Blossoming at the Special Olympics

By DANIELLE LYNCH

EAST WHITELAND — Chester County Special Olympics provides a recreational sport outlet for those with intellectual disabilities, according to Training Coordinator Paula Bewley.
Nineteen sports are available throughout the year for those between the ages of 8 and 98. After eight to 10 weeks of training, the teams can advance to sectional, local and state competitions, according to Special Olympics spokeswoman Angie Robinson. In order to participate, children have to hand in a medical form every three years signed by their doctor.
Angie’s daughter, Lisa, 23, of West Chester, said she likes Special Olympics because she makes new friends and it helps with her fitness. She participates in swimming, soccer and skiing.
Lisa Robinson, who has a learning disability and needs help in reading and math, said she began Special Olympics when she was 10 years old. Her first competition was in ice skating.
“It helps you socialize with other people and see what people in other counties are doing,” said Lisa’s friend, Kristine Stout, 22, of Malvern. “It’s a neat experience and you learn more about sports.”
Kristine, who has a learning disability, trouble with math and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, said her favorite sports are soccer and skiing.
“I’ve seen kids really blossom,” Bewley said. “My whole goal is to help them be the best they can be.”
Lisa traveled to Japan for a skiing competition, and she and Kristine traveled to Iowa for a soccer competition.
In addition to learning the sports, participants learn life skills and sportsmanship, said Bewley, who is also a music teacher at the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s Child and Career Development Center.
Kristine and Lisa both graduated from the Child and Career Development Center and now have jobs in the community.
During her time in school, Lisa worked at the West Chester YMCA as a baby sitter and prior to that she worked at the Eagleview YMCA in Upper Uwchlan. Lisa now works as a teaching assistant at the Child and Career Development Center with a multiple disability students that are between the ages of 7 and 10.
Kristine does volunteer work and is also a customer service assistant at Genuardis grocery store. Previously, she worked in the mailroom and food service department at the Chester County Intermediate Unit.
At Special Olympics, the staff works with the parents of children with special needs, according to Angie Robinson.
“It’s really improved Lisa in many ways,” she said, adding that as her daughter continued with sports she gained more confidence. “She does well; she’s a well-rounded person.”

For more information about Chester County Special Olympics, visit http://www.pasocc.org/.

To contact staff writer Danielle Lynch, send an e-mail to dlynch@dailylocal.com.