Kainos Special Olympics Dancers

Kainos Home and Training Center in Redwood City, California  is sending six residents and five community volunteers to participate in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Graz, Austria!  Residents are honored that Special Olympics Ambassador, Louis Van Amstel (of Dancing with the Stars) has specifically invited Kainos clients and choreographed their performance.  Under the supervision of Van Amstel, the athletes and their community partners (educators, dancers and others) are hard at work on a lively routine
to showcase all that is wonderful, inclusive and unique about our community.  

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 ($4,000 already raised in a Go Fund Me started by Ann Morrison!!) for funding the six athletes, support staff and five 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 11 dancers and  support staff.

Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated to allow these athletes and our community the opportunity 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/