Tiverton Special Olympics Program Celebrates Successful First Season

The Tiverton Young Athletes Program – a version of Special Olympics Rhode Island specifically designed for younger children – finished its first-ever nine-week session on Sunday, capped with an awards ceremony at Tiverton High School.

, the program targets boys and girls of ages 2 ½ to 8 years with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are unable to participate in traditional youth sports programs. It serves the Newport County area.

President Jen Landoch said they had 16 athletes and 23 volunteers during its first session. The volunteers mostly came from , and some adult youth sports coaches as well. The high school and provide the recreational space for gymnastics, tennis, soccer and track and field programs.

"It was amazing," Landoch said. "We are very happy with the way it ran. The parents are so grateful."

She said the winter season runs from Jan. 6 to March 4 at Envy. She added they plan to hold gymnastics, basketball and hope to have bowling, too. Currently, there are 19 athletes registered for the winter session, with a few more volunteers coming back, Landoch noted. Volunteers looking for work can contact the program through their website at www.tivertonspecialsports.com.

The spring session begins in April.

Landoch added they will have a booth with the Tiverton Boosters at this Saturday's football game at 7 p.m., helping to sell tickets for the 50-50 raffle. Anyone looking to provide fundraising support can get more information at the game, she said.

For more information, send inquiries to special.families@yahoo.com.