Parks and recreation in Georgia [Vol 2, No. 4 (Jan.-Mar. 1976)]

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VOL. 2, NO.4 THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES JANUARY-MARCH, 1976 OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH RECREATION PLANNING SECTION

GEORGIA SPECIAL OLYMPICS '76

The history of Special Olympics in Georgia cao be described with two beautiful words - growth and volunteers. Some will recall the first emphasis toward making physical training and athletics possible for children and adults who have mental retardation as a "dream to grow on" T oday,just a few years later, these are recognized as rights which belong to each person to be included in his regular program of training and education along with the right and opportunity to participate at his level of functioning in activities appropriate for his individual needs. Perhaps this has been the real secret of Special Olympics and accounts for more than 22,000 athletes being registered for 1976 participation. As an individual gains skills and confidence in mastering an event or a game, he gains respect of friends, family, staff and others closely associated. He is seen as a person who can achieve and as one who can contribute to those around him.
The child or adult's individual growth then challenges others to become involved so that Georgia Special Olympics is one of the largest volunteer programs in the State, where people are helping others to achieve. From February through April, local and district Special Olympics games will take place in almost every area of the State. Many volunteers will find themselves just as excited as the athletes whom they cheer across the finish lines whether in first orfifth place - each one a winner.
Every volunteer is an important link in making Special Olympics effective. The thirteen District Coordinators are key persons who guide and coordinate activities in their areas. They are volunteers because serving as District Coordinator is in addition to their regular jobs.

The Executive Committee of Georgia Special Olympics, Inc. recognizes its responsibility to provide leadership and support toward attainment of yearround programs throughout Georgia. There shall not be just individual sports such as track and field but team sports like floor hockey and volleyball. There shall be choices available to the child and adult.
Recently a little girl in one of the 130 training centers throughout Georgia, which depend heavily upon Special Olympics for recreation programming, was fitted with special braces and walker to enable her to walk. Soon after that she met the center director in the hallway and announced: "I'm going to run in Special Olympics this year"
And this is 1976!!!
Annie Joe Denney Chairperson

NEWS FROM LOCAL AGENCIES
Thomas - Grady County Training Center
The Thomas-Grady County Training Center has organized a football team. They practiced for two months before their first game which was held in Macon against the Cobb County Eagles. The team traveled to Macon for the big game after being honored by a pep-rally on Friday. Saturday was a fun-filled day. It was not the usual hard-hitting game the high schools play, it was Flag Football. The team was victorious in its attempt with a final score of 49-12. Sportsmanship and good clean fun was exhibited by both teams. Each team member was presented a trophy for his efforts.
The members of the team are: Lonnie Baker, Ernest Bean, Theodore Mitchell, Marten Marlin, Robert Clark, Jacob Dunbar, Minor Clark, David Souls, Lamar Rogers, Jimmy Lee Edwards, and Earl Tucker. This gang got together and named the team "Firecrackers"
"Go, Go, Firecrackers! are a few of the many things you might hear from the seven girls who make up the Thomas-Grady County Training Center's cheering squad. These young ladies were chosen on the merit of good citizenship and loud voice. Hats off to Audrey Massey, Diane Kimmons, Glenda Smith, Violet Williams, Laverne Jones, Margaret Pressley, and Patricia Sanders. The cheerleaders cheered the Firecrackers to victory in Macon. They will continue to spread the spirit.
Savannah A.R.C.
On January 16, I976 at 6:24p.m., three members of the Savannah Wheelman's Association began a 24hour race that went nowhere. This race was held in the Oglethorpe mall and the bicycles were being ridden on stationary rollers.
The three men involved in the race were Nestor Granay, Payson Daugherty and Pat Persse. On January I7, 1976 at 6:24 p.m. the race concluded with Payson riding a distance of 274 miles, Nestor riding 254 miles and Pat riding 185 miles.
The world record for this particular event is 68 I miles. The gentleman who accomplished this world record trained for- two months prior to setting this record.
Sumter County Training Center
Sumter County Training Center is planning a State Softball Tournament to be held the later part of this summer. The dates have not yet been designated. At present two teams per district will participate.
Some districts plan to choose their participating teams by having intra-district competition which
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should allow each team to have an equal opportunity. Interested persons should contact:
Carolina Wilson Sumter County Training Center P 0. Box 416 Americus, GA 31709
Replies should be received as earlyas possible so that information and registration forms can be sent out.
Georgia Special Olympics Newsletter
An informational newsletter is being planned by the Georgia Special Olympics office. We would like very much to include information about your program. Please send news articles and black and white photos by the 25th of each month. Innovative program activities will receive highest priority. Send information to:
Newsletter Georgia Special Olympics 270 Washington Street, S.W Room 703-B Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Crisp County Training Center
The Crisp County Training Center would like to thank the Moultrie Recreation Department for the great time they had February 13th at the District Special Olympics volleyball tournament. They are eagerly awaiting future Special Olympics events.
Ifany school in the tenth district wishes tojoin them in a FunDay of track-and-field events, please contact:
Ms. Dinah Grade 510 16th Ave., W Cordele, Ga.

NEWS FROM LOCAL AGENCIES (continued)
Distrid X
A name tells a lot about its owner. The "Truckin' Tenth" is the official District X name and connotes that they are moving on and nothing will slow them down.
Special thanks to the Decatur-Seminole Training Center. They submitted the name in the Narne Contest held early this year.
Greene-O&Iethorpe Training Center
The Christmas season brought on a big project for students at the Greene-Oglethorpe Training Center. Christmas wreaths were made by twenty adults ages 16-75 and sold to people in the surrounding com-

munities. The wreaths were made of pine cones, holly, Chtistmas ribbons, and colored balls. The project was done in an assembly line manner. Some students wrapped wire around the pine cones, some made bows out of ribbon, some wired the cones to the wreath frame, and some decorated and put the finishing touches to the wreaths.
The project was headed by Mrs. Teri Bridges and most ofthe staff took part in helping make this project successful. Displays were set up in local banks and an ad was placed in the newspaper for publicity. A total of 45 Christmas wreaths were made and sold to citizens in Greene, Oglethorpe, and Clarke Counties. This project proved to be very worthwhile for the community as well as the clients.

GEORGIA'S REVOLUTIONARY GAME

Floor hockey is rapidly becoming one of the more popular .team sports among Special Olympic participating agencies. As a result of Georgia's Floor Hockey team participation at the 1975 International Games, teams are being organized throughout the state. In addition, more emphasis has been placed on the sport in recent local and Regional workshops.
The game can be played on any hard surface and equipment is relatively inexpensive. The goal is the most expensive essential piece of equipment with prices ranging from fifteen to thirty-five dollars. As a result of the many requests from agencies concerning construction of goals, these directions are now available.
DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING WOOD FRAME FLOOR HOCKEY GOALS:
Materials Needed To Make One Goal:
l. one 2"x4" board 6'8" long 2. two 2"x4" boards 2' long 3. four 2"x2" boards 4' long 4. two 2"x2" boards 6' long 5. two 2"x2" boards T long 6. Nails, Hammer, Saw, and mitre box for cutting 45 degree
angles 7. two 2"x4" boards I' long (for bracing.) 8. two 2"x4" boards 6" long (for bracing.)

Directioas:

I. Cut 2"x4" boards at 45 degree angle and nail together to form the base of the goal (see example).

Best to nail using fence post staples as weU as to toe nail with nails.

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6'8"

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Allgle

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ill

4"

2. Nail the (4) 2"x2" boards in vertical position to the inside
corners.[!]~ lj)@) brace #s I & 4 with two 2"x4" boards 6"
long. brace #s 2 & 3 with 2"4" boards I" long cut as shown here
these braces will keep form from shaking apart. CAJ
3. Nail the two 2"x2" boards 6' long to the top of #fs I & 4
and3&2. 4. Nail the two 2"x2" boards 2' long to the top #s 3 & 4 and
I & 2. 5. Attach netting- add sheets, archery net, cloth, etc. (whatever
you have available).

Editor's Note: Appreciation is expressed to Jim Herbert of Carrollton Recreation Departmenl for this information.

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SPECIAL OLYMPICS DATES TO REMEMBER

April I End of Local Competition

April

DISTRICT COMPETITION

District Date

Location

Contact Person

April 10 Lakeshore Park Dalton, Georgia

Greg Scoggins

II

April 17 Habersham Central High Lonnie Burns

Cornelia, Georgia

III

April 29 McEachern High School Kathy Simpson

MacLand Road

Powder Springs, Georgia

IV

April 24 Lakewood Stadium

Atlanta, Georgia

v

April 10 Barrow Stadium

Alfred Swann Barbara May

VI

April 10 Carrollton High School Jim Herbert

Carrollton, Georgia

VII

April 17 Porter Stadium

Macon, Georgia

Annie Palmer

VIII

April27 Butler High School

Augusta, Georgia

Tom Casaday

IX

April 24 Americus High School Mike van Kyck

Americus, Georgia

X

April2 Recreation Department Barbara Wilhite

Valdosta, Georgia

XI

April 24 City Recreation Dept.

Tony Spinelli

Brunswick, Georgia

XII

Aprill4 Savannah, Georgia

Chris Seale

XIII

April 13 Fair Road Center

Statesboro, Georgia

Frank Hook

May 3 May 20-22 May 23

Entries for State Meet due in State Office State Meet (Atlanta) Golf Tournament (State Fund Raising Project)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Georgia Special Olympics needs volunteers to help make the State Meet a success. Various tasks are performed annually by capable individuals whose main objective is to provide a more safe and funfilled event for its participants.
All persons interested in volunteering, please contact Ms. Sally Rhoden at (404) 321-0877 or (404) 973-1211.
SPECTATORS are very much in need. Plan to spend a day (May 20, 21, 22) at the DeKalb Community College stadium as a volunteer or a spectator.
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FILMS AVAILABLE
ON REQUEST
Films are available on request from the state office. Copies are limited and must be returned immediately after showing. Please contact the office as far in advance as possible.
"To Be the Best I Am" - 16 minute film made by the Department of Natural Resources about the Georgia team that attended the 1972 National Games.
"1972 National Special Olympics" - 19 minute film presented by the ABC Wide World of Sports on the 1972 National Games-.
"A New Kind of Joy" - 11 minute film shows the spirit of the Special Olympic program and the determination and courage of the participants.
"The Heart of Winning" - 12 minute film featuring Kyle Rote, Jr. and Special Olympic Athletes.
"Floor Hockey" - 17 minute film showing instruction of floor hockey to retarded individuals.
The Special Olympics Symbol is an abstract but humanistic form designed to stimulate the imagination and convey the impression of movement play - activity.
!!! ~m; BICENTENNIAL LAND COVENANT
The Georgia Conservancy, the DeKalb Bicentennial Committee, and the Atlanta Bicentennial Committee have set a precedent for other agencies. Through their efforts and foresight, 300 acres of natural areas, forests, gardens and parks located in the east metro area of Atlanta will be designated and maintained for future generations within the legal limits of each consenting agency. The agencies involved in signing this land covenant area: City of Decatur, DeKalb County and City of Atlanta governments, Fernbank Incorporated, the Cerebral Palsey Center of Atlanta, Inc., Emory University, and Lullwater and Parkwood Garden Clubs.
This land covenant will be signed by the different agencies during the Dogwood Festival. This is not a legal document, but a document depicting the spirit of Atlanta and Georgia for this Bicentennial event registered and recognized by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration.

"HOW TO" WORKSHOP FOR DAY AND RESIDENT CAMPS
Saturday, May 1 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Help is available for those wishing to explore the programming aspects and the staffing components of day and resident camp. The workshop will focus on setting up camp programs, training staff, and evaluation procedures.
The workshop is sponsored by the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Georgia. Ms. Edie Klein will direct the program which will be held at the Center for Continuing Education in Athens.
Fee for the workshop is $12.50. Registration deadline is April 20th. Contact: Ms. Edie Klein at 218 Aderhold Hall, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602.
Paul "Pop" Austin beams with delight at the new community center recently dedicated in his honor by the city of Columbus. Now retired, Mr. Austin spent 27 years with the Columbus Recreation Department serving as the Director for 20 years.
WHEELCHAIR SPORTS JAMBOREE
Approximately 100 persons (12 years of age and above) who have a permanent physical disability will converge at Will-A-Way Recreation Area, May 7-9, 1976. For two days, they will be exposed to a wide array of sports such as: archery, football, korfball, soft-ball, swimming, slalom, track, field events, table tennis, weight lifting, etc. On Friday, May 7, also at Will-A-Way, an inservice training workshop will be conducted for therapeutic recreation specialists, adapted physical education teachers, training center personnel. Persons who have attended the in-service training will conduct the Jamboree the following two days. Pre-registration is required of all participants. Anyone wanting more information regarding the Inservice Training Workshop or the Jamboree, please contact: Mariano Soulek, Department of Natural Resources, 270 Washington Street, S.W., Room 703-B. Atlanta 30334 or phone (404) 656-2790.

GRPS PROMOTES MASTERS.PROGRAM
The Special Projects Committee of the Georgia Recreation and Park Society is currently coordinating an effort to establish a statewide Masters Degree program for Recreators. This program would be conducted on a regional basis by several of Georgia's colleges and universities. Courses would be offered at several locations throughout the state rather than exclusively on campus. Those who would be interested in such a program should contact Mr. Charles M. Graves, Chairman, G.R.P.S. Special Projects Committee, 2479 Peachtree Road, N.E., Suite 107, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.
OUTDOOR SKILLS WORKSHOP
the Outdoor Section of the Georgia Recreation and Park Society will be sponsoring an Outdoor Skills Workshop on Thursday and Friday, March 18 and 19 at the FFA/FHA Camp on Lake Jackson near Covington. The Workshop is entitled "Learning How to Provide Innovative Outdoor Programs" The Workshop will provide an opportunity to learn basic outdoor skills techniques that can be applied to existing outdoor programs or to new ones that may be initiated. The highly qualified staff of the Outdoor Education Section of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will be conducting the Workshop.
Boating, camping, fishing, archery, firearms, wildlife preservation, map and compass reading, identification of native flora and fauna, outdoor lore, etc., will be some of the subjects to be covered at the Workshop. For more information, please contact Larry Hodges at 404/656-2790.
RECENT PERSONNEL ACTION
New Appointments Cobb Co. Pks. & Rec. Dept.. Fred Runde-Civic Center Manager
Columbia Co. Pks. & Rec. Dept.. Charles Deale-Director of Recreation
Barnesville-Lamar Co. Recreation Dept.. Ed Taylor-Director of Recreation
Lawrenceville Recreation Department: Doug Veazey-Director of Recreation
Dawson Co. Recreation Department: Lloyd Crane-Director of Recreation
Henry Co. Pks. & Recreation Dept.. Paul Brown-Director of Recreation
Rockmart Recreation Department: Doug Heath-Director of Recreation
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RECENT PERSONNEL ACTION (continued) Department of Natural Resources: Harvey Young-Heritage Trust Coordinator Steven Kish-SCORP Planner
Madison County Pks. & Recreation Dept.. Tim Sheibel-Director of Recreation
Jenkins County Pks. & Recreation Dept.. Charles Salter-Director of Recreation
Promotions and New Assignments Statesboro Recreation Department: Pat Rising-Assistant Director Anne Rumble-Girls Youth Coordinator
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Atlanta - Northside Mental Health Center: Activity Therapy Coordinator
Thomasville - Archibald Memorial Hospital: Recreation Therapist
Milledgeville Youth Offender Center-Recreation Therapy Director
DeKalb County - Community Center Director

Published Bi-Monthly by: Department of Natural Resources Office of Planning and Research
Recreation Planning Section 270 Washington Street Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Telephone: (404) 656-2790

No. Copies - 2,500

Approx. Cost $352.75

West Georgia College- Director of Student Activities
Columbus College-Head, Dept. of Physical Education & Recreation
Statesboro-Recreation Coordinator

DATES TO REMEMBER

March 18-19

Outdoor Skills Workshop FFA/FHA Camp Lake Jackson (near Covington)

April
8-11

Georgia Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation State Conference Callaway Gardens

11-13

Southern District Recreation and Park Conference Royal Villa Inn Raleigh, North Carolina

May 1

"How To" Workshop for Day and Resident Camps Continuing Education Center University of Georgia, Athens

7-9 Wheelchair Sports Jamboree Will-A-Way Recreation Area Fort Yargo State Park Winder, Georgia

The Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and employs without rqard to race, creed, color, sex, age, or national origin.

Georgia Department of
NATURAL RESOURCES

Z70 WASHINGTON ST., S. W. ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30334