Special Needs for Children

SPECIAL NEEDS FOUNDATION

MISSION STATEMENT

The Special Needs Foundation became a part of the Utah Amateur Sports Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Utah Non-Profit Corporation, in 2006, with the MAIN specific goal of providing total funding for mentally disabled youth and adults athletic the opportunity to participate on special teams of athletes formed to promote team activities whereby the special athletes incorporate their desire to play mainline sports with “normal” community athletic opportunities.

GOALS

1 –Foster appreciation, understanding and respect from the “normal” athletic community at large for this often overlooked and neglected segment of society.

2 – Integrate special athletes with “normal” athletes through games and practices wherein the special teams participate with the “normal” teams.

3 – Provide coaching and mentoring opportunities for “normal” athletes by providing opportunities to work with the special athletes in both an athletic setting an one on the larger community-wide stage.

4 – Provide uniforms, equipment and facility rental for special athletes – free of charge. (Because the disabilities already put significant strain on the family budget, funds for extracurricular activities are generally sparse at best).

5 – Provide the stimulus of challenging physical and mental activity tailored to the specific disabilities of the special needs athletes thereby enhancing their quality of life.

6 – Provide the opportunity to perform and excel in front of family and peers.

7 – Bond with coaches and mentors and experience new and challenging athletic opportunities independent of the family setting.