A statewide Special Olympics fundraiser was held at Dunkin’ Donuts on Friday, May 15. In Hastings, the Police
Department participated, supporting the event. Donations toward Special Olympics Minnesota earned participants a free donut and coffee, as well as the opportunity to meet team members from the Hastings Sharks and Special Olympics Minnesota.
KDWA spoke with Tina Parry, athlete and social media manager for the Hastings Sharks. Parry shared about the sports she participates in and the choices of other athletes.
(Actuality 1)
Kaiya Witt, head of delegation for the Hastings Sharks and mother of a son with special needs, offered KDWA an overview of Special Olympics.
(Actuality 2)
Witt highlighted the partnership between law enforcement and the athletes, emphasizing how important police department involvement is to the program.
(Actuality 3)
Officer Whitney Rinowski discussed what it means to be involved with Special Olympics and the positive impact it has on the community.
(Actuality 4)
The Hastings Sharks are one of many local teams, with about 125 to 140 athletes, part of the thousands who participate in Special Olympics Minnesota each year. You can visit the Special Olympics Minnesota website to learn more about volunteer opportunities, sports programs, and competitions across the state.
[Click the soundbite to listen to the report]