join the ranks of Special Olympics in Arkansas.
This is the first and only program in the state for children ages 3-7, said Ann Hudson, director of Area 10 Special Olympics.
Area 10 includes Saline, Hot Spring, Garland, Clark and Pike counties.
“This is exciting. The kids are excited about it and Ascent’s staff is incredible,” she said.
The first event, a bowling tournament, was held last week at Ascent Children’s Health.
“It went off really well,” Hudson said. “The kids were energetic and the parents were really supportive.”
The next event for the children will be on Saturday, April 25, at Hornet Field at Bryant High School. That day is when the area games will be held.
“Between the day and evening activities, during lunch, the Little Stars will have their track meet,” Hudson said. “And the rest of the kids will be on the sidelines cheering them on.”
Being involved with Special Olympics goes hand in hand with what Ascent does. A day treatment program, Ascent provides assistance for children with developmental delays and special needs.
Before the track meet, “the kids can practice at their school, which will help improve their balance and direction,” Hudson said.
Angela Akers-Rennels of Ascent Children’s Health said by participating in Special Olympics the children learn sportsmanship such as taking turns and cheering for their teammates.
“Bowling is a lifelong skill something the kids can do with their families or on a team once they enter high school,” she said. “We are excited that children 3-7 now have the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics. We are hoping this will prepare the children to compete in the Special Olympics competition arena for children ages 8 and up or organized sports on the public school level.”
In the future, Hudson said, “We’re looking at having kickball and the popular game, baggo, for Special Olympics.”
Benton police Sgt. Kevin Russell, who is involved with Special Olympics, said he enjoyed the opportunity to meet the Little Stars.
“It was a really neat event to attend, and I was honored that they invited me and asked me to hand out awards to those who participated,” he said. “I thought it was a really great event, and there are more great events planned throughout the year.”
He noted the Area 10 power lifting event that will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at Bryant Fitness Zone.
“I’m really looking forward to that as well,” he said.
Others who helped at last week’s bowling tournament included Benton police Capt. Jeff Besancon; Benton firefighter Brett Nalley; Benton fire engineer Gil Carpenter; state Rep. Barbara Nix, D-Benton; Connie Black of the Hot Springs Civitan Club; Paula Calhoun of Area 10 Special Olympics; Nathan and Robin Nelson of the Bryant Junior Civitan Club; and Samantha Stokley of the Bryant Civitan Club.
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