Friends of the Olympics

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FRIENDS OF THE OLYMPICS

Friends of the Olympics is a program that is supported by the Arc of Grays Harbor. It provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with development disabilities. By participating in sports, physical fitness, and healthcare education programs, these athletes increase self-confidence and social skills, improve physical motor skills and have better success in leading more productive independent lives.

Grays Harbor Hawks

The Grays Harbor Hawks compete in the Southwest Region of the Special Olympic Washington (SOWA) tournaments and events. Beginning in 2006 with only 10 athletes and three sporting events, they are now known as the Friends of the Olympics and have grown to over 50 active athletes and nine sporting events.

Competition is divided into three categories; Traditional Teams, Unified Teams and Individual Skills. Traditional teams are placed in division by skill level and age. Unified teams include athletes with developmental disabilities and parnters without disabilities. Individuals Skills are athletes who compete against other individuals with similar skills in various events.

Lil' Hawks

This program made its first appearance in 2007 at the YMCA of Grays Harbor as the Special Olympics Young Athletes program. Now called the Lil'Hawks, a program of the Friends of the Olympics, allows children (age 2 to 7) to be involved with activities designed to assist with physical, cognitive, and social devleopment. Programs will be available throughout the country.

Junior High Program

The Junior High Program is a inclusive opportunity for our youth. The program allows athletes to compete individually or with Unified Partners. The first program was held in the Fall of 2008, with Hoquiam Junior High, during the bowling season. This program is currently active in Hoquiam, and is making its way to the other school districts.

Sports Programs

Fall Sports

  • Bowling

Winter Sports

  • Basketball

Spring Sports

  • Aquatics
  • Athletics
  • Cycling
  • Soccer
  • Power lifting

Summer Sports

  • Softball
  • Golf

Please contact us if you would like to join Friends of the Olympics. P.O. Box 1794 Aberdeen, WA 98520 1-866-537-7272 - Toll Free 1-360-537-8816 - Fax # thearc@techline.com - Email