BACKGROUND:
This past May, Bev Cardo, a member of the US Women's Croquet team, and I introduced croquet to 40 students at the annual Florida Special Olympics Youth Summit in Orlando. Everyone, students and adults alike, went home with a pocketful of smiles!
As a result of those few days, Sherry Wheelock, the President of Special Olympics of Florida has asked us to bring our Jiminy Wicket croquet magic to 12 Florida high schools.
Jiminy Wicket will train a group of 10 volunteer students at each of those schools in September. We will conclude this 8-week program with the first Annual Inter-School Special Olympics Croquet Tournament at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach on November 15. This program will bring croquet to 200 high school students!
THE PROGRAM:
- Students with typical abilities partner with their peers who have an intellectual disability.
- Croquet can now be played on any artificial turf field. This is easy, inclusive and engaging.
- Playing together creates friendships, reduces bullying, and supports a culture of inclusion at mainstream public schools.
“I want to see this in as many schools as possible.”
Beau Doherty, past President of Special Olympics Connecticut
OUR ASK:
We’re raising $15,000 to make this 8-week program and inter-school tournament happen for 12 Florida high schools and we're already halfway to our goal!
With your help, we'll raise the $15,000 and get the program started across 12 high schools in Florida.
These funds will be used to support 200 students in our 8-week program and cover the costs of equipment, training materials, and travel. We can't do this without you!
Will you join me in making a difference? There’s no time to lose.
And, next year. . . we’ll add 52 more schools and corporate sponsors!
ABOUT ME (James Creasey):
I'm the Founder/CEO of Jiminy Wicket and president of the Denver Croquet Club. I've played croquet for 15 years and enjoyed games with people from 3yrs old to 103yrs old, from 129 different countries, and with a wide range of cognitive and physical abilities. Last year I won my first US Croquet Association National Title. I love sharing this game with people of all ages and abilities. Everybody likes to whack stuff and croquet is simply the easiest, most accessible and most inclusive way to enjoy that. So. . .Let's play!
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