About a dozen tiny athletes joined Tabor Academy student volunteers on January 10 for the opening day of the Young Athletes program, part of the Special Olympics.
Tabor educator, Tim Cleary, along with Tabor senior, Molly Bent, believed they could bring this rewarding and important program to the community through Tabor. Cleary contacted Meg Hoffman, area director of community development for the Special Olympics. She agreed that the program would benefit the area.
“At another school where I worked, I had a program like this and Molly has lots of experience with Special Olympics,” said Cleary. Bent’s sister is a Special Olympian. The two veterans joined forces and pulled the program together.
Leading up to the opening day, Cleary said that four small-scale ‘soft’ events were held. These events were geared to give the tiny participants a chance to try things out and for the Tabor group to work out the kinks.
On opening day, the pre-school tikes cavorted around the gymnasium tossing balls, spinning in circles, pretending to fly, rolling a hoop, and tossing a giant parachute while the student leaders found ways to help the kids focus on the activities in a safe and fun-filled manner.
Parent Joanne DaSilva of Seekonk brought her 3-year-old daughter Skylar. DaSilva said Skylar had never participated in a program like this before. A small section of bleacher seats were positioned behind a large screen, allowing the parents to observe their toddlers without the child realizing they were being watched. DaSilva said this helped the children stay engaged rather than being fixated on their parents.
Mom Leigh LeFaivre, Taunton, and her 4-year-old Tommy were also first-timers. She said that every day since he participated in the soft opening four weeks prior, Tommy inquired, “Are we going to the gym today?” She said Tommy would likely never be able to participate in organized sports such as T-ball and soccer like his older brother due to autism, but this precious hour was making a big impact on his life.
“It’s nice for the parents too,” LeFaivre said. “I’ve made friends coming here.”
Cleary said that when the school announced the program to the 500 strong student body, an amazing 120 students signed up for duty.
“They are looking to have some fun and give back to the community,” Cleary explained.
And it did seem that the students were having just as much fun as their small charges, even though managing a dozen pre-school children is like trying to carry water in your bare hands – it’s a challenge. In that regard, these children were just typical little ones playing games.
Nadia Glaser, Seekonk, said her 4-year-old Gavin “loves it,” adding with pride, “Here, he doesn’t need me to help.”
As the Tabor students played at tasks that helped the children build gross motor skills, Cleary concluded, “This is a good marriage between the needs of the children and an opportunity for the Tabor students to help.”
For more information, contact YoungAthletes@gmail.com or call 508-369-8026.
By Marilou Newell
