Fun fair boosts Special Olympics
U OF L STUDENTS STAGE PUBLIC EVENT
Afun carnival-style event held by students at the University of Lethbridge on Saturday provided local families with an opportunity to support Special Olympics Lethbridge.
The Family Fun Fair was intended to raise funds but also to create awareness about all the work that Special Olympics Lethbridge does in the community.
“We didn’t know what to expect,” said Ileana Garcia Ortegon, an organizer for the event.
“But right now, we are really happy with the amount of people who have come in.
The fair was hosted by the university’s Integrated Management Experience class, which works with a non-profit organization every year to allow students an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge they are gaining in class to real-world applications.
The day included carnival games and activities targeting children from four to 12 years old, including balloon popping, fishing, a ring toss, frog catapult, mini golf, and facepainting.
“We also have a photo booth, which is a lot of fun for kids,” said Garcia Ortegon. “They like putting up props and being with their family.”
She said as Lethbridge continues to grow, not-for-profit organizations such as Special Olympics Lethbridge are needed to help people with developmental issues be fully integrated into society.
This includes providing them with opportunities for social interaction above and beyond the sports supported by Special Olympics Lethbridge.
“They put some effort into including them into everything we do,” she said.
“So it’s really important that they have our support so they can continue doing this. They are very
good.”
“It’s a very important part of people’s lives,” she added, noting while local residents may enjoy going to an event they are training for, they also look forward to time spent with the friends they make
along the way.
“We’re really happy with the Lethbridge community is supporting Special Olympics,” she said.