NSU Horizons Spring 2010

4 HORIZONS He doesn’t wear a cape, have x-ray vision, or y faster than a speeding bullet, but to the more than 800 athletes of Special Olympics Broward County (SOBC), local businessman and philan- thropist Don Taft is the best kind of superhero— one who makes an indelible, positive impact in the real world. After more than 36 years of operating out of living rooms, storefronts, and a one-room of ce, the athletic group now has a permanent home at Nova Southeastern University thanks to Taft. The partnership came about as part of a gener- ous gift the Taft Foundation made to NSU in 2009. In recognition of Taft’s contribution, the 366,000-square-foot Don Taft University Center was named in his honor. The gift also allowed Taft to provide Special Olympics Broward County with a permanent home at the university—the rst and only one of its kind. “Don Taft and the Taft Foundation have helped our dreams come true,” said Paul Sallarulo, chairman of Special Olympics Broward County and a member of the NSU Board of Trustees. “This extraordinary gift has provided our athletes with resources that will enable them to be the very best they can be.” In addition to providing the group with a permanent of ce space, the athletes will also have access to all of NSU’s athletics facilities. This will be a much-used bene t, since Special Olympics Broward County provides year-round, free sports training and Olympic-style compe- tition to athletes with intellectual disabilities. The group coordi- nates competition in 22 sports through the support of more than 40 training pro- grams throughout the county. All athletes ages eight years and older, no matter their ability level, can participate in and bene t from Special Olympics, said Linda Mills, the group’s director. “Through successful sports training and competition, Special Olympics athletes develop physically, socially, and psychologically,” she said. “The positive experiences the athletes have in ongoing Special Olympics programs build con dence and self-image, which carries into all aspects of their lives.” The group moved into its new of ces last fall and celebrated with a Grand Opening and Appreciation Picnic, which featured carnival games, relay and sack races, a magic show, sports demonstra- tions, and lots of food to fuel the athletes and guests. The day also honored the hard work and sup- port of all the Special Olympics athletes, their families, board members, law enforcement sup- porters, sponsors, and volunteers—including the group’s very own superhero, Don Taft. Visit www.specialolympicsbroward.org or call (954) 262-2150 for more information . Q Around Campus Real Life Superhero Makes NSU Home to Special Olympics Chapter BY ANDRA PARRISH LIWAG Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics. Depending on your interests and the amount of time you have available, Special Olympics can offer volunteer opportunities including • Day-of-Event Volunteers—Help support county competition in county games. • Training Program Volunteers—Be a coach or unified partner or help support athletes as they train for a sport. • County Management Team Committee Volunteers—Use your expertise to support the county program through committees including public relations, budget and finance, volunteer management, and fund-raising. • General Support Volunteers—Help with fund-raising events, speakers bureau, entertainment, data entry, secretarial work, or medical exams for athletes. Upcoming Special Olympics Broward County events include the 2010 Sallarulo’s Race for Champions 5k Run/Walk at NSU’s main campus on Sunday, May 2. For more volunteer opportunity information, please call (954) 262-2150. "?N $HPIFP?>