Laura
08-14-2008, 09:33 AM
http://www.silive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news/1218456018258340.xml&coll=1
Free soccer league for special-needs kids
Monday, August 11, 2008
By VEENA BISSRAM
ADVANCE STAFF WRITER
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Children with special needs can score a goal in their own soccer league this fall.
The kids will have the opportunity to play in "A Special League, For Special Kids," their own soccer league at Miller Field in New Dorp.
The free program has been designed to offer the youngsters a chance to participate in the same social and recreational opportunities that are available to others.
Skills training clinics will be held on Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. During these sessions, teams will be set up according to skill level, age and size. Coaches and assistant coaches will be trained by the Special Olympics.
Soccer games will be played on Oct. 18 and 25, and Nov. 1, 8 and 15, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Andrea Anna Lella, CEO and program director of Families Helping Families, hopes for at least 50 to 60 kids to show up.
"How quickly this program will expand will depend on how many kids participate," said Mrs. Lella. "I hope that we can all collaborate to make this something better and greater than it already is."
"A Special League, For Special Kids," is sponsored by Special Olympics, Staten Island Youth Soccer League and Families Helping Families Resource and Recreation Center.
Veena Bissram is a news reporter for the Advance. She may be reached at bissram@siadvance.com.
©2008 SI Advance
© 2008 SILive.com All Rights Reserved.
Free soccer league for special-needs kids
Monday, August 11, 2008
By VEENA BISSRAM
ADVANCE STAFF WRITER
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Children with special needs can score a goal in their own soccer league this fall.
The kids will have the opportunity to play in "A Special League, For Special Kids," their own soccer league at Miller Field in New Dorp.
The free program has been designed to offer the youngsters a chance to participate in the same social and recreational opportunities that are available to others.
Skills training clinics will be held on Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. During these sessions, teams will be set up according to skill level, age and size. Coaches and assistant coaches will be trained by the Special Olympics.
Soccer games will be played on Oct. 18 and 25, and Nov. 1, 8 and 15, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Andrea Anna Lella, CEO and program director of Families Helping Families, hopes for at least 50 to 60 kids to show up.
"How quickly this program will expand will depend on how many kids participate," said Mrs. Lella. "I hope that we can all collaborate to make this something better and greater than it already is."
"A Special League, For Special Kids," is sponsored by Special Olympics, Staten Island Youth Soccer League and Families Helping Families Resource and Recreation Center.
Veena Bissram is a news reporter for the Advance. She may be reached at bissram@siadvance.com.
©2008 SI Advance
© 2008 SILive.com All Rights Reserved.