Oct. 25, 2011
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By Jessica West
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - On Oct. 22, the UCF cheerleading and dance teams traveled to Altamonte Springs to participate in the Special Needs Cheer Camp. Held at Lake Brantley High School, the camp went from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and was open to any special needs athlete age six or above. UCF's spirit program each taught a group of five participants the fundamentals of cheerleading. The camp was put on by Altamonte's Special Needs Coordinator Ranwa Nin El-khoury.
"The cheerleaders and dance team members from UCF were absolutely amazing. Their actions that afternoon were kind, energetic, flexible, uplifting, supporting and inspiring," said El-khoury.
Both of the teams took an initiative and led workshops that accommodated all skill levels as well as different disabilities. Skills the participants were taught included forward rolls, cartwheels and stunt basics. A few of the participants even had the chance to be fliers for the stunts. The cheerleaders and dancers were great with the campers, taking the time to make each one feel special and have fun.
According to El-khoury, "Our special needs campers loved the opportunity to meet the UCF crew, train with them and to call them friends." The girls also held a poster signing, meet and greet and took photos at the conclusion of the camp.
About City of Altamonte Springs Special Community Services and the Advisory Board for the Disabled, Inc.
The City of Altamonte Springs Special Community Services and the Advisory Board for the Disabled, Inc. provide social activities throughout the year at minimal cost to the mentally and physically challenged population in Altamonte Springs and surrounding communities. Programs they put on include the SPARKLERS Special Needs Cheer Camp, Special's Bowling, Bambino Buddy Ball and swimming lessons.