UNITY — June 10 was full of fun, energy and loads of smiles as Special Olympics Saskatchewan Unity District (SOSUD) wanted to celebrate the year of success with the community, so they invited everyone to join them for some carnival fun in the Unity Regional Park.
“Special Olympics promotes opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, enhance skills and create friendships,” SOSUD chairperson, Shauna Hammer, said.
“We want to raise awareness about our programs, break down stigma and barriers as well as foster inclusion and belonging.”
Hammer adds, “We are keen to bring youth out to our programs. We know that participation in Special Olympics youth programs leads to a greater involvement in the community, increases social opportunities, helps create strong friendships, provides families with an opportunity to be active together and increases the quality of life for those with an intellectual disability.”
SOSUD volunteer committee member Carlene Wildeman led the initiative and obtained donations, sponsorship and volunteer support that come from businesses, community individuals and the Town of Unity.
The carnival atmosphere-themed event included outdoor games, cotton candy, face painting, snacks and free prize draws for participants.
A dunk tank was enabled thanks to volunteers Dan Feser, Benjamin Robertson and Mayor Sharon Del Frari, who Hammer said were brave sports as they were repeatedly drenched in the tank.
“In 2022/23, we had nine active athletes and five active volunteers registered with SOSUD. There were 10 other community volunteers who helped put on the mini-carnival on Saturday, and we very much appreciated their time and energy. The event was free and public, so anyone and everyone was welcome to stop by,” says Hammer.
The powerlifting session for participants is winding down in June and those who were part of the bowling program wrapped up in April. Bowlers participate from October to April at Country Lanes in Cut Knife while powerlifting takes place at Fitness Lair from September to June.
“We would like to make this our third summer of running a swimming program (in August). We need to generate some additional participant and volunteer interest to ensure this will be viable.”
Hammer says in addition to this the group has two exciting opportunities that they are looking to enlist help for to bring to Unity. The first is a bocce program. Bocce is a growing Special Olympics sport and will be featured at the 2024 Saskatchewan Games in Lloydminster. SOSUD wants to introduce the sport in hopes that it can prepare youth (ages 12-25) athletes to play at the next Sask Summer Games.
The second is Active Start and FUNdamentals. These are Coaching Association of Canada programs that introduce fundamental movement skills to children ages 2-12 so they can enjoy activities and build basic motor development and skills to participate in any sport. This program has seen success in other Saskatchewan communities.
“We are actively seeking volunteers for administration, coaching and volunteering roles. Special Olympics is an inclusive organization. All are welcome to share their time and talents. Similar to any sports organization, a criminal record check and Respect in Sport Training is required. We provide financial assistance to complete required training. You can contact local chairperson Shauna Hammer at 306-210-8208, or Special Olympics Saskatchewan Community Co-ordinator Jaret Dezotell at 306-780-9450 for more information on how to get involved.”
