Blog
State Summer Games SOGA Athlete Sadie Wolfe: Special Olympics athlete Sadie Wolfe, who has autism, takes general or “normal” education classes at Newnan High School in Coweta County and hadn’t found the sense of belonging until she was introduced to Special Olympics, said her mother Barbara. Without being in special education classes, Sadie didn’t have access to the same information and didn’t know too much about Special Olympics until she was introduced to the program by teacher and Special Olympics Local Coordinator Kelly Abercrombie. This weekend, Sadie, 15, will put her training to the test and swim at Aquatics at Woodruff P.E. Center at Emory University.
State Summer Games SOGA Athlete Highlight: After losing 15 pounds and practicing volleyball every Tuesday, Henry County athlete Marnie Hornsby is definitely prepared for Special Olympics Georgia’s State Summer Games this weekend at Emory University. Much of the prep work is mental, she said. “I block out everybody — everybody– it’s just me and that ball,” she said Monday. Being able to compete in sports at all is something that is grateful to Special Olympics. Plus, she’s met a lot of new people and made friends. “I’ve really come around since I’ve joined.”
Special Olympics World Games holds the next sport challenge for Marnie: Alpine Skiing. “I think the competition will be tougher but I’m excited,” she said.
State Summer Games SOGA Athlete Highlight: Jimpson Rosser is a young man who has been involved with the program for more than 12 years. Since he was old enough to compete, he has not missed a local event in his whole Special Olympics career.
This year at Emory University he is competing in track and field. He will compete in 100 meter dash and the running long jump. Aside from his athletic talent, Jimpson is also an accomplished musician, as a vocalist and keyboardist. He has performed at many events throughout his community as well as his church. He even played for the Chick-Fil-A Lemon-aid Fundraiser and the opening ceremonies of the local Coweta County Bowling Championships.
State Summer Games SOGA Athlete Highlight: Coweta County Special Olympics Athlete Montana Jones was named Special Olympics Georgia’s Female Athlete of the Year. She has competed at the state level in swimming, and cycling. Before competing at the state level in cycling Montana could not even ride a bike, but with courage and hard practice she went on to earn her spot at state games. Aside from sports, Tana was also named second runner up at the Miss Indian Princess Pageant. Montana will be participating in aquatics at State Summer Games at Emory her events are the 25m back stroke, 50m freestyle, and the 4 by 25m free relay! Come out and cheer Tana on!
State Summer Games SOGA Athlete Highlight: Christopher Joseph Hranek (or CJ as he’s known to everyone) has been competing in Special Olympics for 15 years. Pictured above with the CEO from Superior Essex, Stephen Carter. CJ is competing next week at the 2012 SOGA State Summer Games in the 100 Meter Run, 4×100 Meter Relay and the Shot Put. His sister Natalie, a SOGA staff member says this about her brother and his involvement in Special Olympics: “The impact that Special Olympics has had on CJ’s happiness not only impacts him but it impacts us as a family”. To read more about CJ’s experience with Special Olympics Georgia click here.
SOGA Global Messenger Katy Wilson (pictured above with the SO Soccer Team) spoke at Russell Middle School in Winder to 220 8th graders at a “pep rally” to recognize the school’s Special Olympics soccer team that will compete at State Summer Games May 18-20 at Emory University.
Yogi Bear, Spiderman and Ken Rodriguez from FOx 5 Sports went Over the Edge for SOGA !
Staff Member Daniel Lockart presents to the Knights of Columbus Georgia Council an award of Appreciation at their Annual Black Tie Gala to support Camp Inspire and Special Olympics Georgia.
Special Olympics Georgia and Special Olympics St. Lucia participated in bocce at the April 2012 Central America and Caribbean National Games. We are proud of our athletes and coaches.
Medals count for Special Olympics Georgia and St. Lucia in Panama:
Singles:
Marissa Radford – bronze
Veronica Kostner – fourth
Paulin Jameson – bronze
Ania Isadore – silver
Doubles:
Marissa and Paulin – fourth
Veronica and Ania – gold
Team:
USA/St. Lucia team – silver
ames!
Georgia State University Softball Team Hosted a SOGA Day with Annandale Athletes Sunday, April 15
Annandale athletes had their softball practice with Georgia State University softball players and head coach Roger Kincaid Sunday afternoon after Panthers beat Drexel University at the Robert E. Heck Softball Complex. Athletes fielded the ball, pitched and practiced base running while Georgia State fans stayed after the game and cheered them on. A few fans got photos and video footage of the afternoon. The two videos below are courtesy of Becky Kincaid.
Click here for video of the pre-game activities.
Click here for video of the practice after the game.
The athletes, led by recreation instructor Adrienne Clay, also participated in the pre-game activities by running out on the team with the athletes and tossing out the first pitch.
The Panthers won the 2011 Colonial Athletic Association title.
Congratulations to the 2012 A Peach of An Athlete award winner Special Olympics Athlete CJ Hranek!
Pictured with CJ is CEO & President of Superior Essex, Stephen Carter.
Georgia Milton-Sheats awards Mr. Hankerson and Mr. Cannon of Cobb County recognizing the dedication
and support for 20 years as host of the Special Olympics Georgia State Indoor Winter Games.
Click this link to read a poem from Cobb County Special Olympics:
Special Olympics Georgia Athletes, Best Buddies Participants
Converge on Capitol Hill to Urge for Critical Government Support
– Members Advocate for Passage of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act of 2012 –
Feb. 10 – SOGA staff member Kelli Britt and Athlete Katy Wilson along with coaches, family members around the country traveled to the nation’s capitol to encourage the passage of the Eunic Kennedy Shriver Act of 2012.
Britt and Wilson participated in ‘Capitol Hill Day’ to urge continued commitment to the work of the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver and to meet with America’s elected leaders to make sure that people with intellectual disabilities are top of the mind when critical decisions are made for the country. Shriver dedicated her life to providing opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to become fully integrated into society. Shriver, who passed away in August 2009, founded Special Olympics in 1968 and was a longtime advocate and board member of Best Buddies, founded in 1989.
Throughout the day, participants met with their Members of congress including, Senator Saxby Chambliss and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland. Then a special candlelight vigil was held around the Capitol Reflecting Pool, as a tribute to Eunice Kennedy Shriver and poignant reminder of everyone’s ability to aid in the fight for the civil rights of everyone.
Because people with IDD continue to lack access to essential human services – ranging from employment opportunities to access to healthcare – Special Olympics and Best Buddies supporters will urge members of Congress to support critical government programs that address these needs. They will also advocate passing The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act, which will continue a national commitment that the U.S. Congress made with passage of the 2004 Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act incorporates the Best Buddies Empowerment for People with Intellectual Disabilities Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2009. This combined legislation continues the legacy of Shriver by authorizing funds for specific programs supporting people with IDD in sports, health, education and employment program initiatives.
Special Olympics and Best Buddies constituents will demonstrate, through their advocacy and the incredible successes and potential for future growth of people with IDD, why Congress should enact legislation to expand these highly effective programs. Special Olympics and Best Buddies provide experiences that truly transcend the playing field, transform the classroom, workplaces and communities.
About Best Buddies International
Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to almost 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ seven formal programs – Colleges, High Schools, Middle Schools, Citizens, e-Buddies® , Jobs and Ambassadors – engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly 700,000 people with and without disabilities around the world. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org.
Feb. 8 Around the State: A note from Scott Crain, Hall County Local Coordinator about Winter Games Results
At State Winter Games, 82 Special Olympic athletes and unified partners along with 25 teachers, coaches, and chaperones from Hall County took Marietta by storm. This year, the Hall County delegation participated in seven different sports competitions. It was amazing to watch these incredible young men and women perform.
Our unified basketball team from Lanier Career Academy came in 4th place in division one, the masters traditional basketball team also placed 4th in their competition, and the 3X3 basketball team placed 4th as well. Our senior traditional basketball team comprised of athletes from JHS, WHHS, and NHHS went the entire weekend undefeated to capture the GOLD in division 11 state play. Spouts Springs Elementary and West Hall High athletes participated in the individual basketball skills competition where Spouts Springs won six silver medals and two bronze medals. West Hall High had an outstanding weekend in skills with two gold medals and one silver medal.
Our bowlers also had a great weekend at Winter Games. Lanier Career Academy’s two traditional teams won a bronze and silver medal. Davis Middle School had one athlete in assisted ramp bowling and he brought home the GOLD!! Davis Middle and Flowery Branch High bowled in the unified team divisions where Davis Middle School won two silver and a bronze and Flowery Branch High earned three silver medals and one GOLD! All of the athletes and unified partners represented Special Olympics Hall County well.
First Hall County Athlete to Compete at Southeastern Powerlifting
For the first time in Special Olympics Hall County history, we had an athlete compete in the Southeastern Regional Powerlifting Competition that is held simultaneously with the State Winter Games. He competed in squat and deadlift where he won bronze and in the bench press where he won the GOLD. He won the silver medal for the powerlifting triple combination in his weight class. There were six southeastern states represented in the competition.
Montana Jones SOGA Female Athlete Of The Year!
Coweta County Special Olympics Athlete Montana Jones was named Special Olympics Georgia’s Female Athlete of the Year. She has competed at the state level in swimming, and cycling. Before competing at the state level in cycling Montana could not even ride a bike, but with courage and hard practice she went on to earn her spot at state games. Aside from sports, Tana was also named second runner up at the Miss Indian Princess Pageant. By winning this title, she was allowed to name a charity of choice and chose Coweta County Special Olympics as the benefactor. Congrantulations Montana, on being the Female Athlete of the Year!
This past weekend at the Downunder Horsemanship Walkabout Tour the Central Georgia Ranch Horse Association raised $4,800 for Special Olympics Georgia through The Ritchie Ball Charity Toss, the event was a huge success! Thank you CGRHA
Central Georgia Ranch Horse Association raises 4,800 for Special Olympics Georgia!
BEST COUSINS MAKE BEST BUDDIES!
It was an exciting weekend in Washington, DC when Scott Heyman joined his cousin, Allison Gordon, for the BEST BUDDIES BIKE CHALLENGE. They participated in the 100K bike ride, which started in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday, October 22.
Scott Heyman is a healthy athlete with a developmental disability called Fragile X Syndrome. He lives with his two best friends, Russell and Paul, with support from ILP, a division of Atlanta’s JF&CS Independent Living Program of Atlanta.
This summer, Scott’s cousin, Allison Gordon, a pre-med graduate of Vanderbilt University, called to see if he would like to train with her for the upcoming Best Buddies Bike Challenge in Washington, DC. The training would involve multiple bike rides to build endurance for a 100K event. Scott enjoys riding his bike every Friday to join his family for Shabbat dinner, and he takes weekly spin classes at LA Fitness. However, he had never trained for the distance that this race offered. Scott accepted the challenge, and would train for the event with his cousin Allison, joined by his job coach, Tom Shibley, of Supported Employment Services, who is an avid rider as well.
By October, Scott and Allison were ready to take on the challenge. Scott and his parents, Gail & Lyons Heyman of Marietta, arrived in DC a day early so that Scott could be fitted for his bike. The experience started off with the warm welcome by two national bike champions, Jeff Shoemake and Nathan Winkleman, as they put on Scott’s clip-on bike pedals and encouraged Scott how to stay strong for the next day ride.
That Friday evening, Scott and his family joined the other members of Team Nashville for a kick-off for a carb loaded meal at a friend’s home in DC.
At 6 a.m. the next morning, Scott headed to the Washington Monument to join the 1,400 other participants for breakfast under the tent. There was a pep talk at the start line with Anthony Shriver, founder of Best Buddies International. Maria Shriver and many other members of the Kennedy family came in support of the ride. Even before the sun came up, Scott was cued up with the other bikers for the race. With his helmet on, his race jersey number 101 on his back, Scott heard the final blow of the whistle. He looked over at Allison and off they went!
The traffic was stopped for the bikers at the mall and all around DC. Starting at the Washington Monument, the route followed the Potomac River up into Maryland. Streets were closed, and there was a police escort on the Beltway. Every 15 miles there was a rest stop with cheers, water and nutrients for the bikers.
The race continued for many hours, and near 1 p.m., Scott and Allison could be seen approaching the finish line. It was so exciting! The loud noise of the cow bells and cheers were alarming, but it did not slow them down. Scott stood up on his bike and stepped into super drive with an awesome finish. He went through the finish line and kept on peddling, never looking back. It took him a few moments to turn around to get yet another round of applause.
After the race, Allison took off her helmet, high fived her Best Buddy, and then calmed down her cousin’s nerves by massaging his knee. Allison’s smooth words of encouragement kept Scott’s mind focused on the challenge during the long race. The whole time they joked with each other, sang Camp Barney songs, and had a great time.
After the race, when speaking with Scott’s brother, Jared, and sister, Carly, on the phone, he was asked “Scott, how did you do it?” His answer was simple, “I got on my bike, and then got off”.
Scott is an inspiration to many. He has dozens of new Facebook friends, and enjoys sharing pictures and stories of the BEST BUDDIES BIKE CHALLENGE. Scott is a hero for taking on this awesome challenge and going beyond expectations.
MACON ATHLETE SPEAKS TO GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF THE MOOSE
Before heading to her sailing competition at Lake Tobesofkee, athlete Nandi Isaac spoke to more than 200 Moose members at its State Convention in Macon Saturday, Sept. 24. Nandi talked about her sports and explained that Special Olympics has taught her many skills and she wants to help others just like her.
“When I first started bowling, I tried my hardest and aimed for the gold! I am now 28 years old. Now I compete in many sports like bowling, bocce, softball and sailing. When I try hard and meet my goal, it feels good,” she said.
Nandi moved out of her parent’s home a few years ago and lives independently with support. “Special Olympics gave me strength, courage and most of all confidence. I now own a small business called SCANwithNAN,” she said. She said support counts. It helps her and peers to attend State Games. “That helps my friends learn team work and new skills. It makes them a part of their community.”
SAINT LUCIA
Four staff members recently traveled down to the island of St. Lucia to train their coaches and athletes in order for them to compete in the State Fall Games this October in Dalton, GA. Click here to read about the training experience.
DUCK DERBY RESULTS
Here is a list of the lucky duck winners in today’s Duck Derby at Six Flags White Water:
First place: Tom Adrien won a Mandalay Bay Resort Package including a 3-night stay at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, 2 tickets to Disney’s The Lion King, 2 tickets to Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort, $100 off a Mandalay Bay Beach Cabana, and $150 dining credit to any one of Mandalay Bay’s 15 restaurants.
Second place: Kathy McCluskey won a $300 reward gift card for Marriott Hotels, valid until November 17, 2011
Third place: Andrea Walker won a $250 Macy’s gift card
Fourth place: Joyce Ferris won a $250 gift card redeemable for any product or service at Kauffman Tire
Fifth place: Highwoods Properties
A $80,000 UPS check presentation is made by
Joe Ruiz, Corporate Contributions Manager, and
Bryan Brum, Attorney for UPS to
SOGA CEO Georgia Milton-Sheats to contribute
to long-term support of the program.
