Leo club members spent a busy morning on Mar. 23 with participants of the Young Athletes Program (YAP).
The YAP is a unique sport and play program designed for children with intellectual disabilities. The program provides special needs children with fun activities that help stimulate mental and physical growth. The program includes children ages two to seven. The games and activities help develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
The YAP is an early introduction to sports and to the world of Special Olympics. The program helps children to interact with other people to develop social skills. The activities with volunteers make it easier for them to play and talk with other children on the playground and elsewhere.
Leo club decided to participate in YAP because of a suggestion from the Romano family.
Junior Maile Romano said, “I have been working with the Special Olympics program for community service and when the club began brainstorming for new events to participate in, I suggested this event.”
The Sacred Hearts Academy Leos were guided by YAP mentors Lauren Moriguchi and Marie Ikeda.
Some Leos volunteered as “buddies” for the participating children. As such, Leos served as children’s role models by teaching the children how to behave properly, helping them with the activities and cheering them on as they played.
Sophomore Kristen Andres said, “It is always a joy to work with children. When I work with children, I always feel the need to be the best role model. It makes me happy to know that there are programs like YAP that help children with disabilities have fun and enjoy life.”
Other Leo members served as supervisors for activities. Their tasks were to supervise and explain the activity and ensure the safety of the children.
Sophomore Kaela Fiesta said, “I like doing events where I get to have fun as well. By being one of the supervisors, I was able to gain more patience and resilience. Although it was frustrating at times, I look forward to participating in more events like this one.”
Sacred Hearts Leos have been actively participating in events in the community displaying leadership, commitment and determination.
Taylor Rayray • Apr 23, 2013 at 9:15 am
I was one of the Leo Club volunteers at the YAP Special Olympics for the kids. It was a nice experience because I got to see how competitive I also was at their age and I got to bond more with my friends when did a test run through all the fun activities. My friend, Emily, was my partner in the river jumping game, we were the supervisors. All the kids who attended this event was so cute! I had a really fun time, I am sure that the kids did too because all of them left with a big smile on their faces! 🙂
Angela Pak • Apr 23, 2013 at 9:12 am
I think that these girls that participated in this were really kind to the kids and made them happy we should have more programs like this o help these kids be happier.
Lauren • Apr 5, 2013 at 10:42 am
I think that this is a very good article. I think that working and helping kids with disabilities is a very good thing to do. Events like this are very good.
Allison Ching • Apr 5, 2013 at 10:41 am
I think that what these students really make the kids happy.
Krista Thom • Apr 5, 2013 at 10:41 am
Making other kids happy is a great to live a happy life your self.
Krista Thom • Apr 5, 2013 at 10:40 am
I think what your doing is great.
Chloe Camello • Apr 5, 2013 at 10:37 am
It is nice to see that the sudents of Leo Club take their time to help children with disabilities.
Ellie Ramirez • Apr 5, 2013 at 10:35 am
I really like the content of this article and how it was portrayed in the writing. Good job!