in Grand Rapids Who to Contact: To Volunteer: Megan Horrocks Area Director area11@somi.org or megan.gilders@gmail.com Jen Horrocks Assistant Area Director jenl.horrocks@gmail.com Victoria Cox Young Athletes Intern coxv@mail.gvsu.edu More Information: Check out www.specialolympics.org to find out more about Young Athletes, Special Olympics, and other ways to make a difference by getting involved! GVSU: “It's not our disabilities, it's our abilities that count.” ~Chris Burke Want to learn more about individuals with disabilities? Grand Valley State University offers classes in: Disability Sport (PED 345) Adapted Physical Education & Recreation (PED 202) And more! Contact Dr. Colleen Lewis for more information about classes at GVSU. lewiscol@gvsu.edu *This pamphlet was made by a student and is not affiliated with Special Olympics Young Athletes Program. Should not be used for promotional use.

Program times and locations* Become a Volunteer Program times and locations* Volunteer Responsibilities: Monday: Help lead activities Assist children in games Promote a positive environment Be energetic and have fun! 9:30am – 11:00am Kent Hills Elementary 1445 Emerald Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI, 49505 Benefits of Volunteering: Tuesday: About the Young Athletes Program Personal growth Gain knowledge about individuals with differences Develop leadership skills; volunteers are role models to the students Great resume builder Most importantly, you get to see children be physically active, have fun, and grow  9:30am – 10:20am Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy 645 Logan St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Special Olympics Young Athletes Program is a unique developmental opportunity used to get children, ages 2.5 – 7, with intellectual disabilities physically active and introduced to sport (Special Olympics, 2015). Now common throughout the United States, this program aims to give children with disabilities a chance to learn through play! Young Athletes promotes physical fitness and encourages inclusive sport meaning children with and without disabilities all come together to participate. Given the presentation of the program during early years of development, the activities are specifically designed to advance motor skills, social skills, and confidence. Wednesday: 9:30am – 11:00am 1:15pm – 3:00pm Ken-O-Sha Campus Elementary 1326 Thomas St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 Thursday: 9:30am – 11:00am 1:15pm – 3:00pm Ken-O-Sha Van Auken Elementary 1353 Van Auken St. Grand Rapids, MI 49508 9:15am – 10:15 am Dickinson Elementary 448 Dickinson St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507 *This is relevant for Winter 2016. Times and places change each semester.