You don’t need to be super sporty to make a significant contribution to local athletics.
That’s the message Milton Special Olympics coordinator Sheila Hainsworth is sending out, in the hopes of finding some new recruits.
Specifically the organization – which now includes 88 athletes, many who’ve competed on the provincial and national stage – is looking for team managers to fill vacant or soon-to-be vacant positions.
The role requires strong organizational skills and includes various administrative duties, from taking attendance at games and practices to helping organize tournaments.
Also needed are assistant coaches for the new FUNdamentals program that launches in mid-January.
Running for 12 weeks on Sunday afternoons, it’s designed for seven to 12 year olds to get an early grasp on rudimentary sports skills.
“It’s basically working with these youngsters to get them ready with throwing, kicking, catching, striking and movement skills, so that they can then move on to Special Olympics teams,” said Hainsworth, who has an experienced head coach in place from Saskatchewan. She added that with the program already established and well-defined, the assistant roles don't require seasoned applicants.
“The focus is on being together, being with other kids and moving.”
Milton Special Olympics includes a wide variety of sports. Along with recently-added bocce, there’s floor hockey, basketball, softball, curling, swimming, golf, soccer and track and field.
Prospective managers and assistant coaches can contact Hainsworth at [email protected].
Visit milton.specialolympicsontario.ca for more information, or follow them on Facebook.