Special Olympics

Special Olympics Virginia is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.  We serve more than 10,000 athletes through seven regional offices and 29 area programs.  We are one of 52 U.S. programs, and part of a global movement that serves three million athletes in more than 180 counties.

Thanks to a statewide volunteer network of more than 20,000 and the support of generous partners throughout Virginia, athletes pay nothing to participate. And with nearly 2,000 events annually, including seven state-level competitions, we invite everyone to join us in our mission to open hearts and change minds about people with intellectual disabilities.

Coach.  Compete. Donate.  Volunteer.  Sponsor.  Be a Fan.  Don’t miss out on the experience.

Information from the Special Olympics Virginia Website: http://www.specialolympicsva.org/

Challenger League

In 1991 The Challenged Sports Exchange (C.S.E.) began a t-ball/softball team with a handful of participants and volunteers. This program was developed to offer individuals with mental and/or physical challenges the opportunity to participate in a sport they previously could only watch from the sidelines. These individuals ranged in age 5 to whatever and come from all over the Central Virginia region. Over the course of the last 18 years the C.S.E. has formed partnerships with The City of Lynchburg Parks & Recreation Department and The Arc of Central Virginia as well as other community based organizations. In 2005 the C.S.E. became a 501C3 non-profit organization. Five years ago the program evolved from playing just t-ball/softball to numerous adaptive recreational activities and sports programs that span 12 months of the year. These programs include basketball, bowling, tennis, a Hot wheels program, indoor hockey, golf, a handbell choir, volleyball, indoor croquet, crafts, floral programs, line dancing and t-ball/softball and fishing. The success of this program has only been made possible by the physical and financial support of colleges, businesses, organizations and private individuals in this region.

Information Provided By Challenged Sports Exchange: http://challengedsportsexchange.com/about.html

Amazement Square, The Rightmire Children's Museum

Amazement Square is Central Virginia's first multidisciplinary, hands-on children's museum! Climb, slide and discover as you make your way through four floors of exciting, interactive exhibits, activities and programs.

Visitors of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can explore global and regional topics, the arts and humanities, science and health-related themes, as well as expand their creativity.

Children of all ability levels deserve the opportunity to experience the joy of creative expression and hands-on, interactive learning. That is why in 2003 Amazement Square joined efforts with LAUREL Regional Program, a school that serves students who are severely mentally and physically handicapped, to help improve the education and recreational opportunities available to students with special needs. Through regular hands-on programming, students who participate in Everyone is Special Partnership are able to focus their creativity in new and innovative ways.

From the Amazement Square website: www.amazementsquare.com