Marklund's Summer Games returns with a Hollywood theme
Marklund will host its annual Summer Games, this year with the theme "Hollywood: Lights, Camera, Action!" Marklund is a nonprofit network of services providing a full-life experience for infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities.
To give Marklund clients the opportunity to compete in Olympic-style games, Marklund's therapists created their own version called the Summer Games. Clients will compete in dozens of adapted sporting events such as baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, bowling, bocce ball, sensory room, sand art, golf, downhill skiing, "Human Tic-Tac-Toe," and many more.
The Summer Games take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 5, at the Marklund Philip Center for Children, 164 S. Prairie Ave., Bloomingdale; and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 12, at Marklund Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva.
"All activities have been designed so that each resident, with the help of a Marklund volunteer, can enjoy games that are both competitive and fun," said Vicki Krystof, director of development at Marklund. "Summer Games is a true high point of our year. It is an old-fashioned family get-together that focuses on the success of all our children and adults. To see the joy the day brings is truly heartwarming."
The schedule for both events will be registration from 9-10 a.m., parade lineup at 10 a.m.; parade at 10:15 a.m.; flag ceremony and official welcome at 10:30 a.m.; Summer Games from 10:45 a.m. to noon; and picnic at noon in Bloomingdale and 12:30 p.m. in Geneva.
In addition, the barbecue grills will be working overtime cooking hamburgers and hot dogs and other summer fare. Snow cones and popcorn will be available, too.
The Marklund Band, a group of employees who donate their time, will entertain the crowd with its special repertoire of lively tunes. Friends, staff, families and of course, Marklund's children and adults look forward all year to this picnic and sports event. The public is invited to attend and cheer on the competitors.
For more information, call Vicki Krystof at (630) 593-5482 or visit marklund.org.