The 25th Anniversary Special Olympics Camp

BOLIVAR, PA -- As many of our teens head back to school, they are filled with memories they never thought to imagine.

"Special Olympics is like a slice of heaven. Coming from the outside world, everything becomes so much simpler and straightforward. You see some truly special human beings - who are, by their genuine love for one another, true examples of Christianity"
David Kurian, a member of Teen SOYO.

Being enlightened by the innocence of Christ, who reflects so purely through the souls of these athletes, it is only fair to say that this years 25th Anniversary SOPA was and is in fact like a slice of heaven.

The North American Council (NAC) of Teen SOYO led by Fr. Anthony Yazge, the priest of Terre Haute, Indian St. George, hosted the Multi-Sports Training Camp at the Antiochian Village Camp, located in Bolivar, PA, between August 14-20, 2005. With the largest attendence recorded, the 220 participants comprised of athletes, coaches, clinicians, camp committee and members of Teen SOYO. Over 100 visitors came to the Village to not only celebrate the 25th Anniversary and assist, but to reunite with friends made through this blessed program.

A few of the smiles

Throughout the Archdiocese, 32 teens dedicated their lives to the training and preparation that would fulfill the joys and expectations of these athletes and their local coaches. During this time, the teens also had a chance to celebrate the Feast of the Dormition with the camp's summer staff. The training not only focused on the fundamental skills of particular sports, but also equipt them in order to handle emergencies in case they should arise.

On Sunday, the athletes and coaches arrived. The reuniting of old friends and the start of new relationships filled the air for the entire week. The field was covered with hugs and smiles.

"I think I gave more hugs and high fives over the course of that week than the rest of my life combined. I'm looking forwards to next year, so I can show next year's new SOYO's the dedication last years veterans showed me." Dimitri Kouri, a member of the Teen SOYO.

SOYO Coaches with athlete

Every morning the athletes trained in their primary sport. The sports comprised of track & field, soccer, basketball, golf, tennis, lifetime sports, softball, volleyball and aquatics. Accredited Special Olympic coaches, clinicians, were assisted by SOPA and SOYO coaches in order to help these athletes work on their skill development so that they may be prepared for competition throughout the year in their Special Olympic Events.

While the days were primarily for sports, the evenings were for entertainment. To break the ice a little, they held Get Acquainted Night which was filled with games and skits casting non-other than our Teen SOYO. One evening also was kept for the Talent Show, this gave the athletes and coaches the time to share their individual talents with the entire group. The highly acclaimed new camp reality show, "Antiochian Idol" was also held. The object was to see who could be the next "Antiochian Idol". The participants consisted of coaches who were subject to dressing up in whatever theme their athletes wanted.

The official 25th Anniversary Medal