B.Man Olympics invites youth with special needs to the track
Over the years the Holmes County Park District has presented a great many opportunities for all youngsters to participate in the track and field realm. The upcoming B.Man Olympics will turn its attention to featuring youth with special needs.
Sometimes, young individuals with special needs and disabilities can be overwhelmed and intimidated by the opportunity to participate in a typical track and field event designed to include youth.
Holmes County now has a new inclusive track and field program that its creators hope will invite all youth with disabilities to feel comfortable enjoying and competing in, and this summer B.Man Olympics will make its debut at West Holmes High School Stadium.
Kendra Polowy started B.Man Olympics as a way to entice individuals with special needs to feel comfortable getting involved with track and field events.
“The idea came from watching my nephew Bryson (Stutzman) run in the current Holmes County youth track and field program,” Polowy said. “He has autism and loves to run, but I realized that some young people may need some more help to participate in track and field, and we want them to be included as well.”
Individuals with special needs and disabilities vary in their respective needs when it comes to competing. Polowy said to get Bryson to run she has to chase him. Others may need encouragement from the finish line or even a helping hand during the competition.
As a paraprofessional at Millersburg Elementary, Polowy said she recognized that many of the students with whom she works might benefit from an event designed specifically for them.
She said some children may have difficulty understanding instructions, following rules and other obstacles that could stand in the way of wanting to participate in an activity that would be tremendous for their health, self-esteem and social skill development as they interact with others.
She said the B.Man Olympics will allow athletes to run with parents or siblings, invite wheelchair athletes to participate and create a safe space for these special athletes to enjoy the sport.
B.Man Olympics is open to youth ages 4-18 years old, and they are welcome to participate regardless of their individual disability.
B.Man Olympics will host two practices at West Holmes High School Stadium on May 1 and May 7 from 5-7 p.m., with official medal meets taking place May 14, May 22 and May 29 from 5-7 p.m.
Polowy said she extends an invitation to the public to show up and support these athletes during the meets.
Polowy added that this track and field program is for kids and young adults with varying disabilities, including individuals who may have specific diagnoses where they may have communication needs, may have difficulty following directions or may just need more assistance.
She hopes that all young people can find joy in participating in the wide variety of track and field events the sport offers.
“We want to make sure every child has the chance to participate and have that feeling of overcoming any obstacles,” Polowy said. “The hope is to create something that is as rewarding and enjoyable as possible for these athletes.”
B.Man Olympics is open to any youth in Holmes County, and Polowy said there are currently around 20 athletes signed up to participate, and she hopes that by May they will have many more.
She said they are also seeking anyone who would like to help on practice or race days.
“If you wish to help us out in any way, we will not turn it down,” Polowy said. “You can contact me through our Facebook page or by email.”
B.Man Olympics is free, and all participants will receive a free B.Man Olympics T-shirt.
For more information, visit www.bmanolympics.com, where participants may sign up online.
Anyone who has questions or wishes to donate to the program may contact Polowy by emailing b.manolympics@gmail.com.