ODU to Host Fifth Annual Little Feet Meet for Children with Disabilities

Approximately 300 children from 12 Norfolk public elementary schools will visit Old Dominion's Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium Tuesday, April 22, for the fifth annual Little Feet Meet for Children with Disabilities.

Sponsored by ODU, Norfolk Public Schools and Special Olympics Virginia, the fun event is held for children with multiple disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome and Asperger's syndrome. It features a variety of "Olympic" events - everything from an obstacle course and races to a football toss and bowling.

As in previous years, students from the ODU Parks, Recreation and Tourism Studies Program and the Monarch football team will comprise the majority of the more than 100 student volunteers for this event, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (The rain dates are Thursday, April 24, and Tuesday, April 29.)

"This remains a wonderful partnership between ODU, the Norfolk Public Schools and Special Olympics Virginia," said Betsy Kennedy, senior lecturer of recreation and tourism studies. "This is a wonderful service-learning experience for our ODU students. It is also a wonderful opportunity for the university to serve our local community."