Special Olympics Developmental Sports Program Coming to Westwood

This fall, Westwood will have its first Westwood Developmental Sports Program. This program will be for children ages six to twelve through Special Olympics Massachusetts . “Although other towns have [Special Olympics] programs for children in this age group, Westwood does not,” comments the Program Coordinator Lindsay Nozzolillo. “[It] will allow participants to build friendships and basic sports skills.”

Nozzolillo’s two middle-school aged children, Jack and Caroline, are active in coordinating this program as well. Her youngest son, Grant, has a rare chromosomal deletion and will be an active participant in the Developmental Sports Program.

The Westwood Developmental Sports Program is part of Special Olympics Unified Sports®. This program is designed for both children with intellectual disabilities and those without one. “There is an image of Special Olympics as being for those with [diagnoses such as] Down Syndrome, but it also includes many other groups,” notes Nozzolillo. Westwood High School received national recognition for its participation in the Special Olympics Unified Champion Program in 2018.

This program sprung from Jack and Caroline’s love of volunteering with Special Olympics. “We are not just looking for someone looking to have a playdate, we are looking for people who really want to help,” says Jack. It is Nozzolillo’s hope that this program will bring together community volunteers of all ages.

If your child is interested in becoming involved with the Westwood Developmental Sports Program, the sign up form is here. If you or your child are interested in volunteering with the program, email Nozzolillo.

Other Back to School Articles:

• Back to School: 2019 Cross Country (Boys' & Girls') Schedule
• Back to School: 2019 Girls' Soccer Schedule
• Back to School: 2019 Boys' Soccer Schedule
• Back to School: 2019 Football Schedule
• School and Town Athletic Fields To Be Sprayed August 15-16
• Westwood SEPAC: A Resource For Parents Of Kids With Special Needs