The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities, who wish to participate, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Palm Avenue School supports the mission of Special Olympics by offering many opportunities for our students to participate in Special Olympics activities and events. Sports are offered seasonally, with 8 weeks of practice preceding local County competition, followed by Area competition, and culminating with State competition. There are opportunities for individual as well as team competition.
The following Special Olympic sports are offered to Palm Avenue School students:
Bowling: June-November
Flag Football: September-December
Basketball: November-February
Soccer: January-May
Track
Athletics (Track & Field): January-May
Swimming: May-October
Each potential athlete is required to complete an Application for Participation Medical Form that is signed by a Physician and the Parent / Guardian of the athlete. Special Olympic medicals are scheduled free of charge at Palm Avenue in the month of August each year. Special Olympic Application for Participation Medical Forms are valid for 3 years.
Individuals who are interested in learning more about Palm Avenue Special Olympics can contact Bob Graver at 693-7516, ext. 107. Special Olympic athletes at Palm Avenue School personify the Special Olympic Oath:
"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt"!