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City of Bloomington And Special Olympics Partner to Strengthen Program

City of Bloomington And Special Olympics Partner to Strengthen Program

Date of Record: January 24, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2006

For more information:
Mick Renneisen, Director, Parks and Recreation Department, City of Bloomington, 349.3711
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3569


Bloomington, IN -- Mayor Mark Kruzan and Special Olympics Indiana-Monroe County (SOIN-MC) Coordinator Denise Brown announced today that the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and SOIN-MC have entered into an agreement to provide a strengthened Special Olympics program for the Bloomington community.

"Combining resources with the Special Olympics signifies a great stride in our efforts to create a more accessible and open community to those with disabilities," Kruzan said. "This partnership provides a continuing opportunity for athletes and the Bloomington community to participate in a program that cultivates inclusiveness and sportsmanship."

The agreement between the Parks Department and the Special Olympics, which was approved today at the January 24 Board of Park Commissioners meeting, takes effect immediately and extends through 2006.

"Special Olympics allows athletes to better themselves mentally, physically and socially," Brown said. "A partnership with the City of Bloomington will allow the community to witness the excitement and see how important Special Olympics is to these athletes."

As part of the agreement, the Parks Department will:

  • allow access to City fields and facilities;
  • provide an information hotline and voicemail box;
  • provide a Facility Supervisor on site;
  • provide the services of Inclusive Recreation Coordinator as a
  • consultant and liaison between the City and Special Olympics;
  • assist with program publicity; and
  • provide free meeting space for monthly meetings.

The agreement also states that the Special Olympics will:

  • appoint the Inclusive Recreation Coordinator as the Parks Department's liaison to the policy making board for Special Olympics; and
  • refer any citizen concerns, reports or problems regarding the facility to the Parks Department.

"The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to continue our relationship with Special Olympics by providing the necessary facilities and staff support to complement the tremendous effort of the many volunteers who help make this program possible," said Mick Renneisen, Parks and Recreation Director. "Together, we provide many affordable sports opportunities for people with disabilities that wouldn't be possible without this partnership."


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