July 15, 2015
Little people, big hearts Recipes
Peanut Butter Perfection
Around Town
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21st Annual Golf Classic
Basketball players compete in the National Dwarf Games which were held all over the St. Louis area. This event took place July 8 at Westminster Christian Academy in Town & Country.
Submitted photo
School
Athletes from around the country came to St. Louis to participate in the National Dwarf Games
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Sustainability Efforts Recognized
By Sara Hardin This month, St. Louis played host to the 29th annual National Dwarf Games, an event that brings together dwarf athletes from across the United States and even the world to compete in various team and individual sports. The games were held in conjunction with the Little People of America (LPA) Conference, which was held at the Hyatt St. Louis at the Arch. The National Dwarf Games are hosted by the Dwarf Athletic Association of America (DAAA), a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that was founded in 1985 with the purpose to provide quality athletic opportunities for people with dwarfism. “Our mission is to provide an opportunity for athletes with dwarfism to compete with other athletes of short stature one time a year during the national games that we organize and hold with the Little People of America Conference,” explained Greg Love, DAAA Board President. “The purpose of the competition is to give athletes of short stature a level playing field to truly compete with one another.” The athletes compete within four age divisions, and can choose from nine sports to participate in: badminton, basketball, boccia, football, indoor soccer,
curling, swimming, track and field, and volleyball. Love, whose son participated in the games for his seventh year this summer, explained that the event provides athletes with invaluable opportunities that often aren’t available to them at school or outside the annual games. “My son is 14 and has been a part of the games since he was seven. He plays point guard for his high school team and he loves to play basketball. But, there’s a higher level of competition, believe it or not, when he plays against his peers with the DAAA. He’s able to really display his hard work, effort and skills with other athletes with his physical capability,” said Love. “It’s very inspiring to watch.” Jared Green is a 15-year-old athlete who has participated in the National Dwarf Games since the Dallas convention in 2012. Aside from the spirit of competition, he explained that being able to interact with like-minded athletes who can identify with his physical condition makes the games an important experience for himself and others. “I hope to participate in the games every year,” said Green. “I like competing with people who are my height and who know what it feels like to sometimes
be left out of things. Mainly what I look forward to is being with my friends and meeting new people. You aren’t afraid to be yourself there and people don’t really judge you because they all know about your condition and what disability you have.” Green participates in his high school’s See LITTLE PEOPLE page 2
Over the Fence
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The Great Critter Challenge
Movie: “A LEGO Brickumentary” FREE Online Subscription at mycnews.com
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