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From the Desk of the CEO...
Greetings!
Fifth Annual Capitol Hill Day, Washington D.C.
Last month Special Olympics Idaho athlete and Global Messenger, Sarah Patterson, her father, Stephen Patterson, and I traveled to Washington, DC for Special Olympics International's Capitol Hill Day. Once there, we met with 39 other Special Olympics programs from around the United States. We were gathered there together to bolster efforts to re-enact the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004.
The Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act authorized $15 million in federal funding for the Special Olympics movement each year for five years. The funding was to be spent on education, international activities, and Healthy Athletes medical services. It has provided crucial financial resources that have allowed us to do many great things for people with intellectual disabilities. However, the legislation will need to be re-enacted this fall. The effort to continue funding Special Olympics programs has many sponsors, both Democratic and Republican, and is a true reflection of a bi-partisan effort.
While in Washington, we met with Senators Crapo and Risch, and Congressmen Simpson and Minnick. I am pleased to say that we were met with overwhelming kindness and support for both Special Olympics Idaho and the world-wide movement. We are very grateful for the efforts made by Congressmen Simpson in helping the 2009 World Winter Games Organizing Committee secure federal funding. Idaho's congressional delegation was greatly impressed by the efforts of the thousands of volunteers that led to the games' success. Congressman Minnick invited Sarah Patterson to attend the joint session to hear Prime Minister Brown of Great Brittan's address. Sarah was thrilled to accept the opportunity. We then enjoyed a reception where Congressmen Simpson and Patrick Kennedy spoke about the importance of the Special Olympics movement.
It warms one's heart to hear of the impacts that Special Olympics has in a community. It also feels good to know that our members of Congress are fighting to continue support of the legislation that, in addition to contributions from thousands of private donors, have given us the means to make a difference.
Warmest regards,
Laurie LaFollette CEO |
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National Volunteer Appreciation Week!
On behalf of Special Olympics Idaho, we would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who volunteered their time, energy, and skills to the athletes and programs of our movement. It is only with your support and contributions that we have been able to expand our mission of providing quality athletic training and competitions to people with intellectual disabilities throughout the state. Hosting the 2009 World Winter Games in Idaho required a great deal of work from our existing volunteers and from all of those who came to Special Olympics through that monumental event. We appreciate all the hard work and long hours you contributed to show the world that Idahoans are proud and welcoming people. We in Idaho are involved in our communities and know how to celebrate our differences!
From the Staff at Special Olympics Idaho, we offer a sincere thank you for all that you do. We are a volunteer-driven organization and only exist because of your dedication!
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Hedda Sharapan to speak at Boise Breakfast with Champions!
Special Olympics Idaho is honored to welcome Hedda Sharapan as the keynote speaker for the Boise Breakfast With Champions to be held on June 9, 2009. With warmth, humor, and humanness, Hedda Sharapan will share with us some key things she's learned from her 43 years with MISTER ROGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD and Family Communications, Inc., the non-profit company that Fred Rogers founded. As "ambassador on the road" for the Neighborhood, she's a highly sought-after speaker, grounded in Child Development who connects the insight she's gained over the years working closely with Fred Rogers, with behind-the-scenes stories and treasured video segments.  Our goal with this highly-visible and prestigious event is to raise the visibility of our athletes in our community and to raise funds to meet the needs of our growing program. We do not sell tickets to Breakfast With Champions. It is by invitation only. To be a Sponsor or a Table Captain (someone who puts together a table of 10), contact Christine Jarski at 323-0482 x. 21 or christine@idso.org. |
Key Volunteers Needed for the State Summer Games
Join us in hosting the largest Special Olympics Idaho sporting event of the year! In order to make the State Summer Games the best they can be, we are looking for your help. We need teams of volunteers to hold the following positions at each venue:
Venue Coordinators: Coordinate all non-competition related activity at their venue including assisting with: food service, medical resources, and logistics. Sport Coordinators: These volunteers will have intimate knowledge of the sports played at their venue, the Special Olympics rules, and our population. They will have the final say in rule interpretations and protests. They will also oversee all results, awards and officials. Volunteer Coordinators: These volunteers will greet, assign, and if necessary, train volunteers at their venue. Medical Coordinators: Will make sure the venue has adequate medical supervision and is properly equipped for any minor emergency. Logistics Coordinators: Will work with the Venue Coordinator to oversee all signage and equipment for the venue. They will also make sure that tents, banners, awards station, award stands, etc, are all in place. Foodservice Coordinators: Ensure that there is cool water and ice available at all times. They will also coordinate lunch pick up and distribution to each team at their venue. If you have any questions, contact Corby Goade at 208-323-0482 ext. 22 or cg@idso.org- no pressure, we promise! |
Sports Management Team Positions Still Available
We have put together great teams of community-minded people to work as Sports Managers for several of our sports programs but still need to recruit a few more people for these important Sports Management positions:
Basketball
Aquatics
Volleyball
Floor Hockey
Soccer
Please contact Corby Goade at 208-323-0482 ext. 22 or cg@idso.org for inquiries and applications. |
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School Day Competition- May 29th
Special Olympics Idaho will be hosting a School Day Track and Field Competition on Friday, May 29th at Timberline High School. The athletes will arrive at 10 am and compete in the following events:
- Young Athletes Program for ages 2-7
- Track & Field Events for ages 8 and up including:
25m and 50m Walk
100m Run and Unified Run*
4x100m Relay and Unified Relay*
400m Dash
Long Jump
Softball and Tennis Ball Throw
Shot Put and Unified Shot Put*
*Unified Sports pair students with and without disabilities to train and compete in the same event.
This School Day event is open to students from pre-school thru high school.
If you are interested in learning more about this event, forming a team, or getting your school involved, please contact Shanna Endow at 208-323-0482 ext. 14 or sendow@idso.org.
Be a Fan of Fun! | |
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The 2009
Summer Sports:
-Track and field
-Aquatics
-Basketball
-Powerlifting
-Cycling
Training for summer sports has begun! That doesn't mean that it's too late for you to participate by volunteering or joining a team (deadline for joining a summer sports team is Wed. 4/29).
For information on summer sports, contact Corby Goade at 208-323-0482 ext.22 or cg@idso.org |
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Opey Freedle
Programs Assistant
(208) 323-0482 x10
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