Special Populations

Who we are...
Created by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, Special Olympics, Inc. is a high quality program of sports training and athletic competition for mentally handicapped citizens, the first and largest of its kind in the world. With competitive divisions based on age and ability, Special Olympics reaches out to all persons with special needs. Currently, there are independently accredited programs in all of the United States and in 50 foreign countries, offering competition in 14 official sports year-round.

Today, more than a million athletics throughout the world learn the joy of self-confidence and success through Special Olympics.

How we began...
In May of 1970, the "Flame of Hope" was lit at the first North Carolina Special Olympics State Games. This Olympic tradition, and the courageous success of these Special Olympic athletes, marked the beginnings of a new and exciting movement in North Carolina, including the Rocky Mount/Nash Special Olympics Program. Since our inception in the mid-1970's, our participation has grown to over 300 athletes who compete on the local, state and regional level.

The Rocky Mount/Nash Special Olympic Program has multiple credentials of its own. These include:

• 1st local program in the State of NC to represent the State twice in the prestigious Penn Relays.
• 1st local program in the State to travel internationally to represent the US in the Althea Gibson Jamaican Relays in Kingston, Jamaica.
• 1st program in NC to participate in the 1992 Olympic Trials in New Orleans, LA to compete on a national level.
• Recipient of the U.S. Air/North Carolina Special Olympics Commitment of Excellence Award in Athletics.
• Selection to represent the State at the 1995 World Games in Connecticut.

Why we continue...
Each year, more than ten thousand individuals and hundreds of businesses and corporations say, "Yes, we care." And because they care, 24,000 Special Olympians in NC have a change to learn, experience, and grow. Special Olympic volunteers are a unique group of people who devote their time and energy to thousands of tasks required to conduct a successful year-long program. Without their support, there would be no training, no competition, and no Special Olympics Program.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please fill out the Volunteer-Screening-Form and fax the completed form to 252-972-1232. The forms are subject to a background check. Any further questions, please contact John.Battle@rockymountnc.gov. You may also call 252-972-1155.

SONC Softball Team
Practices will be from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Tuesday. For more information please contact John at 252-972-1155. You may also email John Battle, Special Populations Coordinator at john.battle@rockymountnc.gov

Created by the City of Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department in January of 2010, the TAPS program was designed for participants with disabilities to engage in social, cultural, artistic and athletic events. TAPS is tailored to meet the needs of persons with intellectual and physical disabilities. These programs reinforce our belief in providing varied opportunities that will allow special needs individuals to obtain a better quality of life. TAPS (Teach, Activities, Play and Socialize) programs offer an opportunity for participants and family to enjoy a variety of leisure activities through inclusive recreation.

Saturday, July 16 (1pm-4pm) – TAPS
Location: Rocky Mount Senior Center
Description: A program designed for participants with disabilities to engage in social, culture, artistic and athletic events. Fee: Free

Saturday, Sept 24 (1pm-4pm) – TAPS Softball Game
Location: Stith-Talbert Park (Behind BTW Community Center)

Saturday, Oct 15 (1pm-4pm) – TAPS
Location: Senior Center
Description: A program designed for participants with disabilities to engage in social, culture, artistic and athletic events.

Saturday, Nov 12 (1pm-4pm) – TAPS
Location: Rocky Mount Senior Center
Description: A program designed for participants with disabilities to engage in social, culture, artistic and athletic events.

Saturday, Nov 19 (1pm-4pm) – TAPS
Location: Rocky Mount Senior Center
Description: A program designed for participants with disabilities to engage in social, culture, artistic and athletic events.

Saturday, Dec 3 (1pm-4pm) – TAPS
Location: Rocky Mount Senior Center
Description: A program designed for participants with disabilities to engage in social, culture, artistic and athletic events.

Saturday, Dec 17 (1pm-4pm) – TAPS
Location: Senior Center
Description: A program designed for participants with disabilities to engage in social, culture, artistic and athletic events.

Sat, Jan 21 (1pm-4pm) – TAPS
Location: BTW Community Center
Description: A program designed for participants with disabilities to engage in social, culture, artistic and athletic events.

For more information on upcoming programs for citizens with intellectual and physical disabilities or to volunteer for an event, please call 252-972-1155. You may also email John Battle, Special Populations Coordinator at john.battle@rockymountnc.gov.

Special Events

July
Friday, July 8 (7pm-9pm) – POOL PARTY!!
Location: Denton Street Pool
Description: Enjoy an evening at the City of Rocky Mount’s outdoor pool. There will be music, food and lots of fun!! This event is open to participants with special needs, family and friends.
Fee: $2 per person

Saturday, July 9 (10:30am-12pm) – Swim Lessons for Autistic Participants
Location:
Description: Swim class for autistic participants. Great time to learn of water safety, become familiar with the water, and chance to learn to swim
Fee: $30

September
Tentative: Back to School Rally
Location: Sunset
Description: Opportunity to give school supplies and dance in celebration for special need students returning to school.
Fee: Free

October
Sunday, Oct 30 (6pm-9pm) – Halloween Bash!!
Location: Rocky Mount Senior Center
Description: Annual Halloween party! Wear costumes for a chance to win prizes!

December
Friday, Dec 9 (1030am-2pm) – Nash Com College Compensatory Program Christmas Party
Location: Black Box (Imperial Centre)
Description: Participants from the Compensatory Education Class will invite parents and friends to a Christmas luncheon at the imperial center to showcase their talents and to celebrate Christmas.
Fee: Free

Saturday, Dec 31 – Sunday, Jan 1 – New Year’s Party!!
Location: Imperial Center
Description: Bring in the New Year with a bang! PARTY!! Enjoy music, fun and friends at the last event of the year!
Fee: $3

February
Sunday, Feb 5 (4pm-10pm) – Super Bowl Party!!
Location: Black Box (Imperial Centre)
Fee: $2

Sunday, Feb 12 (6pm-9pm) – Valentine Disco
Location: TBA
Description: Romance after dark with your sweetheart, DJ and refreshments.
Fee: $4

April
Saturday, April 14 (11am-3pm) – Paws in the Park
Location: Sunset Park
Description: Designed to promote responsible dog ownership. This will be an extremely unique event that invites polite leashed dogs and their owners to enjoy a day of activities, entertainment and education. There will be lots of food for pets and pet lovers, veterinarian and kennel vendors, and lots of family fun! This will be an event you will not want to miss!
Fee: Free

Saturday, April 21 – Red Carpet Prom
Location: Imperial Centre
Description: This is not just a Special Populations event, but a milestone for many of our area residents with special needs. This is the day to have a delightful evening of best dress, fine foods, and music.
Fee: TBA

May
Friday, May 4 – Local Special Olympic Spring Games
Rain Date: Friday, May 11
Location: Rocky Mount Stadium
Description: Athletes compete in individual skills and team competition. Local games are designed for all local area athletes to compete in local competition. Participants are able to qualify for state level events.
Fee: Free

Saturday, May – Cast 4 Kids
Location:
Description: The Cast for Kids foundation joins volunteers who love to fish with disabled and disadvantaged children for a day of fishing outdoors.
Fee: TBA

June Friday, June 8 – End of School Pool Party!! Location: Denton Street Pool Description: End of the school year pool party for all persons with disabilities. Open to friends and families of all participants with disabilities. Enjoy fun, food and music!! Fee: $3

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer for a committee, contact John Battle at John.battle@rockymountnc.gov or 972-1155.