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THANKSGIVING DAY TUNE IN ALERT!
These Special Olympics athletes will become part of the 80-year tradition of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade that marks the beginning of the holiday season and is seen by more than 3 million people who line the streets of New York and another 50 million people who tune into NBC and Telemundo. Special Olympics athletes will share the same stage as Julie Andrews, Chris Brown, Cheyenne, Ciara, Miley Cyrus, Gloria Estefan, Renee Fleming,Natalie Grant, Hall & Oates, the cast of Disney Channel's High School Musical, Jonas Brothers, Josh Kelley, Darlene Love, Barry Manilow, Sarah McLachlan, Miss USA 2006-Tara Conner, Sandi Patty, John Tartaglia, and as always, Santa Claus. The Florida Special Needs Color Guard was chosen from over 300 other parade applicants. “We're thrilled to have them," said Bill Schermerhorn, vice president and creative director for the Macy's parade. "I think the entire country will love this group and this should be a heartfelt, emotional moment in the parade." According to Schermerhorn, the Florida Special Needs Color Guard stood out due to "their heart, dedication and artistry.” This color guard and dance team is comprised of Special Olympics Broward County athletes and for the past seven years they have participated in the South Florida Winter Guard Association Circuit, along with many other talented high school, college, and independent color guard teams. In addition, they are the only special needs color guard team invited to participate annually in the prestigious Winter Guard International Championships in Dayton, Ohio. The color guard is scheduled to march in front of "The Polar Express" float, which is right before the Santa float at the end of the parade. The color guard and dance team is also scheduled to perform in front of Herald Square.
Photos courtesy of Sun-Sentinel/Omar Vega
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The Florida Special Needs Color Guard and Dance Program, the first special needs color guard and dance program in the world, will be performing in the 80th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
To learn more about the Color Guard and their journey to the "Big Apple," here is an excellent article, as well as photos and video) that ran in the Sun-Sentinel: