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PRESS RELEASE
Contact Information
Amanda Schelling, Chair
Big John Kahuna Fund for Special Olympics
616-340-6969
amanda@kahunafund.org
www.kahunafund.org
Local Philanthropists and Families Buck Charitable Trend for March Madness in Grandville
Grandville, Michigan, March 27, 2009. When Special Olympics Michigan athletes such as Sarah with her volunteer swim coach Lori enter Grandville High School a state basketball tournament kicks off with something that has not been seen in four years – an opening ceremony and a two days and nights with friends.
Thanks to fund raising over $150,000 in a sluggish economy, co-chairs Peter Secchia, David Korte, and Bob Boylen were successful in presenting the 28th year of the Grand Rapids tournament to a new home, a welcoming community, and a return to the format the athletes enjoy. One that includes not only tough tournament play and is open to the public but one with a chance for the athletes to socialize outside of group or family homes.
"Mom worked very hard with Mr. Secchia and I got to beat him playing miniature golf at Woodland Mall," said Sarah De Young about a local fund raiser, "But he did not let us win." Her swim coach and mother, Lori De Young agreed, "My husband was there and agreed Mr. Secchia put up a competitive game."
"Playing nine holes with two Special Olympic athletes was an emotional thrill. These ladies, with all their problems, have a wonderful attitude that is still competitive. Sarah and Vicki Vanderwal (she has sight in only one eye) each had a hole in one." said Secchia, "They were high-fiving anyone within shouting distance. Everyone was excited for them. That is the true power of Special Olympics and these special children of God."
The competition is something Special Olympics Michigan athletes strive to be part of through practices that give them no breaks. Coaches and parents encourage hard work before, during and after practices. "We teach fundamentals to the athletes," said Dorane Strouse a 20-year volunteer basketball coach from Caledonia, "If they double dribble, the whistle is blown and they need to work on that aspect of their individual game."
However, Special Olympics Michigan is all about team, brave winners and team play. This March Madness will be on display beginning tonight at 7:30 p.m. and continue through Saturday and the closing ceremonies in Grandville. The games include
"West Michigan really came through for these athletes," said Mark Brower the steering committee fund raising chair, "It came from generous donations by individual and sponsors but just as important were those from families. Everyone came together, even at $4 a play with miniature golf, to show creative and entertaining fund raisers can work in Grand Rapids today. None of these athletes really can get their hands around the idea of a recession – they just want to play basketball and see their friends."
"I will be so grateful to everyone involved and want to hug them all," said Lori De Young, "Donors, volunteers from the Grand Rapids Jaycees Chapter, and all of the people who worked behind the scenes to make this happen. What a blessing to live in a community of caring."
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