August 17 – September 6, 2013 www.SanTanSun.com
Chandler therapeutic program reaches special participants
Cardinals’ Campbell to host fundraiser in Chandler
BY TRACY HOUSE
The City of Chandler yearns to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through its Therapeutic Recreation Program (TRP). There are no requirements, however, for those with developmental or physical disabilities to participate in classes, Special Olympics sports and special event outings, says TRP recreation coordinator Collette Prather. “There are a wide variety of disabilities and a wide variety of functioning levels, but anyone is welcome,” she says. The mission behind the TRP is to “enhance the quality of life for individuals with physical, mental, emotional or social limitations.” Prather says the programs usually have a 1-to-5 or greater ratio. “Mostly our programs are pretty open, unless we need a maximum, like our swim program. We’re limited more by space just like any other program would be,” she says. Football, bowling, softball, swimming, crafts, floor hockey, golf, scrapbooking, activities around the Valley, dances and therapeutic horseback riding are just a few of the ongoing or upcoming events through the TRP. Participants at TRP are typically part of a sheltered workshop or special education classes. They can also have
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
FLAG FOOTBALL: Just one of the many activities offered through the Therapeutic Recreation Program. Submitted photo
a mental and/or physical disability that limits them from participating in regular recreation. The ages of participants vary but, Prather says, Special Olympics sports start at age 6 while classes offered generally begin at age 12, depending on the class. Special events, outings and social events start at age 16. “We find that the younger kids are SEE THERAPEUTIC PAGE 6
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell grew up with aspirations of becoming a football player. Since the 6-foot, 8-inch 290-pound Denver native realized his dream, he has been fervently giving back to the community. The 2008 draftee will celebrate his 27th birthday at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 905 N. 54th St., Chandler, on Labor Day, Mon., Sept. 2, with all proceeds going to the CRC Foundation, Campbell’s nonprofit that seeks to empower and provide selfawareness for children. “This is the third annual event,” Campbell says. “It’s pretty cool. I started the foundation in honor of my dad to help underprivileged kids learn life skills that they can’t get in the classroom and really help them when it comes to figuring out what they want to do. “We also provide a scholarship for kids—one scholarship a year for kids coming from big families.” The intimate evening will include entertainment, food, celebrity athletes, networking and fundraising support of the CRC Foundation. Campbell’s Cardinals teammates will be dining
Chandler Little League finds hope in loss in California BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Although the Chandler National South All-Star Team did not advance to the Little League World Series, memories were created on a nationwide scale that will last a lifetime for the 13 young boys. “In the grand scheme of things, we did fantastic,” Coach Ty Garrison says. “We got to the regional semifinals.” Unfortunately, the team lost to Belmont-Redwood Shores of Northern California 8-1 in a game on Fri., Aug. 9, in San Bernardino, CA, that was televised on ESPN. However, Garrison explains that the team was very proud of what it had
accomplished. “It was a great experience for the boys and families,” he says. “They were happy to represent Chandler and the state of Arizona.” The boys were chosen for team on June 15. Garrison says that task is incredibly difficult, especially when there is a league like the Chandler National Little League. “When you have that many good players it is difficult,” he says. “We really focused on positions...strong young men at certain positions.” Over a two-month period, the boys had only three or four days off from practice, which was deemed successful.
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SEE CALAIS CAMPBELL PAGE 6
ALL STARS: The Chandler National South All-Star Team, comprised of 13 little league players, receive a pep talk during the regional semi-finals in San Bernardino, CA. Submitted photo
Chandler National Little League President Doug Brewster says it won districts and went straight to the state tournament. Once it won the tournament, it headed to the Western regionals.
MODEL BEHAVIOR: Chelcie Begay from Mesa and Alexus Shorter from Phoenix posing for the Mr. Fun Booth Photobooth. STSN photo by Tiera Allen
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alongside guests. The celebration dinner and fundraiser will also include a silent and live auction and will carry a casino night theme. “It’s really important to give back to the community,” he says. “I’m very, very blessed with the ability to play a sport for a living and become a role model, naturally. I’m put in a position where it’s only natural that I want to give back and help all the kids in the world who need some guidance and direction.”
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HOSTING FUNDRAISER: Arizona Cardinals’ defensive end Calais Campbell is having his third annual birthday party in Chandler on Labor Day. Submitted photo
Chandler Honor Guard supports other agencies . . . . . . . . . . .COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 FloorEver Interiors features personal service . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BUSINESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 17 Children build confidence, learn discipline with karate . . . .YOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26 Natalia’s 1912 receives an upgrade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NEIGHBORS . . . . . . . . . . .Page 45 Teen singer/songwriter performs at CCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 64
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