Knights of Pythias in Allen donates to Special Olympics
ALLEN — Special Olympics of Michigan Area 29 of Lenawee and Hillsdale counties, recently received a donation of $3,500 from the Knights of Pythias, which is located in Allen, Michigan.
This money will help fund the expenses for local bowling and swimming athletes and their coaches to travel to the upcoming summer games, which will be held in late May in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
“During the event, participants will reside in the campus residence hall at Central Michigan University, partake in meals provided, and engage in various activities and functions across the university grounds, including the grand Opening Ceremonies held at the football field and their sporting event,” said Joanna Botte, Area 29 director.
Area 29 offers 15 different sports, while donations help support all-inclusive athletic events for local children and adults.
“The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community,” Botte said.
She added that these events wouldn’t be possible without help from the community.
“To ensure the ongoing engagement of individuals with intellectual disabilities, your assistance in the form of volunteering or financial contributions is greatly appreciated,” Botte said. “Special Olympics ensures that athletes can participate without any fees, providing necessary equipment, uniforms, transportation to events, and covering event registration costs for all athletes in the region.”
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Botte has been involved in Area 29 the last few years and she encourages others in Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties to also get involved.
“Three years ago, I got approached to become a bowling coach due to the area’s lack of one. That led me to join the local board as Lenawee County’s coordinator. Now, I’ve stepped into the role of area director,” she said. “My focus currently revolves around expanding our initiatives. We continuously seek new coaches and participants.”
Email area29@somi.org for further details on how to donate or volunteer.
— Elyse Apel is a correspondent for The Hillsdale Daily News. She can be reached by email at ehawkins@hillsdale.edu.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Knights of Pythias in Allen donates to Special Olympics
