The following is a note from members Alex and Andrea Bell on what it means to have Special Olympics as one of our charities
"Our daughter, Maggie Bell, was born 3 months prematurely in March 1988, weighing 1 pound 13 ounces. She spent five months in the Intensive Care Unit and another two months in transitional care before coming home. She has turned into a wonderful young lady, but is mentally challenged due to lack of oxygen while in the ICU.
Maggie has been participating in Special Olympics for ten years. She plays basketball, tennis, and soccer. She has competed on the state level in basketball in March 2009, and returned home with a huge trophy for the free throw contest. As a free throw shooter, she can make eight out of ten from the free throw line! She is also getting better at shooting while being covered by an opponent.
For anyone who has seen the kids compete in Special Olympics, it is truly one of the best things for a physically or mentally challenged child. The children come from many different economic backgrounds. None of them are asked for any money to participate, and the level of local volunteers is amazing. All of the money for these programs comes from the donations of others.
I am very proud of the fact that our First Settlers Region has decided to include Special Olympics as one of the three charities we will support in 2011 and beyond. I am sure some of our members may know special children who participate, and there are many children and parents for whom Special Olympics is a true life saver. I have called Bob Miller who has been the Special Olympics chairman of Virginia Beach to let him know of our efforts. He has assured me that our funds will be distributed to the areas represented by our region from Virginia Beach to Richmond.
Thanks to all members who contribute on behalf of PCA FSR."
