Blue Valley Recreation News

Sun, Aug 21, 2011 - [Special Pops/Olympics]

Did it hit mid-semester of your junior year after some irrelevant Art History classes? Or did that firefighter dream stick with you since kindergarten? How old were you, and what was the spark? Find out when and what it was for Nan Kanter, Special Pops program coordinator for Blue Valley Rec. Story by Connie Skeens.

 

For Nan, her course of study was her destiny. By her sophomore year, she planned to become an occupational therapist. All that changed one weekend when she visited the home of her college roommate. Nan met her sister, a young girl with developmental disabilities.

Visiting the young girl’s school, Nan was amazed by the dedication and love the teachers and staff showed to their special students. She reflects, “These teachers saw that the students had something to offer--each had their own gifts. Their environment seemed insulated though. I wondered why they weren’t more integrated into schools and the community, and I wanted to be part of that change.” Listening to her heart, that weekend was the spark for Nan, shaping her life and equipping her for the future.
 
With clear goals, Nan completed undergraduate and master’s degrees in Special Education at the University of Missouri. She worked with people with developmental disabilities, volunteering at a residential group home and later teaching Special Education classes in Grandview.
 
Nan married in 1974, and she and Sid welcomed Michael two years later. Brother Matthew came along in 1979. Disabilities were noticed when Michael was a toddler. Nan’s destiny came full-circle: the spark which ignited her passion served to prepare her for the challenges she and her family would face.
 
Finding limited activities available for Michael, Nan realized that other parents were in the same boat. She approached the Blue Valley School District to explore ideas with their special education director. During that time, Blue Valley Recreation reached out to Nan about starting a Special Olympics program. In 1988, ten Special Olympics athletes played in the basketball program. As participation grew, they added additional sports programs. Nan began full-time employment with Blue Valley Rec in 1991.
 
Nan realized participants wanted non-sports activities too. New programs were added—including a book club, cooking, arts and crafts, karaoke, and gardening. Favorites include dances and dinner/movie outings. Over 165 participants now enjoy sports, special events, and enrichment classes. “It’s fun to see their excitement when they master a new skill and develop close friendships,” Nan said. “I love what I do—it’s a phenomenal job!”
 
Quick to applaud the help she receives, Nan points out how heavily she relies on dedicated volunteers, “It would be impossible to offer so many activities without them.” While many are parents of participants, some volunteers are just people with hearts for this special population. The group includes family, friends, and Nan’s co-workers at Blue Valley Rec. Nan adds, “I couldn’t spend so much time away from home without my husband’s support. In addition to being with Michael while I’m busy with activities, Sid volunteers countless hours.”
 
Nan’s passionate commitment has been noticed by the community. She was inducted into the Leawood Hall of Fame and has been recognized as a “Kindest Kansas Citian” on several occasions. Honors aside, Nan’s greatest legacy is the impact that she has had on countless lives.
 
Many have been blessed because Nan listened with her heart when she met a special young girl many years ago. Fate or fluke, she became what she needed to be.
 
So—when did you know, and what was the spark?
  

They Say...

 
Craig, age 24, has participated in Special Olympics since he was six. He said Nan makes sure he always has fun things to do. Craig’s mom, Betse, added “Nan comes up with ways to involve the participants in the community. She helps them grow through fun learning experiences and chances to build friendships. We are blessed to have Nan as our leader and dear friend.”
 
Volunteer Julie and her children Clinton and Mackenzie have helped with Special Olympics since 2001. Julie explained that many developmentally-delayed athletes play on school and rec teams until skill levels become too unequal. When athletes can no longer compete there, Special Olympics is where they go! “Nan lives and breathes Special Olympics and Special Populations!” Julie says. “She really loves the athletes and providing them chances to have fun and develop self-confidence.”
 
Caroline, Special Olympics athlete, smiled, “Miss Nan is the best. She organizes fun things to do. I met my best friend Laura because of her.” Suzanne, Caroline’s mother, noted that Nan’s programs have sensitized hundreds of volunteers to the unique talents and gifts that participants bring to the community. She reflected, “All of us who have a child with a disability are grateful to Nan. She has built a Special Olympics program that provides meaningful activities and socialization opportunities for our children, for whom life presents unique challenges.”
 
 
 
 
Hours of Operation

Activity Center
6545 W. 151st Street
Monday - Friday, 6am-9pm
Saturday, 7am-7pm
Sunday, noon-7pm
913.685.6000
For weather cancellations
call 913.685.6099

Recreation Complex Office (Sports)
9701 W. 137th Street
Monday - Friday, 8am-4:30pm
913.685.6030
For weather cancellations
call 913.685.6099
 

Administrative Offices
6545 W. 151st Street
Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
913.685.6000

Vision Statement:

"Enriching Lives, Strengthening a Spirit of Community"

Mission Statement:

"We will champion community and personal growth through dynamic lifelong recreation experiences."