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Community Corner

Annual PDC Olympics Coming to Big Woods Elementary

The St. Michael-Albertville Women of Today will host the PDC Olympics Saturday at the school.

An event inspired by inspired 18 years ago by one special person continues its annual tradition of giving to local people with disabilities. The St. Michael-Albertville Women of Today will be hosting their PDC (People with Developmental Challenges) Olympics from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 2 at Big Woods Elementary.

The PDC Olympics began as a tribute to former Women of Today member Sandy Greninger’s brother-in-law, Leo. Though Greninger is no longer active with the Women of Today (she's leading up ), the organization has continued to host this event, which invites developmentally challenged individuals and their families for a free afternoon of games, lunch and prizes. Participates in the games have ranged in age from three to 75.

“It’s just something we do to make them feel special for a day, and that it’s all about them,” said Peggy Kaufman, current president of the St. Michael-Albertville Woman of Today.

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 The Women of Today spreads the word of the event through Wright County and parts of Sherburne and Hennepin counties by contacting the school districts, county social workers and agencies that provide services to people with developmental disabilities in the local area. All in all, the group plans on hosting around 400 people at each event.  The St. Michael Foundation has long helped with the PDC Olympics through financial contributions and organizing a game for the event, and the local Lions Club also contributes financially.

The Olympics consists of eight to 10 games where medals are awarded to first, second and third place winners, such as golf putting, a timed obstacle course and balloon toss. Since nearly all participants attend with either family or caregivers, the event includes games and activities that everyone can do together, such as bingo, a cakewalk and crafts.

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While every participant will leave with a prize and many will leave with a medal, only one participant will leave the event with a special award: the Leo Award. This distinction isn’t awarded based on speed or accuracy, but on character and attitude. Leo is the name of Greninger’s brother-in-law, the original inspiration for the event who has since passed away.

 “It’s not necessarily that they’re the best at throwing the softball or at the games physically, it’s their attitude: that they’re there and trying their hardest and encouraging others. It’s a great tribute to my brother-in-law,” Greninger said.

For us, it’s really exciting,” Kaufman said. “It’s so heartwarming and touching for everyone that comes.”

For more information, visit www.stmawt.org.

 

 

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