July 13 Opening Reception to Feature Two Olympic Medal Winners
LANSING, MI – Despite being banned from the ancient Olympics under penalty of death, relegated to non-contact sports in the early years of the modern era, and even today lacking equal representation, women have embraced the Olympic movement from its inception and excelled at its sports. And Michigan women were no exception…
The first woman from this state to make her mark at the Games was swimmer Margaret Woodbridge Presley in 1920. Since her time, about 100 other female Olympians have also called Michigan home: growing up here, training here, or retiring here after their competitive years.
The trials and triumphs of these elite athletes-and of their worldwide counterparts-are described in a new museum exhibit, called “Faster, Higher, Stronger: Michigan Women in Olympic History,” developed by the Michigan Women’s Historical Center and set to be displayed there July 13-December 28, 2008.
“To our knowledge,” said Patricia Majher-the museum’s assistant director and curator of the exhibit-“this is the first time an exhibit has been dedicated to this subject in Michigan.”
A variety of information will be presented on the text panels of this exhibit, from the effect of Title IX on expanding girls’ athletic opportunities to a timeline marking the great strides women have made in achieving equality as Olympic athletes, coaches, and administrators. What’s more, five women will be highlighted for their extraordinary achievements. They include the state’s first female Olympian (swimmer Margaret Woodbridge), Michigan’s only honoree in the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame (diver Micki King), our most decorated female Olympian (speedskater Sheila Young Ochowicz), Michigan’s ‘iron woman’ of the Olympics (speedskater and cyclist Constance Paraskevin Young), and the world’s first female three-sport Olympian (Sheila Taormina, a standout in swimming, triathlon, and pentathlon).
Audio and video elements will enhance the visitor experience. Additionally, the exhibit will feature hands-on activities for younger visitors, such as a design-your-own-medal station, a chance to stand on a kid-sized winners’ podium, and a miniature basketball game (representing one of the sports at which Michigan women have excelled).
The exhibit’s opening reception, set for 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, will highlight two special speakers. The first, at 1:00 p.m., will be MSU administrator Dr. Judi Brown Clarke, a silver medal-winning hurdler at the 1984 Summer Olympics. At 2:30 p.m., Lisa Brown Miller, a forward on the gold medal-winning ice hockey team at the 1998 Winter Olympics, will also address the audience. The opening reception includes free admission to the exhibit as well as refreshments.
Operating hours are from noon to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday.
Voices of African Americans Sought For Disability Policies and Projects
LANSING, MI – If you are African American and have a developmental disability, or a family member with a developmental disability, you are invited to a free community gathering on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 from 6 to 8 pm at the Trinity AME Church, 3500 West Holmes Road. The Black Child and Family Institute and The Arc Michigan are holding the gathering with a grant from the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC).
The gathering will provide information about how to connect with local services and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. There will also be information about how to make your voice heard about the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families.
There is no charge for attending and food and refreshments will be provided. Assistance is available for transportation, child sitting or alternate communications (such as large print, Braille or sign language). Please contact Tony Wong at The Arc Michigan at (517) 492-5027.
The gathering is part of the Include All of Us project funded by the MDDC and carried out by The Arc Kent County, The Arc of Western Wayne County and The Arc Michigan in collaboration with local leaders or community organizations.
The Black Child and Family Institute emerged from series of symposia held throughout the state in 1986. Programs and services were introduced to address needs in the areas of family stability, mental health, education and economic development. It is now a non-profit corporation.
The Arc Michigan facilitates a statewide network of local chapters assisting persons with developmental disabilities and their families through education, training, technical assistance and advocacy.
The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council works to assure that the voices of people with disabilities and their families are heard by the Governor and other policy makers who govern how supports and services are provided for them.
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