A fall Silent Auction and Wine Tasting Fundraiser, sponsored by the Lanier Forsyth Rotary Club, will benefit Special Olympics Forsyth County. Festivities take place on Thursday, October 19, 2006, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the beautiful and quaint The Foster House, 305 W. Main Street, Cumming.

Guests are asked to RSVP by October 1, 2006, by contacting Susan Darlington at 770-887-2462 ext. 2327 or sdarlington@adelphia.net. Tickets are just $30 if you purchase now or $45 if you buy at the door.

The silent auction will offer many treasured, unique and fun items such as sporting, spa and vacation packages, memorabilia and entertainment.

 

The live auction will include a stay in Costa Rica as well as a cruise on the Amistad on Lake Lanier. Don't miss the fun and the chance to help make a difference in the programs offered for our very special Forsyth County athletes through Special Olympics Forsyth County.

 

Become a Sponsor for Special Olympics Forsyth County

and You Will Enhance the Life of a Special Athlete.

Special Olympics is well known for its ability to promote self-awareness and bring joy among its athletes who participate. Even more, Special Olympics provides opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in leisure activities which are often taken for granted by the average person. Research has shown that the more students participate in Special Olympics, the more likely they are to participate in leisure activities beyond high school. Parents of adults with disabilities often share the frustration and heartache of watching their adult child disengage from the community as their opportunities to participate in community activities and sporting events decline. By increasing the number of activities and sporting events provided to individuals with intellectual disabilities, we are encouraging community participation and a sense of belonging and self-worth.

The Special Olympic Forsyth County (SOFC) Management Team is attempting to raise funds to enhance the Special Olympics Program in Forsyth County. In years past, the local Special Olympics has consisted of a local spring track and field event. As beneficial as the program is, it is not enough. Forsyth County Public schools has the potential to serve over 150 students who are eligible to participate in Special Olympics. As these students get older, they are often secluded from typical sporting events. We hope to take away their isolation and make Special Olympics a recognized sporting event with numerous sporting activities offered throughout the year.

In order to establish Special Olympics as a year-round program within the community, we need your financial assistance. Much of the funds will go towards event equipment and materials, such as ribbons, volunteers, buddy and athlete T-shirts, state fees .and uniforms (see budget attached). In addition, we hope to increase community awareness through newsletters and local games. Our goal is to establish Special Olympics in Forsyth County as a program in which the community embraces as its own and anticipates the local events throughout the entire year.

To be eligible to participate in the local Special Olympics, you must be at least 5 years old (at least 8 years old for the state competitions) and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment, or significant learning or vocational problems due to cognitive delay that require or have required specially designed instruction.

The majority of athletes come from the Forsyth County Public School System. However, SOFC also recruits athletes from the private and home school population. Adults are also encouraged to participate. Further recruiting will take place as more events are provided for the athletes. A family support system will also be established to inform and announce outstanding athletes, volunteers, coaches and family members.

For more information about Special Olympics Forsyth County, please contact Susan Darlington at (770) 887-2461 or sdarlington@forsyth.k12.ga.us.