The mission of Special Olympics PA is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with mental retardation, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Description:
Volunteers -- Nearly 46,000 volunteers provided the manpower for Special Olympics Pennsylvania last year. Volunteers of all ages serve as coaches, escorts, organizers, fund-raisers, entertainers, or sports officials. Volunteers are always needed! Not only can you volunteer your skills at events, but you can volunteer to assist in our state office using your clerical skills.

Athletes -- Over 18,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities participate in over 300 local, sectional and state events. Athletes range in age from 8 to 80 and are of all ability levels.

Competitions -- Special Olympics Pennsylvania competitions are offered year-round in 52 local programs across Pennsylvania. Special Olympics Pennsylvania conducts three statewide competitions -- Fall Festival, Summer Games, and Winter Games.

History:
Our organization is over 30 years old. It is confirmed that Special Olympics contributes to the physical, social and psychological development of people with mental retardation. Through successful experiences in sports, they gain confidence and build a positive self-image that carries over into the classroom, the home, the job, and the community.

Contact people:

Janine Cesare, President, (phone), (email) Denise Herr, SE Field Director, (phone), (email) Christine Anderson, Office Manager, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: 610-630-9456

Address:

2570 Blvd. Of The Generals; 124 Washington Square Norristown, PA 19403 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.specialolympicspa.org

Directions:

Take 202 South to 422 West. Cross over the Schuylkill River and take Trooper Road North exit (also known as 363 North). Turn right at the 4th traffic signal onto Blvd. of the Generals, then make the first. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Egypt Road & Blvd. of Generals, 1 minute walk For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/

Miscellaneous Information

Are court referrals welcomed?
	No

Overall Experience   
Down right rewarding

Special Olympics, I teach roller Skating. I came out of retirement for something to do and behold, I am living again posted by winterhawk9 on September 3, 2004