St. Mary’s own version of Summer Olympics kicked off last month with a host of fun and lively sporting activities for St. Mary’s Kids. The Summer Olympics started in July and will run through the last week of August. Currently over 80 children have participated in the various games and activities (including Basketball, Croquet, Ring Toss, Badminton, Soccer bowling and Baton relays).
Games are scheduled three times per week, with two sessions each day to accommodate as many children as possible. Activities are time based and the team with the best time wins. Medals, ribbons and other awards will be distributed at the end of the Games. For St. Mary’s Kids, who are battling serious medical complexities, the Summer Olympics provides a unique opportunity to showcase their cognitive and physical capabilities, as well as foster social interaction.
This year’s Summer Olympics session received generous funding from the Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation. “We are extremely excited to continue our support of St. Mary’s in their efforts to provide children with special needs fun, sports-oriented activities like the St. Mary’s Olympics,” said Dan Gerstman, Co-Founder of the Lisa Beth Gerstman Foundation. “The Foundation recognizes the valuable role St. Mary’s plays in the lives of these children and is honored to partner with such a fine organization.”
Allison McGeough, Assistant Director of the Pediatric Day Healthcare Program (PDHC) and Recreation shared, “Our Summer Olympics have fostered a spirit of healthy and friendly competition in the kids, and have done wonders in building their self-esteem, all while helping our children and young adults reach therapeutic milestones.”
