June 25, 2007 — Plans by First Lady Cecile deJongh to launch a Special Olympics camp on St. Thomas this summer have come to fruition, and organizers with Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands now seek student and adult volunteers.
Camp Shriver on St. Thomas is named for Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of former President John F. Kennedy. The free two-week sports camp, scheduled to begin July 23, will offer children with special needs the opportunity to develop their skills in basketball, soccer, kickball and swimming, according to a news release from Catholic Charities.
The original Camp Shriver was held in the 1960s when Shriver hosted the event at her home in Potomac, Md., while challenging people everywhere with yards and pools to open their homes and provide an opportunity for young athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate in training for the Special Olympics.
In 2006, Camp Shriver expanded to six cities on the U.S. mainland. At a March 1 luncheon at the Shriver home, plans shifted into high gear for the development of Camp Shriver in the Virgin Islands.
Shriver hosted the luncheon, which was attended by Gov. John deJongh Jr. and the first lady, Janice Lee of Special Olympics, Michael Akin of Catholic Charities, Special Olympics Senior Vice President Dr. Thomas Songster and representatives from various Camp Shriver camps across the nation.
St. Thomas camp sessions will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 23 to August 3 at the Mark C. Marin Center at Antilles School. Lunch will be provided and special events such as bowling and arts and crafts are included.
"Student volunteers (age 16-19) will function as buddies for children with special needs and help them through the sports-skills stations," the news release said. "Adult volunteers will function as counselors. Student volunteers can earn community-service credits by committing to one or both weeks of camp. Adult volunteers are asked to commit for at least three days."
Special Olympics in the Virgin Islands began in 1977 and celebrated its 30th anniversary this year at games in March on St. Thomas. "Camp Shriver evokes the genesis of the Special Olympics movement, which promotes athleticism, team spirit, friendship and fun," the release said.
To volunteer, call Catholic Charities at 777-8518.
Back Talk Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
