May 2, 2012
Dare to Play Football Camps Give Opportunities to Down Syndrome Individuals
We are delighted to again be running the Dare to Play Football and Cheerleading Camps this summer, in association with Global Down Syndrome.Our camps will take place right here in Highlands Ranch this June. There will also be a football camp in the D.C./Annapolis area, coached by players from the awesome Washington Redskins. We really can't thank these guys enough for participating in this amazing endeavor. In previous years, our pro athlete coaches have reported getting as much out of it as the participants themselves.
Indeed, this is a labor of love for us, a chance to help others and give back to the community. Both of those ideals are what SportsEddy is all about. And you thought we were just another youth football camp in Colorado!
About Down Syndrome
Down syndrome (AKA trisomy 21), is a chromosomal condition. Those with this condition are born with the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. Although the percentage of people born with Down syndrome is only 4.6 per 10,000 births, it occurs in all human populations across the planet, and very similar conditions have even been discovered in other species; chimpanzees in particular.
Although a large proportion of those born with Down syndrome have a severe degree of intellectual disability, there are also many who graduate from high school and even go on to participate in post-secondary education or hold down a job. This condition causes, among other things, a lowered IQ and a delay in both cognitive ability and physical growth. However, this doesn't mean that those with Down Syndrome don't love the sport of football just as much as the rest of us!
Here at SportsEddy, we are proud to be doing some of the same kind of work as organizations such as Special Olympics Hawaii, which provides training for Down syndrome individuals and others with intellectual disabilities, year round. We already know from our experience the past two years that these kids (actually, we shouldn't call them kids, as the camp is attended by ages ranging from 10 -- 38!) are passionate about football. They watch it on TV. They love it.
It's so rewarding to give them the chance to get out on the field and play, just like everyone else. They are so into it, it's just fun to coach and fun to watch.
And by the way, if you live in the area, you can watch from the stands. On the final day of the two-day Colorado football camp, our Down syndrome campers play a full game in front of an enthusiastic throng of well wishers and supporters. Frankly, the experience is pretty specail for all involved. Come on down!
If you'd like to be part of the party in the stands, contact us for more info.
If you'd like to learn more about Global Down Syndrome, the Denver organization that sponsors these camps, click here. They are doing some powerful and inspiring work for the Down community.
Leave us a comment or question and let us know what you think about this!