The community of Redwood City California is excited to announce that six Kainos residents will be participating in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Graz, Austria this coming March! They have been invited by Special Olympics ambassador Louis van Amstel (of "Dancing with the Stars") to participate in the dance competition of the games. Under the supervision of van Amstel, the athletes are currently hard at work perfecting their performance routine, which van Amstel choreographed.

The athletes will perform twice in Austria:
1. At the Special Olympics World Dance Contest on March 22, and
2. In the Special Olympics World Winter Games Closing Ceremonies on March 24, which will be broadcast on ESPN.

Because dancing is still one step away from becoming a sanctioned Special Olympic sport (currently it is listed as "demonstration sport"), the Special Olympics will not provide funding for the dancers. We are hoping to raise $24,000 for funding the six athletes, two support staff and four neurotypical dancers to go to Austria. The money would cover the costs for round-trip airfare, lodging, in country transportation, food, and costumes for the 10 dancers and two support staff.

Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated to allow these athletes the experience of a lifetime. Thank you so much for your support of our athletes and the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities everywhere!

Kainos and Special Olympics:
http://www.kainosusa.org/

http://www.austria2017.org/en/