sode sideline newsletter - summer 2011
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Summer 2011 issueTRANSCRIPT
SIDE
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SUMMER 2011
“Let me win. But if I cannot win,
let me be brave in the attempt.”
- Special Olympics Athlete Oath
Special Olympics Delaware athletesinspire greatness at the 2011 State Summer Games
Over 870 athletes and Unified Partners gathered at the University of Delaware on June 10-11 for the 41st
annual Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games. The organization's largest event, sponsored by
DuPont, included competition in aquatics, bocce, powerlifting, softball, track & field and tennis.
On Friday June 10, law enforcement officers joined
the athletes for Opening Ceremonies to celebrate the
25th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run
for SODE. During the Opening Ceremonies, athletes
and supporters enjoyed a show which highlighted the
tremendous support that Law Enforcement has given
to SODE over the past 25 years. Families, friends and
Project UNIFY students “made some noise” as Fans
in the Stands, while Project UNIFY guest singer
Lizzie Kelley rocked The Bob Carpenter Center with
a spectacular live performance!
Fireworks lit the stage as this year’s Outstanding
Athlete, Michael Bowe, and Torch-Runner of the
Year, Fire Marshal Randy Lee, lit the cauldron with
the Flame of Hope, symbolizing the official start of
Summer Games.
Our sincere thanks to all the families who attended
the competitons, our hundreds of volunteers, and all
the sponsors and supporters who helped make the
SODE Summer Games a success!
HAVE YOU NOTICED?
Special Olympics Delaware launched a mandatory Volunteer Registration and Screening
Policy for all Class A volunteers in 2011. Therefore, an essential task for our office to
prepare for this year’s Summer Games was to spend several months in identifying and
registering all Class A Volunteers with new credentials (photo IDs) as part of the safety
and security measure adopted this year by Special Olympics Delaware.
Class A Volunteers are those who have close and trusted supervisory positions with
Special Olympics athletes. In addition to completing a background check, Class A
Volunteers must also successfully complete two online courses, which include a general
orientation and Protective Behaviors training. Proper credentials ensure security at all
sporting venues and protect the safety and well-being of all participants involved in our
program.
Special Olympics Delaware truly appreciates the volunteers who share their time and
talents with Special Olympics athletes throughout the year and we thank you for your
continued support!
Brandon Thompson (l.) and Alex Rodriguez (r.) of Networks sprint to the finish line at the
2011 Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games
PHOTO BY: KARL LECK
THANK YOU TO OUR YEAR-ROUND SPONSORS:
S u p p o rt . V o l u n t e e r . C o a c h . C o m p e t e .S u p p o rt . V o l u n t e e r . C o a c h . C o m p e t e .2
619 S. College Ave.Newark, DE 19716-1901
Phone: 302.831.4653Fax: 302.831.3483
Email: [email protected]: www.sode.org
www.plungede.org
Ann GrunertExecu�ve Director
STAFF
Jon Buzby Director of Media Rela�ons
Gary CimagliaSenior Director of Sports
Ruth CoughlanDirector of Communica�ons
Lisa SmithDirector of Special Events
Cheryl TalmoOffice Manager302-831-3223
Mark WiseDirector of Sports Training and
Volunteer Management302-831-4669
Sue Zebley Database Manager/Recep�onist
Brenda ZulloDirector of Athlete Development
Editors: Ruth Coughlan
Jon Buzby
The 13th Special Olympics World Summer Games, held June 25-July
4, 2011, was the world’s largest sporting event for athletes with
intellectual disabilities, drawing 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches
from around the world to Athens, Greece.
Glenn Jones, a member of the Brandywine Social Club program in
Claymont,
competed in tennis
and won a silver medal in the mixed
doubles competition. (When the
newsletter went to print Jones was
playing in the medal round of the
singles tournament).
One of his coaches was Mary Moore,
a member of the SODE Hall of Fame
and longtime program director for the
Meadowood Athletes United program.
She served as an assistant tennis coach
for Team USA.
“It never ceases to amaze me how
talented the Special Olympics athletes are from around the world,” she said. “It’s a tribute
to our fine coaches here in Delaware that our own athletes are able to successfully
compete on such a grand stage.”
Chris Truono swims in the First State as a member of the Bear-area Golden Sabres
program. At the World Summer Games, Truono dove right into the competition, capturing
a gold medal as a member of the 4x50m medley relay team. He also placed fourth in the
200m freestyle and sixth in the 100m freestyle.
Kenny Jones (Benedictine program) competed in the 1k time trial and 5k races. He
earned Delaware’s first medal at the Games, winning a bronze medal in the top division
of the 1k Time Trials on the first day of competition and followed that performance up
with a fourth-place finish in the top division of the 5k.
Medals aside, perhaps the most memorable experience for Jones was
when he was selected to present Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe
Biden, with an official Team USA uniform. Jill Biden attended the
World Games as the leader of the United States presidential delegation,
which also included Micki Edelsohn, a parent of an SODE athlete and
member of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual
Disabilities.
“It was truly an honor to be part of the presidential delegation to the
World Summer Games,” said Edelsohn, whose son, Robert, lived with
Jones in a group home in 1994. “After spending four days witnessing
the incredible athletes at the World Games, as the mother of an athlete, I
realize even more how my family and millions of others have Eunice
Kennedy Shriver to thank for the opportunities and freedoms our loved
ones enjoy today. Her strength, determination and power to work for change proves that
one person truly can make a difference.”
For more information about the World Games visit www.Athens2011.org.
ATHLETES MEDAL AT WORLD SUMMER GAMES
Chris Truono, Kenny Jones, Glenn Jones and coach Mary Mooreget set to depart from BWI airport en route to Athens, Greece.
Micki Edelsohnwas appointed
to thePresidential delegation to
attend the 2011World Games
w w w . s o d e . o r g 3
Thank you!Wow! TD Bank met their goal of raising
$1 million in their annual summercampaign to raise money for Special
Olympics through a combination of in-store donations and wristband sales at
TD Bank locations up and down the EastCoast. Donated funds will be distributed
to state-based Special Olympicsprograms from Maine to Florida.
THANK YOU, TD BANK!
Through all of its programming, Special Olympics pursues two intertwining goals:
- to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities, instilling
new attitudes of self-confidence and self-worth;
- to educate the general public about the value and talents of every human being.
In pursuing these goals, Special Olympics Delaware has developed an athlete self-
improvement class aligned with the Athlete Leadership Program. This process of
self-improvement focuses on communication and social behavior, such that athletes
may learn how to put their best foot forward in a variety of social situations.
Communication is one of a person’s most essential life skills. The ability to effec-
tively communicate with others, whether it be with family, friends or colleagues, is
the cornerstone to de-
veloping a new sense
of self-belief and self-
assurance that can lead
to great personal
growth.
Assisting us in this program are members of the Toastmasters,
the world leader in communication and leadership develop-
ment. With the help of one-on-one coaching by the Bank of
America Toastmasters and the W.L. Gore Toastmasters, sev-
eral Special Olympics athletes graduated from the second ses-
sion, held in the spring.
Involving community organizations like the Toastmasters al-
lows us to build networks that bridge the gap of understanding
so that outside members of the community can see the true
talents and potential of our Special Olympics athletes.
Sign up for the next round of classes! Sessions run once a
week for eight consecutive weeks. Classes resume in Septem-
ber (located to be determined.)
If you are interested, please contact Brenda Zullo at
Special Olympics is more than sports ...
(l. to r.) Aaron Pretlow, Scott Howard (W.L. Gore Toastmasters),Alex Sklar, Forrie Brown, Michele Lyons (Hodgson Vo-Tech),
Crystal Johnson (Bank of America Toastmasters). Not pictured: Antar Markansi (Bank of America Toastmasters)
Get the latest news and SODE informa�on straight to your Inbox ... sign up for ourE-news! Go to our website at www.sode.org andclick on the “E-NEWS” bu�on on the top corner ofthe homepage and enter your email informa�on.
What’s not to like? Find us on Facebook bytyping “Special Olympics Delaware” and “like”our page! Find links to our other pages, too... such as the “Lewes Polar Bear Plunge” and
“Special Olympics Delaware Project Unify”. BE A FAN!
STAY CONNECTED WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS DELAWARE!
This course is designed to
empower Special Olympics
athletes to become confident,
effective communicators.
Whether your child is shy or
expressive, experienced or
inexperienced, this class can
provide a unique, safe, and fun
learning environment in which
your child can practice and
enhance his or her commu-
nication and leadership skills.
S u p p o rt . V o l u n t e e r . C o a c h . C o m p e t e .4
2011 NIGHT OF HEROES AWARDS NOMINATIONS
Please a�ach a wri�en narrative to this formexplaining why this person, persons, organization or company
deserve this recognition
NOMINEE:
Name: ________________________________________________________
I nominate the above for Outstanding _____________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ________________________________ State ____________ ZIP _____________________
Telephone: (day)____________________________ (evening) _______________________________
Email: ______________________________________
PERSON SUBMITTING NOMINATION:
Name __________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: _______ _________________________ State ____________ ZIP _____________________
Telephone: (day) _____________________________ (evening) ________________________________
Email: ______________________________________
Send to: Special Olympics DelawareAwards Commi�eeUniversity of DelawareNewark, DE 19716-1901
All nominations must be postmarked by August 1, 2011 - nominations received a�er this date may not be considered.
w w w . s o d e . o r g 5
OUTSTANDING COACHThis individual must have demonstratedsportsmanship to the athletes and have shown thebest example of quality sports training of theirSpecial Olympics athlete.
OUTSTANDING SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETEFor the Special Olympics Athlete whose lifeexemplifies true skill, courage, sharing and joy.
OUTSTANDING UNIFIED SPORTS PARTNERFor the Unified Partner who demonstrates sportsmanship, teamwork and dedication to theirSpecial Olympics program.
OUTSTANDING CORPORATION OR BUSINESSThe best example of year-round voluntary effort orsupport which has improved the quality of theSpecial Olympics Program.
OUTSTANDING FAMILYThe family that has demonstrated true dedicationto the program.
OUTSTANDING AGENCY ORNON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONThe best example of year-round voluntary effort orsupport which has improved the quality of theSpecial Olympics program.
OUTSTANDING MEDIA/PHOTOGRAPHYThe best example of media coverage (newspaper,radio, TV, photography).
OUTSTANDING SPECIAL OLYMPICS PROGRAMFor the Special Olympics Program which has demonstrated organizational quality and concernfor improving the skills of its athletes throughSpecial Olympics.
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERThe best example of voluntary action to improvethe quality of Special Olympics Program.
Special Olympics Delaware awards are open to athletes, families, coaches, organizations and
volunteerswho have made a significant contributionto Special Olympics.
These distinguished awards will be presented in the fall of 2011.
All nominations, which must be postmarked by August 1, should be submi�ed to:Special Olympics Delaware Awards Commi�ee; University of Delaware; Newark, DE 19716-1901
2011 AWARDS NOMINATIONS
PHOTO BY: JIM WATSON
The Healthy Athletes components at the 2011 Special Olympics Delaware Summer Games —
Fit Feet, Healthy Hearing, Injury Prevention and Flexibility, Practice without Pressure, andBe Tobacco Free — were each attended by an average of over 250 athletes during the two-day event.
Athletes who visited the Fit Feet tent were greeted by doctors from the Delaware Podiatric Medical Association
and received a complete
foot exam from toenails
to heel. If necessary, the
athlete received a
form-fitted pair of
orthotics provided free
of charge by Aetrex
Worldwide Inc.
Audiologists provided an
extensive hearing exam for
athletes at the HealthyHearing component, which
included up to four tests and
follow-up advice if necessary.
Athletes learned about the
dangers of tobacco use while playing a Bingo game
provided by the American Lung Association
underneath the Be Tobacco Free tent, and then
learned important stretching exercises and tips from
certified physical therapists as part of the InjuryPrevention/Flexibility component.
Practice without Pressure returned for the second
straight year to offer men and women information on the importance of breast cancer screening under the only
pink tent in the Olympic Village.
Overall, the 11th annual Healthy Athletes program was a huge success at the Summer Games.
H E A LT H Y AT H L E T E S
SUMMER 2011
HEALTHY NEWS YOU CAN USE
Pat Hansen approached Special Olympics Delaware eight yearsago with a desire to give back to the community following herretirement as a physical therapist in the Armed Forces.
For the next eight years she provided oversight of the InjuryPrevention/Flexibility component of Healthy Athletes at theannual Summer Games.
The 2011 SummerGames markedPat’s last year asthe coordinator ofthe program andwe not only thankher but wish hercontinued goodhealth followingher “second”retirement.
On behalf of thethousands ofathletes you providedservices to, we “Thankyou,” Pat Hansen!
THANK YOU TO A LONGTIME HEALTHY ATHLETES VOLUNTEER
Pat Hansen checks an athlete during a Healthy Athletes screening
at Summer Games.
The Healthy Athletes initiative is dedicated to providing health services and education to Special Olympics athletes, and changing the way health
systems interact with people with intellectual disabilities. Through free health screenings, training for healthcare professionals, and evaluation of
the health status of people with intellectual disabilities, Healthy Athletes has become a powerful public health organization worldwide.
Summer workout hints:The weather might be hot and humid, but it’s still important to maintain your exercise routine during the
summer months. And if you haven’t been working out, the warm summer evenings provide the perfect climate
to start an exercise routine – even if it’s just one lap around the block.
No matter what your normal workout is, use these tips to stay in
shape regardless of the weather Mother Nature provides:
1. Exercise when it’s cooler outside, either first thing in the morning or in the evening.
2. Remember that treadmills and stationary bikes, often considered winter indoor exercise
equipment, can still be used in the climate-controlled comforts of your home even on the
hottest summer days.
3. If it’s just too hot outside and you don’t own exercise equipment or belong to a gym, try
to walk farther than you normally do during your daily routine: in the parking lot, around
your office building or at the mall.
Eat this … not that:Most likely when you are on summer vacation you will eat out more than once. And even when
you are home, it’s sometimes easier to drive through a drive-thru than it is to heat the house up
by lighting the oven, and it’s often too hot to stand over a grill on the deck. The next time you
are trying to decide where to eat, or what to eat once there, keep these tips in mind (Source: EatThis Not That by David Zinczenko with Matt Gouding):
1. At Dunkin’ Donuts on the way to the beach, it’s healthier to eat a ham, egg and cheese
English Muffin sandwich (310 calories) than a multigrain bagel with Lite Cream Cheese (500
calories); and it’s better to drink a Hot Latte Lite (70 calories) than a Dunkaccino (230 calories).
2. At lunchtime at Chick-fil-A it’s better to order the Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich (3.5g fat) than the Chicken Caesar Wrap
(16g fat).
3. And when you are ready for dessert at Dairy Queen, it’s healthier to eat a small chocolate sundae (280 calories) than a small
chocolate chip cookie dough Blizzard (720 calories).
Sun protection should be a top priority:Whether you are sitting on the beach, splashing in a pool or just taking a stroll around the block, if the
sun is out, it can be dangerous to your skin. Making sure your exposed skin is properly covered is one
of the most important things you can do for your body during the summer months. Here are some
things to remember:
• The first, and best, line of defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is covering
up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that
provide 97% -100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays), and cotton clothing with a tight
weave.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours -
between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• On both sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater that protects against
UVA and UVB rays.
• Be sure to apply enough sunscreen and to cover all exposed areas.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
• Use extra caution near water and sand (and even snow!) as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.
(Source: American Academy of Pediatrics)
SUPPORTED BY
Building on a long-standing tradition of investing in the communities it serves, Bank of America is delivering on a 10-year goal to donate $2 billion to
nonprofit organizations engaged in improving the health and vitality of their neighborhoods. Funded by Bank of America, the Bank of America Charitable
Foundation gave more than $200 million in 2010, making the bank one of the largest corporate cash donors in the United States. As a global company doing
business in more than 150 countries, Bank of America approaches investing through a national strategy under which it works with local leaders to identify
and meet the most pressing needs of individual communities. Reaffirming a commitment to develop and sustain a culture of service, bank associate volunteers
contributed more than one million hours in 2010 to enhance the quality of life in their communities worldwide.
For more information about Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy, please visit www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.
S u p p o rt . V o l u n t e e r . C o a c h . C o m p e t e .6
Families Day at the Beach gives Special Olympics athletes and their familymembers an opportunity to come together and enjoy each other’s company
while relaxing along the Delaware Bay. It’s also a great way for familiesand volunteers to meet other Special Olympics families throughout thestate!
The day will begin with a fishing tournament and athletes will compete forawards - first fish caught, biggest fish, most fish - AND bragging rights for next year! Fishing rods will beavailable for loan for athletes only (but please bring yours if you have one). Immediately following thetournament a family barbecue will be provided by the Rehoboth Beach Kiwanis Club and the Rising SunMasonic Lodge #4 ... so come and join us!
Following lunch, families have the option to enjoy a ride on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for a reduced fee of$6.50 per person (walk-on visitors only, no cars). The ferry will depart at 1:40pm and is due back in Lewesat approximately 4pm. Souvenir T-shirts are available for the bargain price of $10. Shirt orders andpayment must accompany registration and shirt will be distributed at the event.
Anyone interested in attending must fill out a registration form. Registration forms for Family Day atthe Beach may be downloaded from our website at www.sode.org OR call 302-831-4653.
This event is a rain or shine event. If severe weather is predicted for our area, please check our website orcall the SODE office and listen to the recorded message for any event updates.
Special Olympics Delaware Families Day
at the Beach ... 20th year!Saturday, September 17, 2011
Cape Henlopen State ParkFishing PIer
Time: 9:00-3:00 pm
Join us for a day of fun, fishing and fellowship!
SAVE THE DATE!EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at Clayton Hall, University of Delaware
with special guest Karen Gaffney
Karen Gaffney is a long-distance swimmer, an inclusion activist, a motivational/inspira-
tional speaker, and president of The Karen Gaffney Foundation. She is a renowned
self-advocate who hopes to increase awareness and raise expectations of parents, students,
educators, and the community at large of the incredible capabilities of people with
disabilities.
w w w . s o d e . o r g 7
Special Olympics Summer CampGolf Classic - Sept. 19, 2011
The SODE Summer Camp Golf Classic is an annual tournament held at Hartefeld National Golf Club that not
only offers participants the chance to play one of the finest golf courses in the area, but also features the
opportunity for each foursome to play several holes with a Special Olympics Delaware golfer –
an aspect many of the players say is the tournament highlight!
Proceeds from this tournament enable more than 120 Special Olympics athletes (children and adults) to
attend, free of charge, one of two summer camps held annually at Camp Barnes located near Bethany
Beach. More than 150 dedicated volunteers contribute to the camp experience every year.
Help make this tournament a success! ... sponsor an athlete to attend summer camp
... sponsor a hole sign or tee sign OR
... sign up a foursome to play at the beautiful Hartefeld National Golf Club.
More sponsorships are available! For a copy of the brochure, to register or find out more about
sponsorship opportunities, contact Ann Grunert at [email protected] or 302-831-3480.
ATHLETES AND UNIFIEDPARTNERS must have acurrent medical/athleteparticipation form on filebefore training/competing inany Special Olympics sport.
For participation in FallFestival sports, athletes musthave a current medicalsubmitted by September 1,2011. Athlete participationforms are valid for three yearsand must be up-to-date inorder to participate. Thankyou!
ATTENTION!
FALL FESTIVAL SPORTS
Dover Air Force Base
Air Mobility
Command Museum
Sat., Sept. 10 9am - 2pm
Carousel Park
Equestrian Center
Pike Creek
Sat., Sept. 24
9am - 3pm
CYCLING EQUESTRIAN
Upcoming events in Fall 2011 ...
University of
Delaware
Sponsored by Chase
Sat., Oct. 22
(Raindate: Sun., Oct. 23)
FALL FESTIVAL
Be a fanTM
University of DelawareNewark, DE 19716-1901
Phone: 302-831-4653FAX: 302-831-3483
www.sode.orgwww.plungede.org
Non-profit Org.
US POSTAGE
PAID
Wilmington, DE
Permit No. 704
SPECIAL OLYMPICS DELAWARE CALENDAR OF EVENTSCycling Event Dover Air Force Base Sat., Sept. 10, 2011
Families Day at the Beach Cape Henlopen Sat., Sept. 17, 2011
Summer Camp Golf Classic (Fundraiser) Hartefeld Natl. Golf Club Mon., Sept. 19, 2011
Equestrian Compe��on Carousel Park, Pike Creek Sat., Sept. 24, 2011
EKS Day Celebra�on Carousel Park, Pike Creek Sat., Sept. 24, 2011Golf Tournament Brandywine Country Club Sept. 2011 - TBA
Night of Heroes Loca�on TBA Oct. 2011 - TBA
Sussex County Soccer Skills Ennis School, Georgetown Tues., Oct. 11, 2011Kent County Soccer Skills Charlton School, Camden-Wyoming Wed., Oct. 13, 2011New Castle County Soccer Skills University of Delaware Thur., Oct. 14, 2011Truck Convoy (Fundraiser) Harrington, Delaware Sat., Oct. 15, 2011Fall Fes�val University of Delaware Sat., Oct. 22, 2011Pigskin Pass (Fundraiser) University of Delaware Fri.-Sat., Oct. 28-29, 2011
Skiing SOMD Thurs., Dec. 1, 2011
Reindeer Run (Fundraiser) City of Newark Fri., Dec. 2, 2011
School-based Bowling Tournaments Dover, Milford, New Castle Week of Dec. 5, 2011
Community-based Bowling Tournament New Castle Sat., Dec. 10, 2011Empowerment Conference andProject UNIFY Youth Mee�ng/Rally
Clayton Hall, UD Sun. Jan. 8, 2012
Polar Bear Plunge Fes�val (Fundraiser) Rehoboth Beach Sat.-Sun., Feb. 4-5, 2012