Athletes with intellectual disabilities and their coaches are welcoming the support of a new Humble/Kingwood Special Olympics Booster Club that will coordinate fundraising, recruit volunteers and expand opportunities to compete in sponsored sports.

“Over the past 25 years our local group of athletes has grown right along with the number of sports we compete in,” said Elaine Victory, who coaches both cycling and tennis.  “We really need to expand our base of coaches and volunteers and increase fundraising efforts to make sure local athletes can participate in area, state and global events.”

The new organization held its first meeting November 9 at the Humble ISD Instructional Support Center and is seeking officer nominations for the group, which will operate as a non-profit under the auspices of Special Olympics Texas, she said.

Susan Bulick, who coaches the swimming and equestrian teams, noted that the organization is looking for community spirited leaders willing to serve at least 12 months and volunteers to serve as committee members and coaches.  “While we’re committing to support the athletes, we’re also dedicated to having fun, and these are the best people I’ve ever teamed with,” she noted.

The Booster Club will partner with individuals and civic groups to sponsor several FUNdraisers a year and will recruit coaches and sports volunteers who need not be athletes and do receive sport-specific training.  Current locally supported sports include basketball, cycling, tennis, bowling, equestrian, aquatics, and table tennis.  Other Special Olympics-sanctioned sports could be added with sufficient funding and coaching support.

Future meetings are slated 6 p.m. December 3, January 7 and February 11 at the Humble ISD Instructional Support Center, 4810 Magnolia Cove Drive, Kingwood. For information contact Susan Bulick at bulick@earthlink.net or Elaine Victory at esvictory@yahoo.com.                      .

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Individuals eight years old and up are encouraged to compete in a variety of individual and team sports.  Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics Texas at www.sotx.org.