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Schreiber Center holds ‘Summer Olympics’

Children take part in the “Schreiber Summer Olympics” this week at the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development in East Hempfield Township. Clockwise from left: Lillian runs with the Olympic torch; Silas plays a sandbox soccer game; Anthony practices his boxing. (Source: Provided)

While the world counted down this week to the Friday’s opening of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development was holding an Olympics of its own.

All week, children in the Schreiber Center’s speech, occupational therapy and physical therapy programs have been taking part in Olympic-themed activities, playing field hockey, tennis, basketball and other games in ways tailored to their abilities and needs. The “Schreiber Summer Olympics” will continue next week as well, ending Friday, Aug. 2.

Valerie takes a lap in an “equestrian” event. (Source: Provided)

The themed activities were developed by occupational therapist Bernie Hershey. The goal she said, “is to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our kids in a way that makes them feel special, while also keeping them on track with their therapy goals.”

The activities take full advantage of the Schreiber Center’s recent expansion and renovation, the organization said. Children are participating indoors in the new gym and specialized therapy rooms; and outdoors on the playground and in a new therapy garden.

Events like the Schreiber Summer Olympics take the center’s programming “to a whole new level of inclusion that I’m so grateful for,” parent Tyara Borsella said.