SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Wednesday, Nov. 5th, the Army Community Service (ACS) Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), in partnership with the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR), will host Family Sports Day at the newly renovated Stoneman Athletic Complex, here, from noon till 4 p.m.
The event will allow all military youth an opportunity to participate in an athletic setting, regardless of experience or ability, and without the pressure of competition.
At least eight "clinics" will be set up to expose youth to different sports and to practice basic athletic skills.
At the football clinic, youth can learn the fundamentals of throwing, kicking and receiving a football. For basketball, the focus will be on dribbling and passing.
"Not every child will have the athletic ability of (professional basketball player) Michael Jordan," said Leonard Webster, ACS EFMP coordinator, "but that shouldn't prohibit him or her from trying the sport or enjoying the game."
The idea that athletic development should be encouraged at all levels of ability is not new. Special Olympics Hawaii, a partner of ACS EFMP, maintains the philosophy that, through sports training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. They believe that families are strengthened and that the community, at large, can participate in and observe an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.
This same philosophy can be seen on display throughout the course of the event.
Children of all abilities will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of different sports including bocce ball, soccer, football, track and field, obstacle course, softball, golf and basketball.
After completing the various events, the first 300 children will be awarded a prize. Also available will be a variety of informational booths on available community supports.
These all-inclusive events will be fun for the entire family.
Whether you have a child with a disability, or not, you are welcome to this event, which seeks to promote inclusion of all community members in a friendly athletic environment. This event will be an opportunity to expose your child to a broad range of sports and activities, all in one day, where they will have the opportunity to find their inner athlete.
Once your child falls in love with a particular sport, there will be knowledgeable staff on hand who can direct you in how to sign up for the various youth sports.
It is the goal of the EFMP to expose as many children as possible to the joys of athletics to foster growth, find potential and turn disabilities into possibilities.
These events seek to build family resiliency through boosting your child's confidence, making new friends and building a network of natural supports. Come out and join the EFMP and its partners for a fun-filled day of family friendly activity.
(Note: Fabel is the EFMP Systems Navigator at ACS.)
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