Special Olympics Missouri hosts campers from across the state
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Special Olympics Missouri is hosting campers from across the state during the week of June 26 through July 1 for its 26th annual Gary Brimer Sports Camp at the Training for Life Campus.
Campus program director, Susan Shaffer, says that this year's theme is "adventure" meaning that athletes are learning a lot about the outdoors and sports. This includes axe throwing, air rifles, quilting, baking and more.
"The biggest things we always see is the friendships the bond throughout the state so when they go to different events that we have they know somebody from across the state," Shaffer said. "People with disabilities, sometimes it's hard for parents to let them out and grow and have us for the week, so we see them become more independent throughout the week."
An athlete at SOMO, Fadraon Anderson, says he's learning stuff this week that will benefit him for the rest of his life.
"If you have a kid with special needs and needs something to do you, this is a good spot. This is a good place to start because you know what we do here is going to teach him a long ways," Anderson said.
This year's camp includes 51 campers, including 27 newcomers, and activities run each day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
