2009 SPECIAL OLYMPICS
SCHOOL GAMES
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT –
SUPPORTED BY THE ORDER OF THE ELKS
Over 350 middle and high school students with special needs throughout Orange County will be participating in the Special Olympics Orange County 2009 School Games Basketball Tournament on Friday, November 20, held at the American Sports Center in Anaheim, California. The tournament will include a Round Robin Basketball competition and the Elks Lodge Hoop-Shoot, for students ages 8 to 22.
Special Olympics Southern California is proud to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, and productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.
This is done through year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports, giving athletes ongoing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy in sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship. The school games allow students with special needs to experience a Special Olympics competition.
The Hoop-Shoot included in this tournament is sponsored by The Order of the Elks, who participate in many local and state Special Olympics programs throughout the nation. The Order, along with their local Lodges, donates approximately $200 million every year in cash, gifts and time for the betterment of communities nationwide. Their programs involve assistance to children with disabilities as well as physical and occupational therapy programs for adults.
The Elks support scouting, athletic teams and countless other youth programs. Through the Elks National Foundation, established in 1928, they grant college scholarships, and administer the Elks National “Hoop-Shoot” free throw contest involving 3.5 million children annually as well as a national “Soccer Shoot.” They have given their support to this year’s Special Olympics School Games Hoop-Shoot.
“We are happy to partner with the Elks. They’ve always been strong supporters of Special Olympics programs and athletes. We look forward to these upcoming games and partnerships in the future,” said Matthew Dumas, Regional Sports Manager, Special Olympics Orange County.
Special Olympics Orange County provides opportunities to improve the health and well being of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through their participation in year-round sports training and competitions in Olympic-type sports.
