FALEY MEMORIAL CSUF SPECIAL GAMES: FRIDAY MAY 4, 2007
DISABLED STUDENTS HAVE THEIR OWN DAY
Volunteers still needed for this year's event!!!
To volunteer, please call Jim Kinnane '57 at 714-525-3000!
In a desire to involve more of its Club members, the NDCOC will once again be participating in the annual Kathleen E Faley Memorial Cal State Fullerton Special Games scheduled this year for Friday, May 7. Our plan is to participate in this event as a club, and those interested should show up at 8:00 AM wearing Notre Dame colors. Below is some background about the games to help you understand the merits of this cause and hopefully be willing to contribute a work-day (or at least a morning) to support it.
While a junior at Cal State Fullerton, Danny Faley decided to organize a special day for developmentally disabled students. Fourteen years later, the annual CSUF Special Games has grown into the largest charitable event held in Orange County. In the past several years about 3,500 participants, staff and volunteers have met at the CSUF Practice-Soccer Field to celebrate the achievements of these special athletes.
"It's an event that really warms your heart," said Tim Faley, CSUF Special Games board member. "I see those kids who have so many obstacles to overcome, and I realize that I really have nothing that difficult to deal with." Tim's brother Danny Faley first organized the games in 1986. The an-nual event has turned into a family affair, led by their father, executive director Jack Faley. The Special Games serve as a memorial to Kathleen E. Faley, Tim and Danny's sister, who was killed in an automobile accident a year after the inception of the Special Games.
From 9 AM until 11:30 AM, approximately 2,000 disabled students will participate in different athletic events. There will be an obstacle course, a soccer kick, a basketball toss and a football throw. The athletes, whose ages range from five-years old to those in their mid-30s, will not be in competition with one another.
"Everyone's a winner at the Special Games," Tim Faley said. "Everyone gets a hug and a highfive after each event. We don't give out 1st, 2nd or 3rd place awards." No matter how they perform in the events, all participating athletes will receive a Special Games T-shirt, a certificate and a ribbon.
From Noon until 1 PM, everyone will be served a free lunch, made possible by donations from several local businesses. Nearly 1,200 volunteers will be on hand to provide assistance during the Special Games. This is where we feel the club can best participate and the Board of Directors has unanimously agreed to lend our support as a club by soliciting the individual member to participate, and by agreeing to make a dona-tion to the organization based on the number of alumni and friends who donate their time and love to make this very worthy event a success.
"Sometimes I think that the volunteers get more out the Special Games than some of the athletes," said CSUF Director of Disabled Student Services Paul Miller. The event is a highlight of the year, and a celebration where everyone can feel included.