Augusta YMCA, Particular Olympics Maine companion to launch new program

Mike Baude and Courtney Mason take part in unified basketball by way of the Particular Olympics Maine Unified Champion Membership on the Alfond Youth & Group Heart final January in Waterville. Submitted picture

AUGUSTA — The Kennebec Valley YMCA, in partnership with Particular Olympics Maine, is offering new alternatives to individuals with mental disabilities by way of unified sports activities.

Particular Olympics Maine Unified Champion Golf equipment is devoted to selling social inclusion by offering individuals with and with out mental disabilities the chance to play on the identical workforce by way of shared leisure sports activities and actions. Taking part in and competing collectively creates a fast path to friendships and understanding, in line with a information launch from Sawyer Boulette, Particular Olympics Maine Unified Champion Golf equipment director.

The membership on the Kennebec Valley YMCA (31 Union St. in Augusta) is a free ongoing program that may cater to adults. The initiative goals to fill the necessity locally as a part of the YMCA’s “for all” mission to advertise the well being and well-being of people, households, and communities. The primary program is scheduled to start Friday, Jan. 27, and features a six-week session of Unified Cornhole.

Particular Olympics Maine first launched this system on the Boys & Women Membership & YMCA of Larger Waterville on the Alfond Youth & Group Heart in 2019. Concurrently, Susan Scacchi, government director of the Maine Masonic Charitable Basis, was trying to find an avenue to unfold the Masons’ tradition of volunteerism and neighborhood constructing throughout Maine in an impactful means. The partnership between Particular Olympics Maine, the YMCA and the Maine Masonic Charitable Basis was established to make sure ongoing viability.

“We’re all people, with distinctive hopes, goals and challenges, however it’s once we come collectively as a neighborhood the place the probabilities are limitless. The Maine Masonic Charitable Basis is proud to be a catalyst in making Maine communities stronger and extra inclusive for all,” stated Scacchi.

Unified Sports activities has been a catalyst for change in Maine college districts since 2008. The unified technique transforms college and neighborhood environments by inspiring individuals to open their minds, settle for and embrace individuals with mental disabilities and anybody who’s perceived as totally different. “They’re now not sitting on the sidelines. As a substitute, they’re being seen as members of the neighborhood.” stated Boulette.

The Particular Olympics Maine Unified Champion Membership focuses on constructing an inclusive local weather that emphasizes collaboration, engagement, and mutual respect for all individuals locally no matter their skills.

“We’re past excited in regards to the growth of unified sports activities into neighborhood organizations just like the YMCA throughout the state,” stated Boulette. Together with the KV YMCA, Particular Olympics Maine Unified Champion Golf equipment have been launched on the Bathtub Space Household YMCA, The Down East Household YMCA, and the Alfond Youth & Group Heart.

For extra info, go to kvymca.org or Particular Olympics Maine at somaine.org. To become involved as an athlete or volunteer, e-mail Paul Sveum, Unified Champion Membership director, at [email protected], or Boulette at [email protected].