In a Special bind
<p>Steven Kirsebom, 23, prepares to swing at a pitch during softball practice Saturday in Post Falls for the Coeur d'Alene Special Olympics. His brother, Trevor, 21, is the catcher. Both are Post Falls residents.</p>
POST FALLS — The fall season for Coeur d’Alene Special Olympics sports is in full swing — both with golf clubs and softball bats.
However, the late-fall and winter sports seasons — which have high levels of participation by area athletes — might be over before they even begin, said Sara Grogan, Coeur d’Alene Special Olympics sports programs coordinator. Those seasons might be canceled because there’s simply no funding for them, she said.
“Right now, we’re in deep trouble,” Coeur d’Alene Special Olympics coach Carol Peck said. “We’re just hanging by a thread.”
The funds shortage for sports programs is likely a result of the weak U.S. economy, she said. Businesses and individuals have less to donate to the programs.
Grogan and Peck, at the Coeur d’Alene Eagles Special Olympics softball team practice on Saturday at Post Falls High School, said about 65 adults turn out for the late-fall season’s only sport, bowling.
For half of those athletes it’s the only sport season they participate in through the Coeur d’Alene Special Olympics.
“We still have hope” that money will be available soon for the popular bowling season, Peck said. Because of that optimism, organizers won’t cancel the season until the last minute.
“You don’t want to tell them until you absolutely have to,” she said. “This means everything to these kids. This is their lives.”
The late-fall bowling season costs less to fund than other sports seasons, primarily because there is only one sport and it’s a shorter season. The late-fall season starts in October and costs about $3,000 to put on, Grogan and Peck said.
Other seasons, like the winter sports season, cost as much as $6,000. The winter sports season includes skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, floor hockey and other activities.
Grogan and Peck said the biggest fundraiser of the year, the Coeur d’Alene Special Olympics Golf Tournament, raised less than ever before this year.
“It’s scary,” said Peck.
In addition to the fundraisers throughout the year, the program has in the past received funds from the Hayden Eagles post, Walmart, Knights of Columbus and businesses and individuals.
The money raised pays for transportation to games and tournaments, hotels, field use costs, equipment and uniforms.
In addition to funding, Grogan and Peck said they are always looking for volunteers to work with the athletes.
To donate funds to the sports programs, mail to: Coeur d’Alene Special Olympics, P.O. Box 653, Rathdrum, ID, 83858.