Marklund Wasmond Center to host Summer Games
The Marklund Wasmond Center in Elgin will hold its annual Summer Games event for residents Saturday, June 29.
The center, formerly known as Little Angels, is a residential facility for 57 children and adults with profound developmental disabilities.
Originally created as Marklund's version of the Special Olympics, Summer Games give residents and community clients the opportunity to participate in various outdoor competitive events with the help of volunteers.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Wasmond Center, 1435 Summit St. on Elgin's east side.
"It all started in 1986 with Marklund's recreational and physical therapists wanting the individuals we serve to have a chance to shine and use their abilities in adaptive sports and activities rather than focus on their disabilities," said Gunjan Patel, administrator at Marklund.
"The families have a wonderful time being outdoors with their loved ones and get to see all that they can do!
There will be a parade of athletes, music, games, activities, and a barbecue picnic at the conclusion of the event. In case of inclement weather, activities will be held indoors. For information on volunteering, contact Lisa Esposito at (630) 397-5661 or lesposito@marklund.org.
"Summer Games isn't possible without volunteers, so we need you!" says Brittany Maertzig, recreational therapist at the Wasmond Center. "Volunteers will either be partnered with a resident to help them play the games or be placed at a station to facilitate a game."
Volunteers must be registered in advance. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Lisa Esposito, volunteer engagement specialist, at lesposito@marklund.org.
Marklund is a nonprofit organization that serves infants, children, teens and adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities and special health care needs.
With three residential locations in Elgin, Bloomingdale and Geneva, it is currently home to nearly 174 residents.
For more information, visit www.marklund.org. Follow www.facebook.com/MarklundCharity or twitter.com/MarklundCharity.