All Star Training Club

ATC was formed in March of 1987. It was established as a program
that would fill the void to a great number of individuals with disabilities
who have no extra curricular activities to participate in. For many students
who are enrolled in special education classes, they are not eligible for
Special Olympic competition, those students fall within the cracks of an
educational system that has the philosophy of mainstreaming and inclusion of
individuals with disabilities into traditional programs. The "catch - 22" is
that school systems cannot or will not go against these philosophies by
becoming a sanctioned Special Olympic organization. Special Olympics, in
general, still remain a segregated organization. ATC has been a fully
recognized outlet for the public school systems as the only source for their
individuals to obtain access to Special Olympics.

    ATC reaches out to these individuals and attempts to fill the void
in their physical and emotional development by offering multiple sports
opportunities throughout the year. ATC offers 7 sports programs that are
open to individuals beginning at the age of 5. We have no maximum age limit.
ATC has athletes from Summit, Portage, Medina, Stark and even Cuyahoga
Counties. The main reason athletes come from so many parts of Northeastern
Ohio is because we are the only sports programs that offers such a unique
approach.

    ATC is a totally inclusionary program that combines Special Olympic
philosophies with interscholastic themes. All athletes are grouped based on
abilities. This is the primary element to Special Olympics. ATC expands
these themes into traditional interscholastic concepts where team unity and
competition become the central focus in a positive manner. ATC uses an
intramural approach whereby all athletes unite at one location for each
session. Thus, many lasting friendships are formed. At each session, the
athletes get personal attention to their physical growth.