Up to 130 children attended the Family Fun and Fitness Festival at Partners In Leaning Child Development and Family Resource Center Oct. 26 where they learned about wellness and participated in the third annual Special Olympics Young Athletes Program.
“Families and our staff enjoy this event because it focuses on both of the center’s focus areas, wellness and inclusion, said Executive Director Norma Honeycutt. “It was wonderful to see children of all backgrounds and abilities playing together and learning about wellness.”
Families gathered at the center Saturday and enjoyed activities including games, a hay ride, a prediction walk/run, cooking demonstrations, Zumba sessions and information from area health professionals. Nursing students from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College provided health screenings. “We had a great time, but also learned a lot about the holistic approach that Special Olympics is taking toward all aspects of health for the young athletes in the program, said Carol Beaver, RCCC nursing program faculty. “It was especially interesting to be a part of the pilot project to kick off the nutritional segment of the Healthy Athletes program.”
The center’s third annual Special Olympics Young Athletes program was hosted in conjunction with Footprints In The Community, a nonprofit organization committed to increasing participation of families of children with special needs in community activities.
“Despite the cold temperatures, many children of all abilities came out to join in the fun Saturday,” said Dr. Ashley Deaton, president of Footprints In The Community. “Among the stations offered were (flying disc) toss, bubble popping, painting with watercolors, soccer ball kick and an obstacle course for climbing and crawling. A great time was had by all.”
Special Olympics Young Athletes is an inclusive program for children with special needs and their typically developing peers, combining sports and play to introduce the Special Olympics model to families in the community.
“This event gets better and better each year. The kids are free to run and explore each event with compassion and understanding. Just being able to be themselves and have fun doing it,” said parent Trish Sihler.
Partners In Leaning Child Development and Family Resource Center invites parents to a seminar series on parenting using the love and logic philosophy.
“The Love and Logic approach to discipline is fun and easy,” said Norma Honeycutt, executive director, who will lead the seminar series. She will use real life stories, examples and comedy to bring this parenting seminar to life. Participants will learn in a non-threatening atmosphere and will be provided the skills required to feel more relaxed, hopeful and positive about their children. “Parents will discover that parenting really can be enjoyable and that you can teach personal responsibility and respect without losing your children’s love,” Honeycutt said.
The seminars are free and will be held on every Monday in November from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Childcare will be provided. For more information and to RSVP call 704-638-9020. For more information about the center visit epartnersinlearning.org.