There are a lot of myths about people with mental retardation. To break down those myths you need not only publicity and promotion, but research showing that attitudes change and skills and healthy lifestyles develop and that this is a good way to do it. Continuation funding will be requested on an annual basis and will be based on project needs. By the end of the fourth year, the project will be self-supported and Brylinsky hopes to have enough information in place to develop similar cooperative ventures around the United States. It is very interested in building a network within the university communities.
Universities have, in most cases, the facilities for athletic events.
They have endless numbers of people who may be interested in doing these types of things. And so I'm real hopeful after four years of developing the project that we'll be able to share this and develop similar programs at other universities in Michigan and nationwide. Athletes with or without mental retardation are currently being recruited for the fall and winter sporting activities. Additional coaches and referees also are needed.