Jun 27, 2022 Young Athletes in the Library Backpacks
Just in time for summer, Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library patrons can now check out backpacks filled with inclusive activities for children from our Youth Department Reference Desk.
These Young Athletes in the Library backpacks were created through Special Olympics Young Athletes, a program to develop social, cognitive and motor skills in children 2 to 7 years old with and without intellectual disabilities. Cardholders can choose from two types of backpacks: one set includes a badminton set and the other contains flexible discs. All backpacks also include balls, bean bags, scarves, books and a laminated guide filled with activities that parents and children can do together.
Special Olympics Indiana also has created two video series on YouTube with additional games, stories and more. The Unified Fun and Fitness series includes several videos with comedian and Special Olympics advocate Craig Tornquist singing songs and playing games, including some with items from both types of backpacks, with children from Indiana elementary schools. The Read Like a Champion series also features Tornquist reading stories about inclusion, acceptance and friendship. Links to these series may be found on an activity card in each backpack.
Not only can patrons check out these backpacks from the Youth Department Reference Desk, they also can place them on hold through our online catalog. Don’t forget to tell us which set you want when you place your hold.