Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition.

Through Special Olympics’ athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world.

Mower County Special Olympics offers athletics (track and field) basketball, bowling, softball and volleyball.

Eligibility

•Be six years of age or older.

•Have an intellectual or developmental disability.

•Special Olympics Minnesota requires all athletes to have completed medical release forms on file with The Arc Mower County before practicing or competing in a sport. This form does require a doctor’s signature and can sometimes take time to complete. This form expires every three years and needs to be updated periodically. If you have concerns that your form might be outdated, please call The Arc office at 507-433-8994. As a reminder, you will not be allowed to practice or compete in competitions without it.

•Membership with The Arc Mower County is required to participate in Special Olympics.

To learn more, please visit http://www.thearcmc.org/mower-county-special-olympics, call 507-433-8994 or email office@thearcmc.org.

Rose Sale

•The Arc’s 22nd annual Rose Sale, begins Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Sale dates are Feb. 21 through March 23. Pick-up and delivery day is Tuesday, April 11. Let someone know that you care and support the work of The Arc Mower County by supporting us.

All proceeds from The Arc’s Rose Sale benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy. One in ten families has a member with a disability. Your participation in Arc’s rose sale provides critical funding for programs and services. Any level of support is appreciated. Here are a few suggestions:

At your work: coordinate a pre-sale rose sale. You can pre-sell roses by  emailing your co-workers and encouraging them to order. Call The Arc with a group rose order and the roses can be delivered to your office.

In your neighborhood: ask your neighbors, friends and family to order roses.

Brighten someone’s day: order roses to give to your customers or employees to show how much you appreciate them.

Volunteer: Rose Sale coordinators are needed throughout Austin and the surrounding communities to coordinate rose sales at local churches, businesses, etc.

In School: School groups can sell individual roses to support their peers that attend activities.

Jamey Helgeson is the Program Director at The Arc Mower County and can be reached at jamey@thearcmc.org or by calling 507-433-8994, Extension 102.  You can also visit our website (www.thearcmc.org) and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thearcmc).