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PRESENTATION CONCERNING THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS - BARRIE CHAPTER
Dawn Windross, Community Coordinator for the Special Olympics Ontario - Barrie Chapter provided a presentation concerning the Barrie Community of Special Olympics Ontario.
Ms. Windross advised that there are currently 250 athletes that train year round for the Special Olympic sports programs and that the Barrie Chapter of Special Olympics is a non-profit organization which relies soley on volunteers and fundraised money to support their many programs. Ms. Windross noted that athletes who train for the Special Olympics sports programs have been shown to experience a boost in their confidence level and take great pride in their accomplishments.
Ms. Windross discussed slides concerning the following topics:
• Photographs illustrating the many Special Olympic sports programs;
• The Community Partnerships and Sponsors;
• The Special Olympics Provincial, National and World Games;
• The training associated with Special Olympics sports programs;
• The role of the Healthy Athlets program offered by Special Olympics; and
• Photographs illustrating Barrie’s Top Special Olympic Athletes.
Ms. Windross discussed the challenges faced by Special Olympics Ontario Barrie Chapter such as fundraising, the need for more volunteers and training space for their athletes. Ms. Windross commented that their organization has seen an increase in the participants in the Special Olympics sports programs and are struggling to find an Olympic size rubber track for their athletes to train.
Trevor Knight, showcased the Olympic medals he has won at the Special Olympic Games.
The Committee provided their comments to Ms. Windross and received responses. The Committee will invite staff from Recreation Services to a future meeting to discuss potential training space.