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Nov 30: Athlete Input Council Meeting
Dec 2: Polar Plunge Kick Off Meeting
Dec 2: Management Team Meeting
Dec 5: SOFL All Star BBQ
Dec 16: SOFL All Star Football Game
Dec 18: Equestrian Holiday Party
Dec 18: Basketball County Games
Sneak Peak into 2011...
Jan 1: Publix Torch Sales Begin
Jan 4: "Summer Sports" Coaches Meeting
Jan 6: Management Team Meeting
Jan 8: Basketball Area Games
Jan 11: "Summer Sports" Coaches Meeting
Jan 12: "Summer Sports" Athlete Registration Meeting
Jan 15: "Summer Sports" begin
Jan 22: SOFL Polar Plunge
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SAILING
We appreciate the opportunity for SOSC athletes to join in the fun and challenges of sailing with other athletes and unified partners from Orange County
Over a dozen sailors, including Meggan took to the water and enjoyed a picture-perfect day of sailing on scenic Lake Virginia on Saturday, November 20th.
A big thanks to head coach Ann Keck and her "crew" for having the boats ready to sail when the athletes arrived! |
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BASKETBALL
Basketball season is off to a great start! Come out a support our athletes at their first competition of the season!
Basketball County Games
Saturday, December 18, 2010 from 9am-3pm
Lake Brantley South Gymnasium
1010 Sand Lake Road, Altamonte Springs, Fl 32714
Gymnasium is located ACROSS the street from LBHS.Enter into Forest City Elementary (2nd Street Light).Park by the bus loop & follow side walk to the back gymnasium on the right of the school.
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EQUESTRIAN
The Equestrian Team, coached by Elise Hulme, has begun their 2010-2011 season with 5 athletes and is looking forward to another successful competition season!
Please come out and join them for their
2010 Holiday on Horseback Party
Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 10am
Come meet the horses, athletes and volunteers
Picnic lunch to follow - Bring a dish and folding chairs.
Circle H Ranch, 5636 Deer Path Lane, Sanford
Equest9946@aol.com
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"SUMMER SPORTS STARTING SOON
Bocce, Cycling, Tennis, Track, Volleyball, Soccer
Volunteer & Coaches Meeting
New volunteers and coaches needed
January 4 and 11 at 6:30pm
1225 Bennett Drive, Suite 133, Longwood Fl 32701
Athlete Registration Meeting
Wednesday, January 12 at 6:30pm
Location TBA
Please contact Rosemary Whelan for more information: 407.963.5667 or
Rosemary@specialolympicsseminolecounty.org
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YOUNG ATHLETES PROGRAM
WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!
November 13, 2010, found the YMCA in Lake Mary a buzz with the sounds of squeals and cheers as eight young athletes and play pals participated in their first culminating event. Months of practice led up to this fun-filled day.
The children showed off their skills of running, jumping, kicking and throwing to their family and friends who gathered to join in the fun. Each child received a ribbon and certificate of accomplishment to round out the exciting afternoon.
A BIG THANK YOU to all the families for their commitment and support, to the volunteers who worked tirelessly each week, to the YMCA for providing the space within we practice, and mostly, to the athletes, for all your hard work and enthusiasm.
We look forward to our next session set to begin after the New Year. Watch out for updates with details. Contact Barbara Costanzo 407-718-3259 or barbc@cfl.rr.com for more info.
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VOLUNTEER BANQUET
Thank you volunteers for attending our 2010 banquet! Congratulations to all the nominees and award winners. We are proud of you ALL!
COACH OF THE YEAR - AMY COTTRILL
NOMINEES: Amy Cottrill, Debbie Knitz, Elise Hulme, Joe Badders, Maria LoPorto, Robert Schlier, Tim Hagan, Tom Dees
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - BRUCE STOUT
NOMINEES: Ben Lupo, Bruce Stout, Jonathon Arteza, Kevin Lajeunesse, Mindy Solivan, Winston Jones, Rosemary Whelan
FAMILY OF THE YEAR - HAGAN FAMILY
NOMINEES: El-khoury Family, Hagan Family, LoPorto Family, Scribner Family
ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR: OPTIMIST CLUB
NOMINEES: Winter Springs & South Seminole Optimist Club, Knights of Columbus, Northland Church, Jr. Civitans Club, One Brick Orlando, Universal Orlando
SPONSOR OF THE YEAR: OOM YUNG DOE & KENNEY FAMILY
NOMINEES: AMF Casselberry Lanes, Oom Yung Doe School of Martial Arts, Altamonte Springs, Palm Springs Baptist, Moe's Southwest Grill, Kenney Family
SHINING STAR - JIM PAYNE
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD - ROBERT BUCKLEY. DOREEN SCRIBNER, BARBARA COSTANZO, PATTY SMITH
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES - ELISE HULME |
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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!
Thursday, December 2, 2010 from 6:30-8:00pm
1225 Bennett Drive, Suite 133, Longwood Fl 32750
Info: RanwaNin@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org
http://specialolympicsseminolecounty.org/files/Polar_Plunge_Kick_off_meeting_Info.pdf
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2011 PUBLIX TORCH SALES
Publix is Special Olympics Florida's #1 Sponsor! Every year they donate thousands of dollars to our program. Please help us continue to receive this support by selling paper "torches" at select Publix stores.
We are asking families and volunteers to look at their schedule and sign up for 2-hr shifts to help sell torches in January. Please sign up below for a shift and contact us if you would like to be a store leader. You are welcome to volunteer at any store in any city.
Torch Sale Dates:
Saturdays Jan 1, 8, 15 from 12pm-4pm
Sundays Jan 2, 9, 16 from 12pm-4pm
For more informaiton:
Jjoin us for a kick-off meeting on Thursday, December 2, 2010 from 6:30-8:00pm at 1225 Bennett Drive, Suite 133, Longwood Fl 32750
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP ONLINE FOR A SHIFT
RanwaNin@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org
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2010 ALL STAR BBQ and FOOTBALL GAME
The Central Florida High School All-Star Football Game highlights the area's best senior high school football players and cheerleaders who are chosen from 70 schools. The goal of the event organizers is to not only put on a top-notch football game that raises awareness and funds for Special Olympics, but creates the opportunity for high school seniors to learn about Special Olympics and the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities.
All Star BBQ
Sunday, December 5, 2010 from 3-5:30pm
Lake Brantley High School - Check in at Cafeteria
Athlete may bring 2 FREE guest (chaperone, parent, etc.) and both will receive free entry to the BBQ.
RSVP By Tuesday, November 30, 2010
All Star Football Game
Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 7pm
Lake Brantley High School - Check in at Stadium
Each athlete may bring 2 FREE guests (chaperone, parent, etc.) Additional tickets are $6.00 and can be purchased at the gate that night.
RSVP By Friday December 10, 2010
Info: RanwaNin@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org CLICK HERE TO RSVP ONLINE
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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Debbie Knits
Swimming
Almost two years ago I moved to FL from Portland, OR, to be close to family and help with my aging mother. After loosing my job, my home, my car and belongings due to poor planning on my part/the economic downturn, I decided to give FL a try.
Rather than follow the sales and marketing path that I had traveled for thirty some years, I searched for new direction. My sister suggested that I take my mom to water aerobics. One class and I was hooked. The next six months I took every class I could and studied for my Aquatic Professional Certification. From there I secured my Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Programming Certification and my Water Safety Instructor Certification. I taught classes wherever I could find work. I was hired by the City of Oviedo to teach water aerobics and swimming, I volunteered at the Winter Springs Therapy pool teaching water aerobics and the Arthritis Program. Next, Ruthanne Dolan from RDV invited me to apply to the Group X teaching position, which opened the door for me to work with RDV's aquatics program. My new path and passion were now a reality.
My WSI Instructor mentioned the Special Olympics as a wonderful way to expand ones teaching skills. In July I contacted the SOSC regarding the Aquatics Program and began working with Coach Sal and Coach Marie and our remarkable athletes the next week. I've always believed enthusiasm and positive reinforcement combined with technique and practice, peppered with massive doses of fun are the ingredients to being successful in whatever we choose to do.
For years I thought that being a pro-ski racer for my first 5 years out of college would be the highpoint of my life. Then I thought perhaps my equestrian adventures showing hunters and jumpers, or would it be my yacht racing days on the Great Lakes and then internationally. The answer is that the opportunity to work with the athletes, volunteers and the coaches of the Special Olympics Program is the most humbling and awesome experience of my life. Our athletes show me life simplified through the joy and love that oozes from them. The level of dedication and determination demonstrated by our athletes, coaches and volunteers is unsurpassed. I am proud and grateful for the privilege to be part of the SOSC Family. Thank you for this honor!
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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Collin Storm
Powerlifting
Collin graduated from Lake Howell High School in the EMD program. In the typical gym class team sports were not very conducive for him. One coach suggested weight training class. With Collin's condition he had poor muscle tone and weighed only about 90 pounds as a freshman. Since he was going to receive a special diploma they allowed him to take the weight training class each semester. He soon developed a real passion for the sport. After graduation he went to work for Publix, which he loves, and took a few years of hip hop dancing at a local dance academy. Not wanting to let those muscles go to waste, we got Collin involved at the gym working out twice a week. The Special Olympics power lifting program was such a great experience for him. We are truly so thankful for Gold's Gym, all the fantastic coaches, volunteers, parents and athletes that he met and competed with. At the state meet, he weighed in at 105 pounds. Collin bench pressed 135lbs, squatted 165lbs, and dead lifted 255lbs! We are so proud. Next year his goal is 300lbs for the dead lift. After receiving the two gold medals, we went back to Lake Howell to share his story with the coaches that started him in the sport. What a privilege this has been for Collin and our family. It helps us to remember that life really is enjoying the passage of time.
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ATHLETE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS |
ATHLETE INPUT COUNCIL
The Athlete Input Council serves as representatives and leaders for SOSC athletes. Our next meeting will be:
Tuesday, November 30, 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 |
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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, December 2, 2010 from 6:00-6:30pm
1225 Bennett Drive, Suite 133, Longwood, FL 32750
For more info: Marie El-khoury at 407-782-0525 or
Marie@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALL!
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Rosalie A
Patricia B
Deborah B
Brad K
James J
Christopher C
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Sachahnn B
Elyse M
Jacob G
Randy R
John K
Qumber B
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Jonathan A
Audra K
Christopher L
Christopher M
Joshua T
Rebekah D
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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."
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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. |
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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! |
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS |
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THIS MONTH'S EDITION OF THE "SEMINOLE SPIRIT"
WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY
A TOUCH OF HOPE
For only $25... Your sponsorship helps support the cost of printing the hard copy of the newsletter and pays for the email marketing program used 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.
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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!
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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
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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 |
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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! | |
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Special Olympics
Seminole County's
Online Photo Gallery
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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? |
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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.
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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!
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