Findlay Acura supports Special Olympics athlete

Findlay Acura is helping one local athlete participate in basketball, track and field and bowling competition presented by Special Olympics.

The dealership started by donating a $250 check to Special Olympics for Paul Brooks, 17, who will compete in various sports before graduating from Durango High School later this year.

Special Olympics competition started in September with bowling before moving to basketball and finally track and field. Brooks has competed in each of the categories.

"This competition starts in September and runs all the way through June," said Celeste Brooks of her son. "Paul has been competing for four years and he loves it. In my mind, it gives everything to him including his independence and a sense of accomplishment. He has gained a fullness that I love for him to have.

"We follow him in everything that he does and participating in the Special Olympics competition has really pulled him out of his shell. This is a wonderful program, and we're very appreciative to the people of Findlay Acura for their help."

Celeste Brooks said that participation in the Special Olympics carries with it a price tag considering the equipment that is needed such as bowling balls, shoes and other accessories.

"It's all worth it in the end because it gives them the fulfillment of playing a sport," the proud mother said. "In fact, the Special Olympics helps so many kids. Everyone accepts everyone for who they are and the competitors and their loved ones are one big family. We all watch out for one another."

"We moved here from Seattle four years ago and I really like the way this community looks after one another," said Paul Brooks Sr. of his son. "We had heard that Vegas is a cold place and everyone would try to cheat you.

"However, we have found that to be totally false. We have wonderful neighbors, and the agreement with Findlay Acura of Henderson in the Valley Automall is a good example of how people help one another here."

The competition has been great for Paul Brooks Jr., too.

"It's a lot of fun," said the younger Brooks said. "Every time we have an event, it's almost like a family reunion."

The teenager, who has been featured in various media outlets in the past several years, is hoping to qualify for the Nevada State Summer Games June 3-4 at the University of Nevada, Reno.

"The Special Olympics receives no federal funding and operates on monies generated through fundraisers," said Steve Cabrales, development manager and Law Enforcement Torch Run spokesman for the Special Olympics. "We're very thankful for Findlay Acura for helping make it possible for people like Paul to participate."

Findlay Acura General Manager James Cobbs said he and the dealership are proud to be helping the Special Olympics.

"This is a wonderful program," Cobbs said. "These athletes are good people who work hard and we're happy to be a part of the Special Olympics."

Those interested in helping the Special Olympics can visit www.sonv.org, or call 474-0690.

For more information on Findlay Acura, go to www.findlay acura.com, or call 982-4100.

Situated in the Valley Automall, Findlay Acura is part of the Findlay Automotive Group of dealerships founded in 1961 by the late Pete Findlay, whose son, Cliff, now spearheads new- and used-car operations in Utah, Nevada, Arizona and Idaho.