We would love to hear why you are knitting or crocheting a scarf for Special Olympics!
Submit your story here and we will post our favorites periodically to share with everyone!
Thank you for all of your support of the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project!
It’s okay for scarves to go out of state. We at Three Rivers Crochet in Pittsburgh received scarves from crocheters in Missouri where there was no winter event. TRC actually completed scarves early this year (in early fall) to allow us to work on our own fundraiser, a sale of crocheted items that begins today.
My story is not a happy ending. My knitting charity group knit 30 scarves in the appointed red and blue colors and could not find a Special Olympic team to give them to. Even went as far as Schenectady NY. They had too many left over from last year. California did not have a team etc etc etc.
So We will not choose to do this project again and are giving our scarves to the Veterans. The homeless shelter does not take red or blue hats or scarves as they are gang colors.,
Carol,
I am sorry to hear this news, and a bit confused by it. There are 40 Programs participating across the USA in the 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project, and you can view all of them on our website if you are interested in finding a Program to support. The deadlines for submission run between December 16, 2011 and March 5, 2012 for the red and blue scarves. Thank you for your time and consideration, Carol. If we can answer any other questions, please let me know.
Thank you.
Wow!! TEXAS is always short the needed scarves. We would have loved your scarves. Thank you for your hard work. They scarves were made with love and whom ever gets them will appreciate them.
I have a sister with Downs Syndrome who is very active in Special Olympics. I now live in a different state, so I’m supplying my state but in honor of her.
Am inspired by my nephew.
this is my sixth year doing scarves
I’m so happy that my home state of NY is participating this year
the last two years,a college professor has donated yarn to help me with this effort,his thank you when we send him an occasional dinner on his late nites.
I am inspired by our special granddaughter!
Many years ago when my youngest son was suffering from epilepsy and was listed as impaired, he participated in a Special Olympic event in our state. I loved how all the participants were so happy. I am not a rich person by any means, and last year decided I could do a scarf (finished 3) and send it in as my thanks to those folks who helped my son. BTW, thankfully he outgrew the syndrome he suffered from back then. We got lucky. This year I am trying to get folks in my regional offices to also work on scarves and we will send a whole box full during Christmas week.
In March I took a beginners class for knitters. The first project was a scarf. When I finished the scarf I was looking on the internet and found the Red Heart site and there was a link for Special Olympics and their scarfs.
I’m a mother to a 31 year son who was born with Down Syndrome and has competed in Special Olympics since he was 7 years old. So of course I had to knit him a scarf. I ordered the yarn from Red Heart and have knitted 7 scarfs so far with more to come.
One of the scarfs is for my son Tim and the rest will be sent to the Washington State Special Olympics.
This has been a great found to do and I’m learning to relax.
Our prayer shawl group was inspired to make scarves for NJ Special Olympics. So far, we have over 60 finished and will be mailing them off soon.
I saw this announcement on Red Heart’s website and immediately decided to participate. I ordered the yarn and have made 6 scarves so far…will probably make 5 more before sending off to the Maryland State coordinator. It is such a good cause.
My son was a student-athlete in high school and they spent a day with the athletes from the Special Olympics. He was just 16 at the time but it touched him and made him more aware of the people around him.
My husband and I are lucky enough to live a comfortable life. We have 4 kids–3 of which are married and have kids of their own. I’ve always been a stay-at-home mom that works from home for a local company. A few years ago I felt the need to give back somehow. Our granddaughter spent some time in Akrons Childrens Hospital and I found out about Project Linus. I have been crocheting blankets for the kids every since. I just heard about the scarf project this year but plan on crocheting every year for them.
I knit the scarves because I wanted to think that I had a part in the very special olympics by putting a smile on an athlete’s face. Between all the other crocheting I do, it’s a break from the stress because it’s “just because” I can.
Knitting the scarves because I love to knit for others. It is a skill I can share. Doing the scarves for this project in honor of a young DS girl in our church who takes such joy in participating in these events. The glow in her smile is all the thanks needed………………. Mine will go to Wisconsin……………..
MY TRIBUTE TO JOSHUA WARREN DUNN
BY BECKY DUNN LUMMUS (JOSH’S AUNT IN GEORGIA)
ONE EVENING A FEW MONTHS AGO, I WAS SURFING THE WEB LOOKING FOR CROCHET PATTERNS. ONE SITE LED TO ANOTHER AND I ENDED UP ON A WEBSITE FOR THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS. THEY HAD A LINK FOR PEOPLE TO MAKE SCARVES FOR THE ATHLETES, COACHES, VOLUNTERS, ETC. THIS SEEMED LIKE SOMETHING THAT I WOULD ENJOY DOING. EACH YEAR THEY HAVE CERTAIN COLORS THAT THEY USE. THE COLORS WEREN’T GOING TO BE ANNOUNCED UNTIL APRIL, SO I KEPT THE PROJECT IN THE BACK OF MY MIND AND CROCHETED OTHER STUFF.
FROM THE FIRST TIME I READ ABOUT THE SCARF PROJECT, I KNEW THAT I WAS GOING TO MAKE ONE AND SEND IT TO JOSH AS A SURPRISE. IT SEEMED LIKE I REMEMBERED HIM PARTICIPATING IN THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS IN TEXAS AT SOME POINT IN TIME.
ONE DAY WHILE I WAS LOOKING FOR PATTERNS AGAIN, I CLICKED BACK ON THE WEBSITE FOR THE SCARF PROJECT. THIS TIME THEY HAD THE COLORS AND GUIDELINES POSTED. I PRINTED OUT THE INFO AND A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I BOUGHT SOME YARN AND STARTED MY FIRST SCARF, CHERRY RED AND SOFT NAVY BLUE. I USED A SIMPLE PATTERN, BUT I THOUGHT IT LOOKED NEAT. ON, OR AROUND MAY 25, I PRINTED OUT THE INFORMATION FOR THE GEORGIA SPECIAL OLYMPICS. MY THOUGHT WAS TO SEND A FEW SCARVES THERE. I FINISHED THE FIRST SCARF OVER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AND STARTED A SECOND ONE IN A DIFFERENT PATTERN. AS YOU KNOW, JOSHUA PASSED AWAY BEFORE I COULD SEND HIM HIS SCARF. I WAS PLANNING ON SENDING IT WHEN I SENT THE OTHER ONES TO ATLANTA.
AFTER HEARING THE NEWS OF JOSHUA’S DEATH, I DEBATED ON WHETHER OR NOT I EVEN WANTED TO DO ANY MORE SCARVES. AFTERALL, THE POINT WAS TO DO IT IN HONOR OF HIM. AFTER MUCH THOUGHT AND PRAYER, I MADE MY DECISION. I AM STILL GOING TO MAKE SCARVES FOR THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS, BUT INSTEAD OF BEING IN HONOR OF JOSH, THEY WILL BE IN MEMORY OF HIM. THAT FIRST SCARF THAT I MADE I AM GIVING TO HIS MOTHER AND FATHER, BARBARA AND BRITT DUNN. I AM NOT GOING TO MAKE ANOTHER ONE IN THAT PATTERN. THAT ONE IS ONE OF A KIND, JUST LIKE JOSHUA. INSTEAD OF MAKING JUST A FEW SCARVES AND SENDING THEM TO GEORGIA, I AM MAKING 34, ONE FOR EACH YEAR THAT WE WERE BLESSED TO HAVE HIM IN OUR LIVES, AND I’M NO LONGER SENDING THEM TO THE GEORGIA GAMES, BUT TO THE TEXAS SPECIAL OLYMPICS. THAT IS WHERE HE LIVED AND PARTICIPATED IN THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS.
I HOPE THAT THE SCARVES I MAKE AND SEND TO THE TEXAS ATHLETES WILL MAKE THEM FEEL AS LOVED AND SPECIAL AS JOSHUA WAS LOVED AND SPECIAL.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
JOSHUA WARREN DUNN
AUGUST 23, 1976 – JUNE 1, 2011
GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
A couple of months ago I was searching the web and came across the site for scarves for the Special Olympics. I have a nephew that this in San Antonio Texas who was born with Downs Syndrom. I thought that it would be neat to make scarves in honor of him. I live in Georgia, so I haven’t been able to see him very often. On June 1, 2011, my nephew passed away unexpectedly. Our entire family is in shock. We would appreciate your prays at this time. I am still going to make scarves, only now they will be in his memory. My goal is to make 34, 1 for each year that we were blessed to have Joshua in our lives.
Becky Lu,
prayers are in our hearts for your family on the loss of your nephew. It’s great that you still plan on making the scarves.
{{{{{HUGS}}}}}
Karen
Ashley are so ready and nervous about she are go to Special Olympics at MTSU in Tennessee next Wednesday.
Since I am newly retired, I was looking for a way to use my needlework skills to support a charity. The Scarf Project was mentioned in one of the emails I receive that is crochet related. I decided that this would be my first community service project. I enjoyed creating the scarfs without using any patterns, just some stitch guides. I’m glad I read that email and was thrilled when I saw pictures of the special athletes in my home state wearing their scarves. I look forward to participating again in 2012 and hope to send scarves to several other states in addition to NJ and VA.
I’m a school bus driver 17 years and this year i took a Special needs route, i love my kids and was up on face book and saw the AD for the Special Olympics Scarves i went got the yarn and asked two other drivers if they would like to makes some well we got 16 done and well be shipping to Alaska , WE plan on making them again but sooner so when april comes around we well find the new colors and start we should have more bus drivers involed next time…..
I have made Special Olympics scarves for several years now. I am always knitting or crocheting. I worked as a teacher with special needs children in St. Louis County for 10 years before moving to Michigan. My husband was matched with a young man with CP in the Big Brothers program. He went as a chaperone to the Michigan Special Olympics about 7 years ago.My daughter lives in Boise, Idaho where to National Olympics were held. She talked about seeing all of the blue and white scarves that year and was impressed that I made some. She asked for one for herself, which I made. The this year I was very happy to make scarves for Michigan Olympians. I even got some help from people at church. I look forward to making making more scarves next year.
Crocheting scarves for the Special Olympics is just something I want to do. I have no special reason, and I don’t know any of the participants. I just want to give to some organization who makes a difference in the lives of some very special people. I have little money, but lots of time. Love, prayers and good wishes go into every one of my scarves. I just hope those who receive these scarves realize that many, many people care about them.
I work as a Services Coordinator for people with developmental disabilities. Two of my co-workers chidlren are also my clients. Several of my clients are Special O athletes – being able to provide scarves for athletes is an honor. I’m from Oregon and our state wasn’t listed but my co-workers and I were able to sent a total of 15 (so far) to Washington and Alaska….thank you for this opportunity. Just thinking about it makes me smile everytime!!
Health issues limit my abilities. It hasn’t always been that way and so I needed a way to feel like I was still contributing to society. I sent my first scarves in 2009 and when I seen all the smiling faces of the athletes on tv I knew I made the right choice. I love to crochet and if a scarf will put a smile on a precious face then I’m happy to make as many as i can. I started late this year, but have big plans for next year with the help of many other ladies (facebook friends) who want to take part.
My story is simple. My 5-year-old son has Down syndrome. He’s too young to be an athlete now, but I can still contribute. I love knitting and it’s a great way to share a good cause; people ask what I’m knitting and I can tell them about Special Olympics and then my son and soon I have a new friend and Special Olympics and my son have a new buddy!
I love crocheting for charity . . . it’s something that helps me feel useful, especially on days when my chronic health problems do not allow me to do much else.
I first heard about the SO scarf project last year (2010) when I saw several projects being completed as part of Ravelry’s Ravelympics, and I kept that information tucked in the back of my mind for this year.
I’m making these scarfs in celebration of my cousin’s daughter Halle, who was born with DS just over a year ago. Halle isn’t old enough to participate in the Special Olympics yet, but I hope one day she will, and that she’ll know her cousin and many more love her and thinks she’s awesome.
Our family has a code name for her, and I think it’s apropos for all our dear ones with special needs . . .
HALLE-LUJAH!
Lately, I have felt like my life is going nowhere. I have no purpose, no goals ahead. I decided that I needed to do something for someone else. Just about that time, someone posted a link about this project and I decided it would be perfect. And it has been wonderful. I even got several other people to make a scarf or two.
You have captured one of the true meanings of this project – thank you from all of us – and keep smiling!
My wife and I worked with Special Needs men for 3 years, after retiring from our regular jobs. Of course, I can’t knit but when I found information relating to the scarf project, we solicited a group of ladies from our church and we expect to send 50 scarves to the Virginia Special Olympics.
I like doing anything I can for charity and to help others. I have a neighbor with DS and she was able to be a part of Wyoming Special Olympics.
The Mom of the kids I have been trusted to care for and to watch grow is a Special Teacher.
My son and daughter in law are coaches for Special Olympics, and their clients, Mike and Casey are participants in the Olympics, they are like grandsons to me and that is why I crochet the scarves
My grandson whom I and my husband recently adopted joined Spec Olympics just this last fall after finally being diagnosed as having a low IQ and has other special needs as well. He thrives on his olympic team and with his coach who is the most awesome person I have met in a long time. she has taken the time with my grandson to teach him in his classes as well as in the sports that he chooses to participate in. I made her the granny special olympic scarf as a small token of my appreciation of all that she does for these kids.
She and everyone who works with special olympics have truly earned their wings in heaven. God bless them all
I’m a ice skater for the Alabama Special Olympics we got blue and white scarves and I love that so many people knit scarves the Special Olympics.
Jeanne C
My Grandma taught me to knit and crochet when I was 6 years old. We spent many wonderful years knitting and crocheting together. I am 58 now, she has been gone 20+ years but I know she is smiling down on me right now.
I have a dear friend who has a daughter with CP and have had the pleasure of knowing many Downs children in my life. This project touched my heart and I am thrilled to be a part of it.
I am lining up more knitters for the 2012 Olympics!
I was working on a sweater for my 7 year old grandson when I found this project, his sweater has been on hold since then. He has become my biggest supporter! He told me the scarves are more important! He is learning to knit now and I have high hopes that he will be able to make one or two for the 2012 Special Olympics!
I have sent 6 to MI, 4 to MT, 4 to MN and 2 to NH. Just ordered more yarn so I’ll be going till the last deadline!
God bless you all for all you do!!!
I was happy to find the information about this year’s scarf project in time to actually complete one! (I don’t have a lot of time for knitting.) When I was a little girl, my dad worked with Dept. of Social and Health Services, finding funding for programs for developmentally delayed citizens of Washington. He instilled in me the idea that all members of our society deserve dignity, love and support, and that there are many ways to contribute. The scarf I have finished is in his memory, and I hope it brings warmth, both inside and out, to the athlete or coach who receives it.
I was delighted and humbled to knit just one scarf for this project because I am a beginner. As I knitted I couldn’t help but think of the athlete that might be wearing it.
I made my scarf to honor my sister who had Downs Syndrome and passed away 25 years ago. She, too, was a Special Olympian. I will never forget how proud and confident she was when she crossed that finish line.I still have the picture of her smile. Hoping the person wearing my scarf can smile, too. Best wishes to you all.
I am very proud to say I am from Maine and worked with a group of friends, family and coworkers on this project. We found out about this project just 3 weeks ago and as of that day (Jan 5th) Maine had 85 of the 800 scarves needed. In 3 short weeks we were able to knit/crochet over 80 scarves – they were dropped off today. I am looking forward to hearing the colors for next years Special Olympic Scarf Project. ♥
I only found out about this project a few days ago, but I really wanted to participate in it. For the past several years, I’ve played in the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band for the Opening Ceremonies of the Maryland Summer Special Olympics, and I love it! The excitement level is intoxicating! In addition to that, my youngest nephew is autistic, so Specials are close to my heart. I haven’t committed to a definite number of scarves, but I plan to make as many as I can.
Hi, I have to tell you what an honor it is to make scarves for the Special Olympics Scarf Project. I have been so excited since I heard about this project and even though I haven’t had much time to make them (because I just found out about this 3 weeks ago and they have to be mailed in next week…)…I have made 6 scarves and hope to make 2 more before Monday! I have a niece that was born blind and has CP… she used to attend the Special Olympics every summer when she was younger and loved it! I volunteered and just enjoyed the athletes soooo much! I also have a mother in law that is mentally handicapped due to an operation she had and she is so special to me… and this is why its such an honor to be knitting these scarves for such a great bunch of athletes!!! Now that I know of this project, I will plan to knit scarves every year! Thanks for this wonderful opportunity!
I’m helping with this project because I trully believe we all need to pitch in and help out when we can. I have 3 teenagers at home, am a girl scout leader and work full time. I like to crochet while i’m watching TV and make most of my Christmas presents and other gifts throughout the year. I think it’s important for our children to see us giving, and volunteering. It’s something they should take into the future.
I am a special education teacher at a center-based program in a California city. I shared the scarf project with my co-workers. There was so much excitement for the project, that I was able to easily pledge 8 – 10 scarves from our small staff and their acquaintances.
So many individuals have contributed to the special programs our school offers the students. It’s great to have a creative, relaxing way to help others out. The knitters and crocheters at my school are excited about this possibility to share!
Returning to my original reason for crocheting – giving – I decided to donate 25 scarves to this project in honor of my sister Jennifer.
I may not have always appreciated her especially during High School when my classmates would hassle me [and her] but I do love her.
She showers love on everyone – even those who say and do cruel things to her – she is ever forgiving.
God has blessed my life immensely with her gift of Life and everyone she comes into contact with.
I love you my Big Sis’ Jennifer.
As a teen ager, I had a friend whose brother had Downs Syndrome. About 6 of us got together and started a club in High School that did bowling, dances and camp counseling for local mentally challenged teenagers. I was studying to be a secretary, but was flunking some of my classes, even though I was trying very hard. My counselor found Occupational Therapy as an occupation that worked with the mentally challenged. I just recdently retired, after over 40 years an OT. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for these kids, so, when I saw I could make scarves for them, I went for it. I will have made 3 for the state of VA.
Our granddaughter is a Down’s child. She is four years old now and the most adorable little girl! So in her honor, we try to support the Special Olympics. She’s too young to be active in it but I’m sure she’ll compete when she is of age.
I found about he Scarves through a friend on Facebook, I had been working since mid november on scarves for my family members. I crocheted 29 scarves for Christmas presents. When I finished them I did 5 for the Special Olympics. I probably could do a couple more but I am tired of scarves and need to do something else for a while.
My 4 year old grandson has Angelman’s Syndrome. He is just now learning to walk. I hope that someday he will be able to be a Special athlete.
this is my fourth or fifth year working on scarves for special Olympics,I’m glad they decided to go national,was bummed my home state of NY was not listed,but have chosen Va. and NC
it gives me joy and a sense of accomplishment to work on scarves,its calming and cheap therapy.Linda
I’ve been crocheting since I was a little girl, my Grandma taught me and I’ve done it ever since, I find it very relaxing. A few years ago I started taking my sister in law for her weekly chemo treatments and used to bring a crochet project with me. Some of the other patients would look forward to us coming so they could see the progress I’d made. When I was woking I took the train every day, I started talking to a women who was just learning to crochet and was able to help her figure out a few stitches. She found another lady on our train who was new to crochet and the three of us used to sit together and crochet and share patterns. It was fun and made the ride to and from work go a lot faster. Over the years I’ve crocheted afghans for my family, friends, co-workers and for my friends to give as gifts to their family members. About two years ago I told myself I was going to use up some of the stash I have so I started looking online for charities that accept handmade items. So far I’ve made about a dozen baby blankets that I’ve donated to Project LInus, a dozen or so afghans that I’ve sent to a childrens charity and several for disabled veterans. I found out about scarves for Special Olympics last year, but it was too late, so I made a point of looking into it for this year. I like making small projects that can be done in a day or two and making scarves for these special athletes was perfect. I’ve been blessed with healthy children, who are very active in sports, making items for Special Olympics gives me a way to support athletes who are not as fortunate. So far I have about 6 done, I’m shooting for about a dozen.
When I was a child, I spent a summer with my Aunt Estelle. We worked in tobacco in the morning, but in the afternoon we sat on her porch and she taught me to crochet. By the end of the summer, I could crochet fairly well. 40 years later, I still love to crochet.
In 1990, my husband and I applied to do special needs adoption. Our Sherri was five years old when she came to live with us. In spite of all her physcial and developmental challenges, she was full of joy. She loved big and wokred hard to meet any challenge. She loved to create things and do all kinds of crafts. She also loved Special Olympics. After she graduated from high school she worked in a preschool kitchen as the snack lady. She loved the children and the staff there. On Febl 27, 2010 Sherri passed away suddenly.
In her memory, I am crocheting scarves and have invited others to join me. We want to celebrate something that she loved, by doing this for others.
I am so sorry for your loss. I too lost my child in 2001 . she was twenty nine, also died suddenly. the shock is terrible, and even today I still cry and always will, I miss her so. they are truly special and we are blessed to have them in our care , even for a short time. god bless you..
I am 72 and life has given me more blessings that I can name. Crocheting is my way of giving back. All I make is given to others in hope of making their day a little better. As for the Special Olympics, I have a nephew who is autistic and my scarves are in honor of him.
I have been knitting and crocheting since I was a child. I find it relaxing and love to make things with my own hands. I became involved with Special Olympics (summer games) when I started raising dogs for Canine Companions for Independence ten years ago. Each year we have a booth at the Washington State Summer games and several of the CCI graduates compete in both the summer and winter Special Olympics. I am glad to have found the info on the scarves and am working on number four and five right now. I should easily complete my goal of six by the Feb 19th deadline.
I just found the information about the Special Olympic scarf project last weekend. I went to a local WalMart and found the 2011 colors of yarn. With yarn in hand, I began and completed 5 scarves, which I sent to the Indiana Scarf Project today! I have been blessed with the talents to knit (age 5) and crochet (age8)…I am now 52 years old. It is not only a privilege, but I am humbly honored to be able to contribute to this project. No personal Special Olympians in my life, but through the power of the Internet, I am deeply touched by the stories of others…and I am on a mission to make as many as I can right up until the final deadline…Happy Holidays to all…and GOD Bless…
I like to knit and crochet and saw RedHeart’s blurb about this. It sounded like a fun thing to do for the participants. I’ve made 3 so far and am donating to the Pennsylvania Special Olympics because that’s where my older daughter lives. I have PKD and am a kidney transplant recipient and have a lot to be thankful for. This seems like a nice way to give back.
I am so proud of my amazing niece, Mallory who is a gold medalist in Bowling; and no less proud of her siblings who also compete in Bowling as a way to support her. When I saw the info about yarn colors for 2011 I knew I had to help in the way that I can which is to knit. I live far away from Mallory’s family, so I cherish this way to be a part of their lives.
In 1990 my husband I adopted two children. Our beautiful daughter Sherri and our amazing son Matthew. Sherri had cerebral palsy and was developmentally delayed. Over the past 20 years, we grew together as a family. She loved to create things…and she loved Special Olympics.She worked in a preschool as the “snack lady”. All the children loved Ms. Sherri. In February of this year, She passed away suddenly. Doing things for other folks was a huge part of her life. I discovered this opportunity to do something for Special Olympics. I am crocheting scarves in her memory.
I lost my job in 2007 due to downsizing. I was lucky enough to be able to stay home but felt I should use this blessing to help others. I have panic disorder so going out to help with charities so I use my talents of sewing and crocheting to help as much as possible. When I heard of this charity I knew I had to help. Thank you for this opportunity to help others.
When I graduated from High School, waaaaaaay back when, I worked with kids in the morning and adults in the afternoon at a place called the “Sheltered Workshop”. Those kids and adults were the bright spot in my day. I often wonder how they are doing…the families were so grateful for all we did with the kids and adults. There was one special little girl named “Mandy” who was blind in one eye and had water on the brain. She would scoot around on her seat, instead of crawl. Doctors told her Mom she would not walk unless she learned to crawl. Mandy was my special girl…long brown curly locks and the cutest smile. I would daily lay down on the floor on my back and then put Mandy on top of me and she would not only smile, but push up with her hands and feet. It was just a summer job, and I went off to do other things and moved away from home. My Mom called me in tears one day. Mom had gotten a letter from Mandy’s Mom, stating that Mandy had WALKED to Kindergarten with her sister. Tears of joy. God bless all of you and your blessed children. Annie
I enjoy crocheting for charity and SO is near and dear to my heart. When I went to college, about 30 years ago, I was a music major. I hated the pressure and competition and ended up changing majors to Special Education. While studying to be a teacher, I got involved in Special Olympics as an extra credit project suggested by one of my professors.
I spent the next four years with several of my friends coaching basketball, working on walk-a-thon committees or organizing Field Days for the county’s special olympians. I made some amazing friends and really learned a great deal about love and support!
I’m more than honored to be able to crochet a couple of scarves for Special Olympics. I look forward to the announcement of each year’s colors just like it was Christmas! I crochet and donate scarves as a thank you to all of the special olympians that taught me many lessons about life and how to enjoy it to the fullest!
My aunt was dropped on her head when she was a baby and when she was 11, my grandmother put her in Polk State Mental Institution because she was unable to care for her anymore. The family was told that she would never walk, feed herself or do anything for herself. Many years later, she was moved to a group home in Erie, closer to my mom, her younger sister. She began attending the Gertrude Barber Center and began doing many things for herself, such as walking with assistance and even feeding herself. Although she never participated in any special olympics. I remember visiting her every summer with my grandmother, parents, aunt, uncle and cousins. Her favorite thing was ice cream. Grandma always had to get her some when we visited.
I have crocheted hats and mittens for a local school for the kids who didn’t have any to keep warm on the way to and from school. I found out about the Special Olympic Scarves through another site and was excited to be able to help out again. I think it’s a wonderful way that we can help out with the athletes participating. I love crocheting for others and very seldom have anything done for myself. Not having a lot of funds right now, this is one way that I can help.
In 1971 Ii spent a summer working at a transitional housing program in Pittsburgh with former residents of Polk and other similar institutions. That was the most meaningful summer in my life. It’s so good of you to share the good news about your aunt.
I decided when I was 10 years old that I wanted to be a special education teacher and after I graduated college I worked with autistic children. My teaching career lasted 25 years!! During that time my husband and I adopted two beautiful children internationally. Our youngest son was diagnosed autistic when he was 15 months old. My heart was broken and I struggled with his disability for almost 10 years. Now Jason is 11 and he is my “bestest buddy”. Everyone loves him! He amazes me everyday. Most of my stitching these days is for charity. I use the stitching as cheap therapy! It is an honor to be Jason’s mom and it is an honor to be stitching scarves for the Special Olympics!
My Aunt Erin was born 52 years ago with Down’s. Immediately after birth my grandmother was told to “put her in a home, she won’t live past ten.” She far surpassed 10 and lived an amazing happy and love filled life. She passed away 2 weeks ago today at the age of 52 having won many medals in multiple Special Olympics. She was so proud of her accomplishments and it made her so happy and so many friends. At her funeral her medals were displayed prominently to remind us all of her successes. I will be making these scarves to remember my Aunt Erin and how much joy the games brought to her and so many other people.
My mother was told my DS lil sis would not live a year and to put her into a home.
This must have been what they told all mothers at that time.
I am so very sorry to hear of your aunt’s passing. Your story made me cry. I am hanging onto my sis and keeping her clinically stable, but she too is 52.
God bless you.
K. in Texas, sis to Barbara (story posted)
I love charity crocheting and knitting. I got involved with the scarves because a friend challenged us to see how many we could make. Now I do it every year. I’m especially happy that I can, or should, be able to keep the scarves here in Tennessee. Thanks for including us for this great project!
I have a first cousin with DS who used to participate in the games (swimming) when she was younger. I know she enjoyed participating. I wanted to do something to show my support of the games.
My Special Sister was born in 1958. Barbara is the youngest of four children and now lives with me. Four years ago my mother took ill an was no longer able to care for my sis. Now, mother lives next door and is till part of Barbara’s daily life.
Unfortunately, Barbara was born before medical care was deemed necessary for children born “mentally retarded” a term used at the time.
She was able to attend the school at the Harris county retardation center (yes, that is what the name was) and graduated, a day that she replays to this day.
She was made famous at her school as she was always ready to pose for photos with local celebrities and those photos were used by United Way on television, newspapers, and the cover of their yearly report.
Barbara was able to participate in the Special Olympics once, before her many medical problems prevented further competition.
One of the girls in my neighborhood gave birth to a son with DS. She is now working with DSAH (DS assoc. of Houston)
Three years ago my daughter’s best friend gave birth to Zack, her first child, born with Down Syndrome. He has Zack’s Pack walking for the 10th annual Buddy Walk in Houston, Texas.
I am crocheting a scarf in honor of my two precious babies. Barbara age 52 and Zack age 3.
My daughter along with Zack’s mother, and the girl from my neighborhood all work together with DSAH.
My sister Barbara was the only DS person in their lives. Seeing how well she has lived her life gave these two young mothers an insight to how well their sons can succeed in life.
I love knitting for charity I am able to stay home and my boy two still living at home are all in there 20′s. I started knitting for charity last spring. I am knitting squares for South Africa along with this charity.
I have three sons they all grew up with learning disabilites one with language delays and language processing problem. He just grad. last Dec, with honors in the psycology program at the university in Colorado Springs.
My oldest has aspergers but is extremely high functioning he did eventually drop out of high school because of his lack of motivation and teasing by other kids. He at 27 has finally had the maturity and the opportunity to move out.
My youngest has dyslexia which I grew up with too. We got him tutored when he was younger but wants to be a teacher an english teacher at that is really struggling in his junior year of college may have to change majors.
So as you see I have a special place in my heart for those with any disability. One thing I love is these kids are so loving and will be happy with any scarf they get I am just knitting mine the garter stitch with stripes and they are nothing fancy. I don’t feel the pressure to produce a perfect scarf. This is probably doing more for me as I am bi-polar and have struggled alot this year than is the children who receive these scarves.
So as you see I not what it is like to struggle and giving back makes me feel useful.
I think God led me to find the Michigan site because when I called the organizers said they really needed scarves. I will knit for who ever needs them once the rest of the info comes out . I have made one so far for the colors on this site.
Hope to get to know more of you through this site and facebook.
Happy knitting or crocheting
Peggy
bless you for all you do. I too cared for my daughter who was born with down syndrome, i was blessed to have her with me for 29 yr. She passed away in 9-11-2001. i have always been interested in the special olympics and will for ever..im on my 5th scarf and have until Jan 14th here in Maine, hope to knit 10 scarfs, one for each year she has been gone.
Awesome story…which I know well. Barbara is an awesome, beautiful person. God has blessed her with so many talents & I know she’s proud to have you on her side. You encourage her & supported her in so many of her events. God bless you both.
A group of us at Three Rivers Crochet in Pittsburgh are making scarves for the Pennsylvania Special Olympics winter competition, all in honor of our family members and friends who participate in Special Olympics. A friend of mine is also a past Director of the Special Olympics program in Baltimore.
We did have a bit of a problem locating the yarn in the proper colors, but found it on the web and also at WalMart Superstores (in my case, in Cranberry Twp PA).
It ends up that PA received so many scarves, including a large group from Three Rivers Crochet, that our scarves went to other states that needed them. We are using our leftovers to crochet and knit strips to assemble into afghans to go to our local VA.
I’m looking forward to crocheting more scarves next year!!