|
|
Oct 28: Athlete Input Council Meeting
Nov 1: Volunteer Banquet Award Nominations Due
Nov 4: Management Team Meeting
Nov 5-7: Fall Classic Sports State Games
Nov 8: Polar Plunge Kick Off Meeting - All are welcome!
Nov 13: Fall Classic End of Season Party
Nov 13: YAP Culminating Event
Nov 16: Volunteer Appreciation Banquet
|
|
BASKETBALL SEASON BEGINS
Practice will be located at Palm Springs Baptist 601 Palm Springs Dr, Altamonte Springs, Fl 32701 (See schedule for black out dates - practices then at Eastmonte Park)
Contact
Rosemary Whelan, Assistant Sports Director
rosemary@specialolympicsseminolecounty.org 407.963.5667 |
|
YOUNG ATHLETES PROGRAM
This past June we finally were able to recruit enough volunteers to start up Special Olympic's newest program, the Young Athletes Program (YAP). YAP provides an innovative sports play program for children ages 2-7 with intellectual disabilities and their peers. It is designed to introduce them into the world of sports and assist them as they grow physically, cognitively and socially.
Twelve children are currently enrolled in the program which meets most Saturdays at the YMCA in Lake Mary. The children have been mastering many skills including running, kicking, sidestepping, and climbing through hoops, in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Their parents are either participating with the group or enjoying the opportunity of networking with other families.
Our culminating event is scheduled for Saturday, November 13 at the Lake Mary YMCA from 1-2 PM. If you are interested in seeing what our youngest athletes have accomplished over the past few months, come on out and join in the fun.
We are currently planning for our next season which will begin in 2011. Keep posted for details. If you are interested in more information about the program, please contact
Barbara Costanzo
407-718-3259
barbc@cfl.rr.com
|
|
FALL CLASSIC SPORTS
STATE GAMES & END OF SEASON PARTY
Bowling, Gymnastics, Softball and Powerlifting
Good Luck to all the athletes representing Seminole County at State Games. For more information on this event, please visit Special Olympics Florida's website.
Please click the following link for information on the End of Season Party for the 2010 Fall Classic Sports
End of Season Party Flier
|
VOLUNTEER BANQUET NOMINATIONS NEEDED
Our Annual Volunteer Banquet is our chance to say thank you to everyone who makes this program run. Everyone in Special Olympics Seminole County works on a 100% volunteer basis: from our management team members, to our coaches, to our event volunteers.
We need your help! Say thank you by nominating a volunteer, coach, organization or sponsor!
Awards Nominations are due by:
Monday, November 1, 2010 at 5pm
Award Winners will be announced on the night of the banquet on November 16, 2010
Click Here to Nominate
|
|
2011 SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA POLAR PLUNGE
Be a part of the coolest event of the year!
Join us for a kick-off meeting, to see how you can participate and have a lot with this one-of-kind event...at the same time support SOSC!
Monday, November 8 from 6:30-8:00pm
St Mary Magdelen Church, In the Annex
831 Maitland, Altamonte Springs
What is the Polar Plunge?
It's a Plunge into cold water to raise money for Special Olympics Florida. Aquatica is usually warm and tropical, but for one day only they're icing down their wave pool so you can experience the "thrill of the chill" while supporting a great cause!
Polar Plunges are some of the most popular and successful Special Olympics fundraising events in the nation and we're diving into the fun too!
How can you participate?
Become a Plunger, Virtual Plunger , or become a Corporate Sponsor. Attend our meeting to find out more!
More Info: RanwaNin@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org
|
|
Thank you Home Depot & Behr Paint!
On October 22, 2010 a volunteer team from Home Depot and Behr Paint donated their time, talents and supplies to renovating our SOSC office space. Keep and eye out for photos from all the construction!
Our current office space is donated to SOSC by the Kenney Family in Brauser Business Complex.
|
|
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Tom Dees
Powerlifting and Basketball
Thomas Dees is the owner of Central Florida Appraisals Inc, in Longwood Florida. He has been a local appraiser in Florida for the last 15 years, starting a very small business with minimal resources to now a multi-county residential appraisal operation. Originally from rural Lake City Florida, where he started as a cow-hand learning a strong work ethic, he eventually gained his degree from the University of Florida and re-located to Central Florida trading his spurs for a desk. This may seem like a large accomplishment for small town county boy, however, according to Thomas, the opprotunity to coach and volunteer for Special Olympics of Seminole County has been his most greatest accomplishment.
After a dibilitating car accident three years ago, in which Thomas was was involved in a head on collision with another vehicle, he was left with a broken femur, shattered knee, and partial hip, in which doctors said he may never walk correctly again. It was shortly after that time in which several other of life's many surprises left him alone and without the ability to walk unassisted or without medication for pain. He decided at that lowest moment to dedicate the rest of his life to proving the theory that life, as hard as an oppressor it may be at sometimes, will eventually give up on bullying you around if you dont give up. To quote "life eventually says, this guy is serious, let him through." After the first painful months and eventually three years of self therapy in local gyms he decided to teach others what he had learned, and what better place to give back than to his local community doing what he knows best in the last three years lifting weights and teaching those skills to anyone who wants to learn.
Tom is proud and honored for the opprotunity to be one of the coaches at Special Olympics Seminole County, and states "These kids do way more for me than I can ever do for them. Sometimes I don't think its fair that I get so much joy out of coaching these kids, and all they get is me."
|
|
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Christopher Delgado
Swimming, Basketball, Powerlifting and Golf
Christopher Alexander Delgado was born on May 15, 1995 in Orlando Florida. He was diagnosed with Autism on 2005 while attending the Florida School of the Deaf and Blind in St.Agustine, Florida. During his stay at FSDB he participated in sports that include swimming, basketball, and cross country. He is currently in 9th grade at Bridges Academy in Winter Springs.
Christopher's favorite subjects are computers, math, and social studies. He is also bilingual since he is proficient on ASL (sign language). His favorite hobbies are video games, board games, music, and sports. He is a die-hard NASCAR fan and his favorite driver is Jeff Gordon #24. He is currently participating in bowling and power lifting. In addition to these two sports, he also in golf, basketball and track.
Christopher lives at home with his mom, dad and his younger brother Zachary.
|
|
ATHLETE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS |
ATHLETE INPUT COUNCIL
The Athlete Input Council serves as representatives and leaders for SOSC athletes. Our next meeting will be:
Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 6:30 - 8:00pm
1225 Bennett Drive, Suite 133, Longwood, FL 32750
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 |
Whether you are a parent, guardian, educator or volunteer you can help us make a difference!
If you are interested in joining a committee!
Thursday, October 7, 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
|
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALL!
| Abigail A | Hunter T | | Anthony P | Iridenan M | | Brian H | John Evans R | | Cassidy C | Jonathan E | | Christopher N | Julia O | | Danielle W | Justin S | | Dustin P | Katie L | | Faith R | Ken D | | Haley E | Rachel W | | Richard P | Stephanie T | | Shannon P | Tracy B | | Shawn S | Zoe G | | Stephanie A. | Hannah B |
|
|
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS WANTED
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 | |
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
1137 E Altamonte Drive
Altamonte Springs , FL 32701
Phone: 407-834-8114
Fax: 407-331-8552
IT COULD BE YOU!
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.
For Only $25 |
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
|
|
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
|
|
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. |
|
I CAN SPEAK CAMPAIGN
in conjuction with the
Seminole County Public Schools
Do you have an "extra" iPhone or iPod after upgrading to a new one? Wondering what to do with your
old one? There is a great opportunity for you if you answered yes to either question !
There are students with special needs, such as those with autism, who can use these devices to communicate
and enhance their educational programs! Some of these students attend your zoned school.
By donating your old iPhone or iPod it can be used with specially designed applications to help a child,
who is not able to verbally communicate, to have a voice!
Click Here for More Information |
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? |
|
Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We are proud of what we've been able to accomplish and look forward to continued successes in the years ahead.
|
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!
|
|
From Andra Fryer
(parent of Michael)
Dear Friends and Family,We are getting nearer to the time that I am participating in Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism in Altamonte Springs, FL. This event is to raise money for Autism research and they have various programs to help families of those children newly diagnosed or have been living with this. As you know this cause is near and dear to my heart because of my son Michael. Life for and with Michael is a blessing and a challenge. Every day we are faced with new obstacles that we have to overcome. The programs Autism Speaks has available and in development benefit from the money raised in these walks. These programs help families like mine find solutions or cope with the challenges of living with a child with Autism. Please help me support Autism Speaks and join my team for the walk or if you are unable to attend any donation you could give would be much appreciated. Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Autism Speaks -Andra Fryer andra.fryer@yahoo.com
|
|
