The Arc of Monroe’s Ballantyne Day Service Program to Hold Summer Olympics
The Summer Games kick off Friday, July 26
ROCHESTER, NY – Going for the gold has everyone in Rochester buzzing, and The Arc of Monroe is no exception! The Arc supports more than 1,500 people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities across Monroe County, and from Friday, July 26 through Wednesday, July 31, its Ballantyne Day Services program is hosting its own “Summer Ballantyne Olympics.”
From opening and closing ceremonies to field hockey, relays, and volleyball, everyone gets a chance to compete and go for the gold!
Ballantyne is a day services program that gives people opportunities to learn new skills, build lasting friendships and give back to their community. Ballantyne supports the specific needs of aging adults, including those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Even if someone needs physical assistance or has challenges related to their disability, there is still an opportunity to participate in his or her own way. For example, someone may be able to carry a flag, but not play the sports.
The Ballantyne Olympics kicks off with Opening Ceremonies on Friday, July 26 at 10 a.m. with a torch bearer leading the parade throughout the building, culminating with an ending celebration in the gym. Each room at Ballantyne picked a country to represent, and each will celebrate in its own way with decorated t-shirts, flags to express their country, playing the anthem of the country, making a special food or doing a celebratory dance. Locations like France, Japan, Australia, Great Britain, Nigeria and Jamaica are represented in these Summer Games.
Each of the rooms will take turns going against each other in the events so everyone has a chance to participate. The rooms have been practicing for weeks, getting ready for the big games.
“Practicing for the events gives everyone a sense of camaraderie and a great way to bond with their peers,” said Julie Keeney, fitness/recreation specialist at Ballantyne.
“Just seeing their faces light up because they’re doing things they don’t normally get to experience is wonderful,” she said. “Some of them find an activity that they like that they never knew about. It’s wonderful to see them cheering each other on. Overall, they just really enjoy the experience.”
The Ballantyne Summer Olympic Games kicks off Friday, July 26 with Opening Ceremonies at 10 a.m.:
- Friday, July 26
- Opening ceremonies, 10-11 a.m.
- Field Hockey, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- Monday, July 29
- Field Hockey, 10-11 a.m.
- Volleyball, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 30
- Volleyball, 10-11 a.m.
- Relays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 31
- Relays, 10-11 a.m.
- Closing Ceremonies, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
To learn more, contact Christen Smith, director of marketing, at (585) 773-8538.
About The Arc of Monroe
The Arc of Monroe has been providing a variety of programs and services for over 1,500 people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families in the Rochester community for nearly 70 years. The Arc works to enhance the quality of life and self-esteem of people in its programs, providing them with meaningful social development, supported employment, residential community living and enrichment opportunities. The Arc has 40 locations in Monroe County that assist people with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities that include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorders among others.