Sponsored by the Woodlands Kiwanis
March 29 , 2008
10 a.m. unitl 3 p.m.
Oak Ridge High School football stadium

The Woodlands Kiwanis is a 501(C)3 organization which sponsors a Special Olympics Field and Track Event to promote life skills that help athletes succeed by enhancing self-esteem, promoting independence, and facilitating social competence. A goal of our Special Olympics event is to be a catalyst for changing perceptions and educating people about the potential for those with intellectual disabilities.

Our Mission
The mission is to provide sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities [mental retardation], giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Our History
In 1968, five years after she had started a summer day camp for children and adults with intellectual disabilities [mental retardation] at her home in Maryland, Eunice Kennedy Shriver saw her dream realized in Chicago at the first International Special Olympics Summer Games.

Sports
The Woodlands Kiwanis Annual Field and Track Invitational offers the following competitive events: 10m-100m Wheelchair and assisted walk; 25m-4x100m Relay for Girls and Boys; Pentathlon, Ball Throw, Shot Put, Standing long jump and Running Long jump.

Competitions
The Woodlands Kiwanis is celebrating its 19th year of Field and Track Competition. Event divisions are based on age, gender and ability level to give athletes an equal chance to win. Each participant receives a medal or ribbon following his/her event.

Training
Special Olympics athletes train intensely for eight weeks prior to each sports competition. Coaches must complete a certification program prior to becoming a Special Olympics coach and must attend training schools before each season. Competition officials and event directors are also required to attend training schools.

Volunteers
Volunteers are the lifeline of the Special Olympics program. More than 300 local volunteers and more than 500,000 individuals worldwide currently dedicate their time to Special Olympics. These volunteers serve as coaches, officials, committee members, competition assistants, speech coaches and much more. Whether they participate for one day or for years, volunteers make a difference in the lives of Special Olympics athletes and in their communities.

Volunteer Oath
"I promise to give of the time in my life so that Special Olympics athletes can have the time of their lives. I promise to support Special Olympics not just as an expression of charity, but as a form of respect for my fellow human beings. I promise to spread the word of volunteerism because, in giving, I receive so much more in return."

Funding
The Woodlands Kiwanis is a registered 501(c)(3), non-profit organization supported by private donations from individuals, corporations and organizations throughout the community. The Special Olympics—Field and Track Event is "our most exciting contribution to the disabled community.

Day of Event
On the day of the event, Participants will arrive at about 10:30. They will register and have lunch provided by Chik-filet. The Opening Ceremonies will start at 12:00 noon with the Runner carrying the Torch and The Colors and National Anthem. The different competitions will progress all afternoon ending with the Award Ceremonies at 5:00pm.