Ready, Set, Go! St. Anne's Respite Games September 19th

The Not-So-Calm Before the Storm:  Respite Games Held Early on Spirit Day - September 19, 2015

GARDEN CITY, New York (August 10, 2015)  Before the bounce rides, games and music even begin, a very special part of Spirit Day has already begun:  the Respite Games.  Starting at noon on Spirit Day, indoor games and activities are hosted by Saint Anne’s for children and young adults who have special needs.  The Respite Games have been part of Spirit Day for the last several years. 

Organized by Saint Anne’s Special Needs Ministry, the Respite Games offer a sampling of the year-long Respite Care program, which provides wonderful evenings of fun and friendship for children who have special needs from the age of 5 on through young adulthood.   Saint Anne’s Respite Care program meets on various Friday evenings at Saint Anne’s throughout the year.  It is centered on the relationship between the special children and their volunteer buddies, both teens and adults, who partner with them for a light dinner and some great activities, which include sports, music, games and arts and crafts projects.

According to John Rakowski, who leads the activities at the Respite Games and has served as a Respite volunteer for many years, “Every moment volunteers spend with these kids is a blessing.  Spirit Day is an extension of that wonderful feeling.”

The Church of St. Anne hosts its 13th annual Spirit Day on Saturday, September 19, 2015 from 1-10pm with rides, games and music all day and evening.  The day is highlighted with a beautiful celebration of Mass outdoors at 5pm and the exciting Big Bucks Raffle drawing at 10pm.  Additional Big Bucks tickets are always available at the rectory or you may call and we will be happy to mail one to you.  Families from the parish who have special needs children and are interested in participating in the Respite Games on Spirit Day are invited to contact Linda Leone at St. Anne’s Parish office at 352-5904 or visit the website at www.stannesgc.org. 

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