Soccer Travelers Team With Special Olympians

by Linda Spock, Larchmont Avalanche Manager

(May 21, 2003) The Larchmont Avalanche travel soccer team has a new element in its training regimen - community service. This season, the 14-year old players are supporting Larchmont Special Olympics activities.

Each Thursday afternoon, the Avalanche members volunteer with the Special Olympics’ Pioneer Sports program, a school-based group that functions much the same as any varsity team. Mamaroneck High School fields a Special Olympics Team with 19 athletes who travel throughout the county to compete in basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, track and field, indoor soccer and other sports. Team coaches are Suzanne Elson, who formerly taught physical education in the Mamaroneck School District, and Maria Zambrano.

On Saturday, May 17, Avalanche team members helped with the all-day sectional volleyball tournament sponsored by Westchester-Putnam Special Olympics at Hommocks Middle School. The tournament featured both school and adult agency teams. One of the adult teams, the Sound Shore Stars, was established two years ago by Suzanne Elson and includes several alumni of Mamaroneck Special Olympics teams.

Supporting Special Olympics has given the Avalanche team a new appreciation for the importance of effort and commitment in athletic achievements, reported longtime Avalanche coach Jim Hanley. The players see the value of mentors and coaches in learning new skills. Coach Hanley added that the team has benefited for years from the presence of its field manager Kenny Burr, who has cerebral palsy. Kenny’s “no-holds-barred” cheering at games and unabashed enjoyment of life have contributed greatly to the team’s spirit and energy.

Volunteers are always needed, noted Special Olympics organizer and coach Suzanne Elson. The program can use help at weekday practice sessions or weekend special events. In addition, there's ongoing need for funding to continue the adult programs into which high school Special Olympics athletes can graduate.

Any community members interested in making a contribution of time or money to help the Special Olympics programs should contact Suzanne Elson at SKE50@aol.com. To contribute financially, checks should be made payable to Westchester-Putnam Special Olympics and mailed to Sound Shore Stars, care of Suzanne Elson, 111 Brush Hollow Lane, Rye Brook, NY 10573.