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The Children’s Home of Easton is holding a press conference at the Kirby Sports Center Atrium patio 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 27 to announce that Kirby Sports Center will host the National Children’s Home Olympics (“H’Olympics”) from June 20-25 2002.
A photo shoot will precede a question-and-answer session. Guests will include Michael H. Danjczek, executive director and president of The Children’s Home of Easton, Lafayette president Arthur J. Rothkopf ’55, and several teenagers from The Children’s Home of Easton.
Founded in 1991, when The Children’s Home of Easton served as the host agency, the H’Olympics features teams from children’s homes within the National Fellowship of Child Care Executives, an organization of 68 children’s homes in the United States. The students chosen to make the trip earn their way not only by athletic ability, but also good behavior, grades, and attendance at practice sessions for the games. They will reside on campus.
“The purpose of the H’Olympics is to foster greater self-esteem, teamwork, positive approaches to competition and sportsmanship, and to give the children the opportunity to travel to other parts of the country and fellowship with other athletes,” according to a Children’s Home of Easton press release. “It is for many of our children the first and perhaps only occasion to travel outside of the local area. It is a one-time opportunity for fellowship and camaraderie for those who earn their way.”
States represented in the H’Olympic Games include Arizona, New Jersey, Vermont, Maine, Texas, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.
In its first year, nine children’s homes participated with about 200 athletes. Next year, nearly 400 athletes from 20 homes are expected to attend. Kirby Sports Center will host basketball, volleyball, and swimming competitions, while Fisher Field will be the venue for track and field. Softball will be the only off-campus event.
The Children’s Home of Easton was founded in 1885 as The Easton Home for Friendless Children, and was initially connected with the Philadelphia Aid Society before becoming an independent institution. In 1921, a new 38-acre location was dedicated, by which time the name had been changed to The Children’s Home of Easton. This site remains the present campus. In 1960, the program switched from an orphanage to a residential treatment home for emotionally disturbed children. Its main campus houses as many as 50 children ages eight through 18. A satellite group and foster homes accommodate an additional 70 children, and an emergency shelter, The Acopian Center, provides short-term crisis intervention and housing for up to 24 children.
For more information, contact Francie Rodums, associate director of development for The Children’s Home of Easton, 610-258-2831 Ext. 153.