Photo caption: The Kingman School District’s Special Olympics program holds two “first evers”. One was a fundraiser, “A Night in Hollywood”, to finance sending athletes to the Arizona Special Olympics for the first time. Photo by Allen Scott
KINGMAN – Some thirty volunteers pitched in to get things ready for “A Night in Hollywood” staged at Kingman High School for a benefit for the Kingman Unified School District’s Special Olympics program.
The event was the first foray into fund raising for the group. Tyffnee Stewart, the school district’s Special Olympics Coordinator, explains the reason for “A Night in Hollywood”.
“This event is going to really help us gather funds for state this year. It’s the very first time that we’re qualifying for state games down in Goodyear, Arizona.”
Heretofore, the big event was an end of school year “Fun Day” held at the school. Ms. Stewart outlines the basic structure of the program that empathizes life skills as well as athletic involvement.
“Non disabled persons” are partnered with “disabled persons” where the non-disabled person mentors the athletes. They just kind of root’em on during the competitions, as well as just teach them those skills and social skills (need in life), and just are building great relationships.”
Seventh grader Patrick Sawadki, who participates in any sport offered, likes basketball the best. He talks about one of the things “partners” do for the athletes.
Special Olympics athlete Patrick Sawadki (left) helps District Coordinator Tyffnee Stewart (center) and two volunteers with decorations for the “A Night in Hollywood” fundraiser. The money raised is to finance athletes to the Special Olympics Arizona State competition. Photo by Allen Scott
“They just help us understand our responsibilities by doing this. And help us save up money so we can learn how to save money when we need to.”
The fund raising “A Night in Hollywood” played to a ‘full house’ at the Kingman High School Multi-purpose area to benefit the Kingman Unified School District’s Special Olympics program. Musicians from the Kingman High School music program supplied the evening’s entertainment.
It was all about trying to gather together enough money to be able to sponsor their Special Olympics athletes for the first time ever at the upcoming State Special Olympics. If you can help, contact the KUSD Special Olympics coordinator at 928-753-5678
