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This year we are working to increase awareness of this program with younger individuals. By the end of Spring Season we will have served around 150 individuals, many being elementary and middle school age, in our sports program. Special Olympics Cabarrus County follows the leadership set by SONC. Project UNIFY° is an initiative of SONC that uses sports and education programs to activate young people to develop school communities where all youth are agents of change — fostering respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities. Cabarrus County has seven middle and high schools involved with this project. We hope to see even more growth next year. Also, SONC added the Young Athletes Program for individuals who were too young to compete in Special Olympics (ages 3 -7) but needed to learn basic fine and gross motor skills. Cabarrus County became one of the leaders for this program piloting one of the local preschools. Today, this program can be found in the Cabarrus County Schools and Kannapolis City Schools Preschool programs. There are tremendous benefits in having an outstanding local Special Olympics program. Through sports training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities develop physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. The benefits of their participation include: improved physical fitness and motor skills; greater self- confidence; a positive self- image; new friendships; and increased family support. A personal testimony comes from Gail Bass, Amanda Bass' mother. "Amanda used to stand in the background. She never talked and it was all because she had very low self esteem. However, by participating in the Special Olympics, she has higher self esteem and has really done a 360! She realized that she could do things, she met other athletes who supported her and that made her want to do more." Special Olympics Cabarrus County is changing the lives of individuals with disabilities in our county. It is also creating wonderful alliances with local individuals, organizations, and businesses. The monetary and physical support from our community is staggering. While the salary for the coordinator's position is so graciously covered by county government, all of the expenses are the responsibility of the local program. This program is successful because of the wonderful help and support from the local community. I urge you to renew the contractual relationship for Special Olympics Cabarrus County. Without a full time staff member charged with the organization and implementation of Special Olympics Cabarrus County, our program could not be as successful. On behalf of the Special Olympics Steering Committee, Special Olympics athletes, their parents, and volunteers, I want to thank the Cabarrus County Government and Cabarrus County Schools for making Special Olympics a priority in this county. Sincerely, ) �y - rJ Emily Riley Special Olympics Coordinator Attachment number 1 G -1 Page 137