Event Produces Heartwarming and Economic Impact - by Ramona Logan
The Cedar Hill Independent School District is preparing to host the 2010 Special Olympics Greater Dallas Area Spring Games for Region 10 and most of Region 8 April 30 - May 1 at Cedar Hill High School, 1 Longhorn Blvd, Cedar Hill, Texas 75104.
The economic impact of 1500 students and their families coming to Cedar Hill is already being felt in this suburban Dallas community. Athletes will travel from as far away as Texarkana to compete in the games. "Our hotel has been sold out since February for the night of April 30, 2010. 80 percent of the rooms are from one school that is coming to Cedar Hill to participate in the Special Olympics," said Silvia Tanner, general manager of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Cedar Hill.
The event starts Friday April 30, 2010 at 5:30pm. An Opening Ceremony will be held Saturday May 1 at 8:30am. "The Special Olympics is heart-warming event for everyone involved. There is nothing more satisfying than watching the excited faces of these Olympians as they compete. Everyone will go home with a victory smile!" said Kellie Spencer, Director of Special Education. According to David Landberg, Program Director for the Greater Dallas Area Special Olympics, "Approximately 800 volunteers are needed. As of today, we still need approximately 600 volunteers." To volunteer go to http://area10springgames.eventbrite.com.
Cedar Hill ISD special Olympians in track and field events will be practicing on most Thursdays after school at Permenter Middle School, 431 W. Parkerville Rd. in Cedar Hill. A unified tennis team consisting of a general education student partnered with a special education student will practice on most Tuesdays after school at West Intermediate School 1533 High Point Lane in Cedar Hill.
About Cedar Hill ISD: The Cedar Hill Independent School District has 8300 students. It has an AA- financial Standard and Poor's bond rating. Cedar Hill Independent School District has five Exemplary schools, four Recognized schools and five Academically Acceptable schools.