Special Olympics event testing local interest

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 19, 2015
By Sandra Bolan

A Special Olympics Ontario soccer tournament and PAHL festival takes place at the Bethesda Sports Fields Aug. 29.

The purpose of the two events is to see if there is interest in starting a Special Olympics soccer team in Whitchurch-Stouffville, according to Stephanie Panousis, a summer student with Special Olympics Ontario.

The soccer tournament, which runs from noon to 6 p.m., features teams from the GTA.

The PAHL festival is for children aged 12 and under and takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Both events are free.

The festival has a number of mini activity stations, including soccer, basketball, bocce, as well as track and field.

There is also the Special Olympics Ontario program Step Into Action, which is a pedometer initiative.

“Hopefully, it will promote them to be active for life,” Panousis said of the PAHL festival.

PAHL stands for physical activity and healthy living.

“It’s nothing competitive, just fun and to see if we can start anything in the community,” she said.

To register for the PAHL festival go to:
www.specialolympicsontario.com/default.asp?contentid=189.