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Over the past few years, we have been looking for a certified bike mechanic to partner up with Special Olympics and perform our much needed bike checks at competition. We recently brought on board the Boise Bike Wrench! David Seamons, owner and operator of the Boise Bike Wrench, has agreed to donate his time and expertise to ensure that our athletes have a safe and fun time competing. He will be doing safety and maintenance checks on all of the bikes prior to competition and making any necessary adjustments and repairs. On top of the fact that he is donating his time for our athletes, he does excellent work for the general public and at a great price too. If you need any bicycle repairs or tune ups done- please check with David. Afterall, he supports our athletes!

 

 

     Robyn Markey will be back in Boise at the end of next month to lead the 2009 Leadership Conference. The former Ball State University Basketball Coach will bring "the Power of Partnerships" to the Owyhee Plaza Hotel in Boise on July 31- August 1, 2009.

 

     The event will kick off with a BBQ at Veteran's Memorial Park on Friday, July 31, 2009 from 5- 9pm.

 

     Attendees will learn the importance of partnerships in all their different types, how to recruit partners, and how to communicate effectively. Unified Sports™ and social networking will also be discussed at the conference.

 

     The event is FREE to Area Directors, Local Program Coordinators, and Sports Management Teams. Volunteers not fitting these categories can participate for a fee.

      Special Olympics Idaho is carrying the torch lit by the 2009 World Winter Games and thinking creatively about ways we can eliminate waste and promote recycling. Our state campaign to "Green the Games" has given us the opportunity to develop a new partnership with Idaho's next generation of leaders through Boise State University's Trio and Upward Bound Programs.  This amazing group of students has accepted the challenge to "Green the Games" and will be working together at various venues across Boise to manage our recycling and water stations and ensure that our 2009 Summer State Games are enjoyed in an environmentally friendly manner.

 

     Allied Waste and Western Recycling has partnered with us to provide recycling stations and assist in reducing our waste and educating our Idaho athletes and their families about ways they can recycle locally. In the past we have relied on plastic water bottles for refreshing our athletes and volunteers. This year, the Trio students will be staffing water stations provided by Idaho Springs Water Co. to refill and reuse bottles that might otherwise be thrown away. We are encouraging participants to bring their own water bottles to reduce the need for plastic.

 

     Trio is an educational talent search program that identifies first-generation high school students in Idaho and provides them with the support and skills necessary to bridge the gap between high school and post-secondary education. The Upward Bound Program provides a six week Residential Summer School at BSU for Trio Students to enhance academic skills, participate in service learning projects, and engage in an internship in a field of their interest. If you would like more information about their programs please visit Upward Bound on the web.

 

     Special Olympics Idaho is dedicated to partnering with local organizations and businesses who share a similar vision for developing healthy, sustainable communities. We are grateful for the contributions provided by Allied Waste, Western Recycling, and the Idaho Springs Water Co. for making this vision of "Greening  the Games" a reality.