SAFFORD — Special Olympics Arizona is ready to bring athletic play back to the Gila Valley, including some new sports.
However, they need some help.
“It requires a lot community support and also interest,” said Laura Forsell, vice president of programs and operations for Special Olympics Arizona. “If we want to start a new sport in an area, we want to make sure there are athletes who are interested and then, of course, coaches who are interested in coaching to make sure that it is something that can be sustained.”
With partnership with the Safford Lions Club, the big sporting event in the Gila Valley is a track and field event in the spring. Plus there is bowling at Morenci Lanes, thanks to Freeport-McMoRan.
However, there are other sports available to athletes with special needs, including basketball, softball, cheer, golf, bocce and more. But those sports can only happen when coaches are ready.
There are online coaching modules at Online Coach Education (specialolympics.org), plus Special Olympics Arizona will bring coaches training to the Gila Valley if there is enough interest.
For those who wish to become involved, contact Forsell at laura@specialolympicsarizona.org or Area Director Nick Dinsmore at ndinsmore@specialolympicsarizona.org.
