Special Olympics fund-raiser to feature The Mudmen in Kincardine

The Mudmen are coming to Kincardine and it's not even for the Scottish Festival!

This time, the mighty bagpipers, Robby and Sandy Campbell, and their band will be playing at the Kincardine Legion, Saturday, April 8, for a fund-raising dance in support of Special Olympics Ontario - Kincardine and District.

Special Olympics Ontario is a charitable provincial organization, providing sport training and competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities, says community co--ordinator Joy Laidler. Kincardine and District operates as part of the organization, supporting about 30 athletes in six sports. The athletes range in age from 15 to 80, and reside in the Municipality of Kincardine of the Township of Huron-Kinloss.

The local group provides an opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate and compete in sports at their own ability level, says Laidler. "It gives the athletes a reason to be active, to be part of a team, a chance to meet new people, and gives them self-confidence.

"We have five track-and-field athletes who have been selected to compete at the Provincial Summer Games in Peel Region, in July, 2017. We also have a figure skater who is currently at the World Winter Games in Austria."

The money raised at the fund-raising dance will help maintain and grow the local Special Olympics sports programs.

Besides the energetic music of The Mudmen, the evening will also feature a number of door prizes.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with the dance starting at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 each; available at the Legion office (from 9 a.m. to Noon) or Legion bar (open 3-10 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 2-6 p.m. on Saturday) or from Jerome Flowers and Gifts in downtown Kincardine.

This is an age-of-majority event, so you must be age 19 or older to attend.