Special Olympics Seminole County
Be a Fan of Opportunity. Be a Fan of Acceptance. Be a Fan of Special Olympics.
Aug / Sept                      Seminole Spirit2010
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Aug 29: Annual Family Fun Day
Aug 31: Moe's Fun Night Fundraiser
Sept 2: Management Team Meeting
Sept 10-11: Golf State Games
Sept 18: Area Games: Gymnastics
Sept 23: Athlete Input Council Meeting
Sept 25: Area Games: Bowling, Powerlifting, Softball

Click Here to enter our Calendar
SPORTS UPDATE
FALL CLASSIC SPORTS
Bowling, Gymnastics, Softball and Powerlifting
 

Bowling
Mondays from 3pm-5pm at the AMF Altamonte Lanes
  280 Douglas Drive , Altamonte Spgs, Fl 32701
Thursdays from 6pm-8pm at the AMF Casselberry Lanes
115 Wilshire Blvd, Fern Park , Fl 32730

Bowling Area Games
 Saturday, September 25, 2010
Click Here for details
 
Powerlifting
Saturdays from 3pm-5pm at Golds Gym Altamonte
130 East Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

Powerlifting Area Games
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Click Here for details
Volunteers Needed & Spectators Welcome
 
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Wednesdays from 6pm-7pm at St. Mary Magdalen Church Annex 869 Maitland Avenue , Altamonte Springs, Fl 32701
 

Gymnastics Area Games
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Click Here for details
Volunteers Needed & Spectators Welcome        

Softball
Saturdays from 8am-10am at Trotwood Park (Field #2)
1224 Trotwood Blvd. Winter Springs, Fl 32708

Powerlifting Area Games
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Click Here for details
Volunteers Needed & Spectators Welcome

More information on Sports
Athletes: Rosemary Whelan at 407-963-5667 Rosemary@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org
 
More Information on Volunteering
Nin El-khoury, 407-929-7254, RanwaNin@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org
 GOLF & AQUATICS COMPETITIONS
 Good Luck to SOSC athletes as they travel to their next competition!

Aquatics Area Games
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Click Here for details

Golf State Games
September 10-11, 2010


 YOUNG ATHLETES PROGRAM
 
Volunteers are needed to assist with SOSC's Young Athletes Program (YAP). The Young Athletes Program is an innovative sports play program for children ages 2-7 with intellectual disabilities and their peers,designed to introduce them into the world of sports. These activities will help the children improve physically,cognitively and socially.

Practices:
Practices are held on Saturdays at the YMCA in Lake Mary from 1pm-2pm. Please Click Here for Schedule

How to volunteer:
Energetic volunteers are needed to assist with weekly practices. Participation in full/complete season not required. Click here for volunteer paperwork.

To sign up, please send your availability to:
Marie El-khoury at 407-782-0525 or
Marie@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org
Or
Barbara Costanzo at 407-718-3259 or BarbC@cfl.rr.com


 BASKETBALL SEASON ON THE WAY
 
Save the Date! Basketball season is on they way...
Coaches Registration Meeting: Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Athlete Registration Meeting: Saturday, October 16, 2010
Details to come in the next newsletter


2010 Annual Family Fun Day
 2010 FAMILY FUN DAY...
And Free Physicals Too!

Sunday, August 29, 2010 from from 12-4pm
Lake Mary High School (inside the Gymnasium)
655 Longwood-Lake Mary Rd, Lake Mary, Fl 32746

Bring the family and friends and come out for a FREE day of
fun, food, prizes, guest, games and more! Rain or Shine!

New athletes, volunteers & coaches welcome!

Please click here to RSVP or for more information.
Reservations Requested. Walk ins accepted
(FREE PHYSICALS HAS REACHED ITS MAXIMUM  CAPACITY)


 FUN NIGHT AT MOE'S SOUTHWEST GRILL
 
Join us for dinner on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 between 4-10pm at Moe's Southwest Grill located at: 175 E. Altamonte Dr. Suite 1040, Altamonte Springs, Fl 32701. 

Bring out your family and meet the Seminole County Athletes. A portion of your meal will go to the total sales for that evening and the revenues will directly benefit the Athlete Input Council and Special Olympics Seminole County.

Prizes Include:
 *4 Hours of Ice Skating Fun at the  RDV Ice Den*
*Fleet-Feet Gift Basket*
*30 Day Pass to LA Fitness*
*3 Month Membership to Gold's Gym* 
SPECIAL RECOGNITION

             VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH               

                           Jonathan Arteza                                            Softball, Volleyball, Aquatics

 
 
I have been a volunteer for the Special Olympics since 2002, mostly assisting during the State Games with my fraternity brothers during college. I continued on as an assistant coach in various sports, especially softball, volleyball, and more recently aquatics. As an advocate of Special Olympics, I cannot think of a better way of helping out others by assisting our athletes reach their maximum potential. I truly believe that Special Olympics provides that opportunity to all who participate. And that, my friends, makes me smile.
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Kristen Breuning 
 Bowling, Gymnastics and Aquatics 
 
 
  Kristen Louise Braunig was born on August 7, 1984 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida ... When she was 13 months old, she was diagnosed with learning disabilities stemming from part of her brain missing.  She was an incredible baby, and to this day, she is an incredible young lady.
 
When she was 6 years old, the family moved to Jupiter, Florida.  She became very active in the Special Olympics  with her school, and also became very active in the programs in her church.  In January of 2000, the family moved near Greenville, SC where she once again participated in the activities there.  Her main sports were bowling and swimming.  Kristen has always had a love for music.  While participating in the Camp Spearhead programs in Greenville, she always loved to sing in the talent shows.  She took voice lessons for a year before moving to the Orlando area in July of 2008.
 
Along with Kristen's love of music, she has a wonderful love for animals.  Stray kittens have a way of finding their way to the doorways of her home, and at the presnet time, the family has four wonderful cats.
 
While still looking for a job, Kristen volunteers at the Altamonte Springs Hospital three days a week.  She is currently participating in gymnastics, bowling, and swimming for the Special Olympics, and is looking forward to the fall sports.
 
Kristen has a wonderful positive attitude about life.  She loves to have fun... especially at the theme parks that Orlando has to offer.  Her Mom often says she has "no fear", for Kristen will ride all the roller coasters at the parks... and never seems to get tired.  She can keep going when everyone else is ready to head home!!
 
Kristen has taught her family so much about life.  We are so blessed that she is a part of our lives!  We are so proud of her, and love her dearly!!
ATHLETE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
ATHLETE INPUT COUNCIL
 
 The Athlete Input Council serves as representatives and leaders for SOSC athletes. Our next meeting will be:

 
Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 6:30 - 8:00pm
1225 Bennett Drive, Suite 133, Longwood, FL 32750
 
 
 
 
Back Row - Aaron Hudson, Brett Jones, John Kendall, Jim Payne-WESH News Anchor, Meggan Van Loon, Richard Mendola, Chris Friedman    Front Row - Joanne Whitley,Tony Page,Kay Evans, Charbel El Khoury Middle Row - Kevin Lajeunesse  
 
Be a "Voice" for Fellow Athletes

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Lajeunesse,
407-257-7730 or
Kevin@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org

GLOBAL MESSENGER 
 
  The role of the Global Messenger is to help promote the Special Olympics. Global Messengers are expected to go out in the community to speak to about the joy of participating in Special Olympics. 

We are very fortunate, and most proud to have two Global Messengers for Seminole County:
Chris Friedman
and
Richard Mendola
We encourage the community to "listen to our athletes".  If you are interested in having Chris or Richard speak to your company or organization, please contact:
Kevin Lajeunesse, 407-257-7730 or
Kevin@specialolympicsseminolecounty.org
 

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Whether you are parent, guardian, educator or volunteer you can help us make a difference! If you are interested in joining a committee!

 

Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 6:30pm
1225 Bennett Drive, Suite 133, Longwood, FL 32750
For more info: Marie El-khoury at 407-782-0525 or
Marie@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
 

Aura A
Kristen B
Cody B
Cathryn B
Nakari C
William "Skylar" C
Ramona G
Mark P

Dallas G
Franck G
Richard H
Carrie H
Reigna J
Adriana K
Carlos F
Ruthanne Z

Ashley P
Hope S
Graham S
Lori T
Lauren W
Rebecca W
Christopher "CJ" W



 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF YOU!

OUTREACH

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS WANTED
Your Time Donated...Priceless!

 
Special Olympics Seminole County has the potential to spread the joy of Special Olympics to hundreds of new athletes... but we need YOU!

SOSC is in need of passionate and dedicated volunteers to join our committees and team of coaches. This can include: registration, training, competition, fundraising, school based programs, and more!

Volunteer duties would be at least 5-10 hours a month with a preferred commitment of at least a year. A majority of work can be completed at the work site of your choice, whether home or our donated office space. Computer knowledge is preferred.

For more information, please contact Ranwa Nin El-khoury at RanwaNin@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org

"Your actions inspire others to dream more,
learn more, do more and become more."
SOSC ON FACEBOOK
Click Here to become a Facebook Fan of Special Olympics Seminole County. Chat with parents, coaches, supporters and keep up with events and updates. 

SEMINOLE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

We're just a few weeks away from the start of the school year!

The upcoming school year promises to be an exciting one, as we continue to grow the SCPS / SOSC partnership for 2010/2011!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
 
THIS MONTH'S EDITION OF THE  "SEMINOLE SPIRIT"
     WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY 
 
 IT COULD BE YOU
 For Only $25
 
Your sponsorship helps support the cost of printing the hard copy of the newsletter and pays for the email marketing program that we use to distribute the e-news.
 
Would you like to sponsor a newsletter?
Please contact Winston Jones at 407-923-3902
We encourage you to consider supporting those who support Special Olympics Seminole County! Recognition of support/sponsorship of SOSC does not constitute endorsement by Special Olympics.
Special Olympics Seminole County relies greatly on assistance from Sponsors. They are always in need, not only to provide financial help, but to offer safe and productive training facilities to our athletes. Without the generous donations of many organizations, our athletes would not have the facilities, equipment, volunteers or funds to train and compete on a year-round basis for free. We all appreciate everyone's support!  
 

HOW TO MAKE A DONATION TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS SEMINOLE COUNTY

SOSC is funded primarily through individual and corporate contributions, grants, sponsorships, and yearly fundraisers. This financial assistance covers many essential expenses including equipment, uniforms, transportation, meals, lodging, volunteer training, and more. Any contribution or assistance you can provide to help SOSC meet these financial goals is greatly appreciated! If you would like to make a donation by mail, please send your contribution to the following address:
 
Special Olympics Seminole County
PO Box 520742
Longwood, FL 32750-0742
 

    SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA

SPECIAL OLYMPICS INTERNATIONAL

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities, giving them the 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.
 
To Learn More About Special Olympics and it's History Click Here

On behalf of Special Olympics Seminole County, we appreciate all the Volunteers, Coaches, Sponsors and Donors who have contributed their time, talents and treasures to help make our program a success!

  
Special Olympics
Seminole County's
Online Photo Gallery
 
 
 
In This Issue
Mark Your Calendar
Sports Update
2010 Family Fun Day
Athlete Leadership Programs
Management Team
SOSC on Facebook
Seminole County Public Schools
Thank You to Our Sponsors
How to Make a Donation
SOFL
Recent Pictures
QUICK LINKS 
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Vocational Rehabilitation
Casselberry
Have you ever thought about getting a job+  Having extra money to spend?  Being more independent.?
 
Vocational Rehabilitation Services can help you achieve those goals.  We are state a agency whose job is to assist people with disabilities to obtain employment.  We provide assessment, job coaching, and supported employment services to those that need that extra help. If you live in Seminole County we have two offices to serve you, in Sanford and Casselberry. 
 
We have an open orientation in the Casselberry office every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 8:45 a.m. 
 
 Vocational Rehabilitation Services. 
917 East 436.  Casselberry, FL. 32707. 
Call or have someone call for you, to get further directions. 
407-262-7428. 
If you really want to get a job we can help you.
 
The City of Altamonte Springs Special Community Services and the Advisory Board for the Disabled, Inc. provide social activities throughout the year at minimal cost to the mentally and physically challenged population in Altamonte Springs surrounding communities.

U Can Ski2

UCanSki2 is a USAWaterSki affiliated ski clubwho is dedicated to providing public awareness and outreach opportunities for the disabled.  We are a group of enthusiastic volunteers who give of our time and talents, sometimes working along side other organizations, to conduct How-to-Ski clinics and educate others to do the same. Our clinics are sanctioned by USAWaterSki.

 
 Through quality and innovation, Quest has built communities where people with disabilities have achieved their goals for more than 40 years. From a variety of residential and employment options, to behavioral therapy and even a recreational summer camp, Quest serves more than 1,000 individuals on any given day in Central Florida. By offering these opportunities to learn, live, work and play, children and adults can imagine and achieve their full capabilities.
 
Serving kids with all types of special needs, including cerebral palsy,  Down Syndrome, autism, speech and developmental delays, vision and hearing impairments 

CARD serves children and adults of all levels of intellectual functioning who have autism, autistic-like disabilities, pervasive developmental disorders, dual sensory impairments (deaf-blindness), or a vision or hearing loss in addition to other disabling conditions.

 
Nathaniel's Hope was founded in 2002 to meet the needs of kids with special needs (VIP Kids) and their families. VIP Kids are those with any physical, cognitive, medical or hidden disability, chronic or life-threatening illness, or those that are medically fragile. Through their personal experience with their son Nathaniel, co-founders Tim and Marie Kuck saw first-hand how demanding it can be to raise a child with special needs. 

Agency for Persons with Disabilities

 The APD works in partnership with local communities and private providers to assist people who have developmental disabilities and their families. APD also provides assistance in identifying the needs of people with developmental disabilities for supports and services.

Florida Disabilities Council

 The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) is a non-profit organization funded through federal assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The Council accomplishes its mission by supporting innovative initiatives that demonstrate new approaches to enhance the independence, productivity, inclusion and self-determination of individuals with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life.
Down Syndrome Association Of Central Florida
 The Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida is the leading voice for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. We offer hope, encouragement and acceptance through advocacy, education and awareness so that each may realize their potential as members of our community. 

Autism Society of Greater Orlando  
The mission or goal of the Autism Society of Greater Orlando is that all individuals within the autism spectrum will be provided a lifetime network of opportunities to become fully accepted, included, and actively participating members of our community, through family support, education, and advocacy, and public awareness. 

Lighthouse of Central Florida
Provides life-changing services for blind and sight-impaired babies, children, teens and adults, seniors and their families in Orange, Osceola, Seminole counties and The Villages.
 
Is your child in need of special services in school?  Is he struggling?  Have his grades been dropping? Is he having behavioral problems?  Have you been trying to get the school system to evaluate your child and they ignore you?
 Project Wings USA and Girl Scouts offer scholarships
 
Kathryn Hite (Volunteer) through her involvement with Project Wings helps families with Special Needs with their financial planning.
 
has partnered with the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council to scholarship 3 girls who are siblings of Special Needs or Physically Disabled Children through our Operation Little Warriors program.  Do you know of a deserving future CEO who could use this once in a lifetime week?   Additional info is below and there is an application process.  Please contact us at info@projectwingsusa.org for the application.
GARDENS OF LIFE
 Committed to educating and empowering adults to discover their full potential and achieve independent life skills addressing their social, recreational, vocational and residential needs.
 The Culture Garden offers participants opportunity to shine like the stars they are in the
Gardens of Life, Inc
Dedicated to Serving Those With Special Needs!