Help Our Cause

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.  

The transformative power of sports to instill confidence, improve health and inspire a sense of competition is at the core of what Special Olympics does. From the detailed coaching guides we provide in many languages to the sharp-eyed officials at our international games, the focus is on real sports, real competition, real achievements.

In Special Olympics, the power and joy of sport, shifts focus to what the athletes CAN do, not what they can't. Attention to disabilities fades away. Instead, we see the athletes' talents and abilities -- and applaud them for all that they can do. 

Alegria Animal Assisted Therapeutic Center is a designated Special Olympics equestrian program. This means we meet all the standards and requirements to coach athletes for Special Olympic equestrian activities.

No experience necessary to become an athlete! Our certified Special Olympics coaches will evaluate each athlete and determine the best type of equestrian competition for that athlete. The next step is to complete an 8-week training process and then compete in a regional horse show with designated classes for the Special Olympics. The athlete will progress to the next level and so on until he/she qualifies for the national and international games. 

The safety and comfort of all athletes is a priority. Riding support such as a trained volunteer leading a horse and side walkers will be provided if needed.                           

Christie and her team have gone above and beyond to help those in need and for those who don't have a voice. Because of their dedication to the community we have established the Christie Tournet & Associates Scholarship. The scholarship is for one individual over the age of 4 that is qualified through Special Olympics Louisiana to compete on Alegria's team. The scholarship covers all expenses related to training, competition and adaptive equipment for 1 year.  To learn more about the scholarship and to apply please contact us at Learn@AlegriaTherapeuticCenter.com.

 With extensive, real-world experience in real estate and business management, Christie Tournet & Associates is the consummate estate planning, estate administration, and commercial counselor servicing Mandeville, Covington, St. Tammany Parish, and the Greater New Orleans area.  Christie views legal issues through a unique lens and becomes a trusted legal and business adviser to business and individual clients alike.