Thank you for visiting the Recreation Fundraising page! SCARC’s Recreation programs consist of Special Olympics teams (Bowling, Swimming, Powerlifting, and Track & Field) coached by dedicated volunteers, adaptive physical recreation, and more. With your help and generosity, we can develop more programs that meet the needs of our community!

When many services and beloved activities stopped in 2020 due to the public health emergency, so did our recreation programs. We shifted to a virtual model, which presented its own challenges, as many of our recreation events consisted of sports practices and competitions. In the summer of 2022, we began the process of restarting our recreation programming. This included connecting with community partners for space, hiring staff, and ensuring everyone's health and safety.

We are so excited to have these programs back, and the data backs up our purpose! For instance, a 2011 study (Glidden et al., 2011) measuring the impact of Special Olympics on participants’ well-being 2011) found that parents and participants reported greater happiness and positive feelings in Special Olympics versus elsewhere. In addition, data released this year from a longitudinal study lasting 20 years found that Special Olympics participants were 49% less likely to develop depression than non-participants. Your incredible donation will allow us to purchase adaptive sporting equipment (i.e., ramps for bowling, etc.), sports uniforms, recreation supplies (i.e., outdoor yard games, bingo equipment, art supplies, etc.), and admission to many fun events and activities!

This program relies predominantly on donations, and all Walk-A-Thon donations go directly to the Recreation program. Thank you for contributing to our essential and enriching program!