A seven-week program for local youths wrapped up in fine fashion Tuesday night.
The Free to Be soccer program, which is offered in conjunction with Special Olympics Estevan and the Estevan Youth Soccer Association, concluded at the Panteluk Athletic Field, as young people who were part of the program faced off against members of the Estevan Police Service in two fun games.
Kandyce Meili, who was at the helm of the Free to Be program, said they had 14 kids registered this spring. They came out on Tuesday nights for the past seven weeks, starting in early May, and played for fun. Children with intellectual and physical disabilities could participate.
“The kids have really enjoyed playing soccer,” said Meili. “We started off with a few drills and then we played games.”
They were split into two groups, one for youths ages three to seven and the other for those seven to 12.
“The kids have really grown socially and their soccer skills have increased. It’s really good for growth of motor skills,” said Meili.
Some of the kids were involved in a team sport for the first time.
“Now they’re finally getting to play in a comfortable zone,” said Meili.
The program was held at Cactus Park; sometimes siblings would join the kids out on the fields.
Free to Be decided to have the final week at Panteluk Athletic Field instead of Cactus Park so that they wouldn’t be a distraction for the other kids playing soccer.
Meili said the kids were looking forward to playing the cops, and according to the EPS Twitter feed, the police had a great time, even though the kids wound up winning all of the games.
After the game between the cops and the youths, awards were handed out to the participating children. Each kid received a certificate, a medal and a soccer ball.
“We are an Estevan Youth Soccer program, and we will be running every year as long as there are people who want to play,” said Meili.
The next initiative through Free to Be will be Try It golf days at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course in July. Meili believes it represents another step forward for Special Olympics in Estevan.
