CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Showcase Down Syndrome Awareness

February 17, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, MS --- The Mississippi RiverKings will host a family fellowship outing for the Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and the Mid-South as part of the team's M.V.P. (Money-Volunteers-Publicity) Nonprofit Organization program on Friday, Feb. 26.

The RiverKings spotlight a different charity, cause or nonprofit organization for each of their 32 home games. The team's MVP Program is designed to help nonprofits raise money, recruit volunteers, and generate publicity about their missions.

"The Down Syndrome Association of Memphis & the Mid-South (DSAM) is a non-profit support group for people with Down syndrome, as well as their parents, families and friends," DSAM Communications Manager Kelli Polatty said. "We began in 1973 as a small group of parents who joined together to learn more about Down syndrome and to work to improve public awareness, while providing the most current care for our children.

"We strive to make a difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome. Also, helping to educate the public of the inherent worth, value and contributions of people with Down syndrome is very meaningful, especially when we hear someone say 'We are more alike than different!'" Polatty said.

These words have special meaning to the DSAM staff, as three of their four part-time employees, including Polatty, have children with Down syndrome.

Polatty and her husband and have two children, Emlyn, six years old and in first grade, and three-year-old Jeb, who has Down syndrome.

"Being involved with the organization helped me feel prepared for what to expect and what I could do as a parent to be the best advocate for Jeb when he transitioned from Early Intervention services to the school system this past fall," Polatty said.

"My husband and I had the opportunity to attend multiple workshops that addressed transition, as well as how to work with the school system to create our child's Individualized Education Plan, or IEP. We also were able to network with other parents who had recently been through the transition process, which was very helpful. I expect that this network of families and support will continue to help us as we cross many bridges in Jeb's growth and development."

Families often find a support network to lean on and learn from. The organization promotes the inclusion of all people with Down syndrome by providing families and their communities with up-to-date information and education, including newsletters, resource guides, training, advocacy efforts, social events and educational programs, among other resources.

"One of the most meaningful events for our family has been the DSAM October awareness event, STEP UP for Down Syndrome," Polatty said. "Jeb was four months old when we participated in our first walk, and we had over 65 team members to be there to support us and Jeb. We have participated every year since, and it is exciting to know that our friends and supporters leave this celebration and help pass along Down syndrome awareness to others in the community."

DSAM facilitates many activities and events throughout the year, such as Zoo Day, U of M Tailgate Party and Game, Spring Conference, D.A.D.S. get-togethers, Mom's Night Out, New Parent Brunch, financial planning workshops, educational workshops, and the "STEP UP for Down Syndrome" one-mile, family-friendly walk through the Memphis Botanic Garden.

To get involved, contact Down Syndrome Association of Memphis and the Mid-South at 901-547-7588 or admin@dsamemphis.org.

The Mississippi RiverKings are supported by their community partners, season ticket holders, fans, and by program-related investments of the Maddox Foundation, an independent private foundation based in Hernando, Miss. The Foundation supports the team's programs that increase investments in area charities and their causes. To find out more about the RiverKings, call 662.342.1755 or visit www.riverkings.com.



Central Hockey League Stories from February 17, 2010


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