Special Olympics Seminole County

 Be a Fan of Opportunity. Be a Fan of Acceptance. Be a Fan of Special Olympics.
Jan / Feb                   Seminole Spirit2011
In This Issue
Mark Your Calendar
Basketball
"Summer Sports" Start
Equestrian
Polar Plunge
Athlete Leadership Programs
Management Team
Birthdays
SOSC on Facebook
Seminole County Public Schools
Thank You to Our Sponsors
How to Make a Donation
Recent Pictures
MARK YOUR CALENDAR


Jan 22: SOFL Polar Plunge

Jan 22: Summer Sports begin

Jan 27: AIC Meeting

Jan 29: SOFL Coaches Conference

 

Feb 3: Management Team Meeting

Feb 4-6: Basketball State Games

Feb 5: Last day to register for Summer Sports

Feb 12: Basketball End of Season Party

Feb 24: AIC Meeting

SPORTS UPDATE
 
 BASKETBALL
 Congratulations to all the basketball athletes and coaches! We are proud of your accomplishments at Area Games and throughout the season!

 

STATE GAMES
 
The Warriors, Eagles and a handful of skills athletes will be representing Seminole County at State Games on February 4-6 at Patrick Air Force Base. Have Fun and Good Luck! 

END OF SEASON PARTY
Saturday,
February 12, 2010 from 11am-1pm at Merrill Park. Details will be given out by your head coach shortly. RSVP # attending and a dish to share to Kevin Lajeunesse at Kevin@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org or 407-257-7730 
 
"SUMMER SPORTS" STARTS JAN 22

Bocce, Cycling, Tennis, Track, Volleyball, Soccer

  

Athletes MUST pre-register to take part.
To pre-register, click here. Schedules will be distributed at first practice. Last day to register is February 5. Athletes must choose one of the 6 "summer sports" to compete in. 

 

Please contact Rosemary Whelan for more information:

407.963.5667 or Rosemary@specialolympicsseminolecounty.org

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Please remember that sports facilities are donated to our athletes and volunteer coaches.

 

TRACK AND FIELD (ATHLETICS)

 Lake Mary High School
655 Longwood Lake Mary Road Lake Mary, Fl 32746

Saturdays, 9:00am - 10:30am

Head Coach: Angel Hernandez, hernandez17@cfl.rr.com

  

CYCLING

Lake Mary High School
655 Longwood Lake Mary Road Lake Mary, Fl 32746

Saturdays, 9:00am - 10:30am

Head Coach: Tim Hagan, tim.hagan@gmail.com

 

TENNIS

 Red Bug Lake Park

3600 Red Bug Lake Road, Casselberry, FL 32707, Court 4 & 5

Note: Meet at pavilion near court 4 on first day of practice. Facility phone #: 407-665-2190

Saturdays, 12:30pm - 2:30pm

Head Coach:  Joanna Babyar, babyarj@yahoo.com
 

SOCCER

*Temporary practice location/time.
Meet at LMHS for first week only*

Lake Mary High School
655 Longwood Lake Mary Road Lake Mary, Fl 32746

Saturdays, 9:00am - 10:30am
 Head Coach: Stephanie Sharrer, ssharrer@knights.ucf.edu

 

VOLLEYBALL

*Temporary practice location/time.
Meet at LMHS for first week only*

Lake Mary High School
655 Longwood Lake Mary Road Lake Mary, Fl 32746

Saturdays, 9:00am - 10:30am

Head Coach: Amy Cottrill, acottrill04@yahoo.com

 

BOCCE

Westmonte Park
624 Bills Lane Altamonte Springs, Fl 32714

Saturdays, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Head Coach: Vernon Priest, priefam@aol.com

 

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!

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL EVENTS
 2011 SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA POLAR PLUNGE... JUST DAYS AWAY!

Be a part of the coolest event of the year!


On Saturday, January 22, 2011 a handful of volunteers and athletes will be FREEZING for a REASON! They will be taking the plunge into ICY COLD water to support Special Olympics Seminole County.

     HELP their efforts by
joining a team or donating.
                             Please
click here to help!

 

Polar 
ATHLETE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
ATHLETE INPUT COUNCIL
 
 The Athlete Input Council serves as representatives and leaders for SOSC athletes. Our next meeting will be:

 Tuesday, January 27
, 2011 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  

RECOGNITION

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
 

Yariel Abraham

 

 

 

Yariel is an outgoing, enthusiastic, energetic freshman who attends University High School. At age 15, he enjoys playing every sport presented to him. Despite his intellectual and physical disabilities his gaming abilities range from racquetball to cheerleading and everything in between.   He enjoys fellow-shipping with others while running and jumping. 
 

Yariel and his family are very thankful to have Special Olympics incorporated into his life. He just recently joined the Special Olympics community this past year and it has drastically changed his life already. Instead of spending his free time cramped inside four walls he has been exposed time and time again to opportunity. Yariel is currently enrolled bowling, basketball, soccer, Bambino Buddy Baseball challenge, as well as cheerleading with the Sparklers team.  Yariel played his first 3 on 3 basketball game and won 1st place in the county games.


 

As a family we are blessed for chance to see our son interact with such a loving and supportive community. We would like to give thanks to all those who are involved with Special Olympics from the coaches to the staff, to all the other parents involved. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you. I know Yariel will look back and be so grateful for the experiences provided by the Special Olympics.  It is such an honor to be living proof that by having a support system like Special Olympics we know we are not alone.  That together we can overcome any obstacle placed before us.

 

FAMILY OF THE MONTH

The Solivan's

 

I, Mindy, have been with Special Olympics for 10 years now. I started out as a coach of five different sports and eventually took on the position of Sports Director a few years ago. Special Olympics has been a love of mine and I truly consider everyone my extended family. I met my husband a few years ago and he immediately fell in love with Special Olympics and has been volunteering ever since. He now coaches basketball and helps out with events and anything else our staff needs. On November  5, 2010 we had the blessing of a new baby boy, Andres. He is definitely going to be a future Unified Partner and Volunteer. I want to thank all of the athletes, parents and volunteers for the amazing love they show my family. I have learned so much for our athletes about living life to the fullest and to know that anything is possible.  Thank you for always making us feel at home and God Bless.

MANAGEMENT TEAM

  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, February 3, 2011 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
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALL!


Nealesh M

Yariel A

John F

Tina C

Richard C

Elizabeth K

Krysten F

Penelope E

Lisa R

Eduardo P

Tammy B

Patrick M

Andrea O

Nealesh M

Clayton R

Victoria A

Jacob C

Kyle B

Rukin S

Edward B

Jessica G

Fred G

Jimmy L

Mary G

Milton V

Hillary M

Jeffrey R

Joiner A

Donnell R

Raymond G

Brandon B

Joseph K

John F

Timothy F

Faith L

Lauren B

Shyanna A

 

OUTREACH

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 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
 
THIS MONTH'S EDITION OF THE  "SEMINOLE SPIRIT"
 
     WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

 
 A TOUCH OF HOPE
Year Sponsor
 

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.
 

 
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!

Join Our Mailing List
  
Special Olympics
Seminole County's
Online Photo Gallery
 
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.

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

SPECIAL POPULATION DANCES 

Mentally and physically challenged teens and adults are invited to join the Oviedo-Winter Springs Optimist Club and the Oviedo Recreation and Parks Department for a night of dancing once a month.

Frankie the DJ will play family and friendly music.

Prizes costume and

will be awarded for costume and dance contests.

Birthdays will be celebrated. Snacks will be served. Please come and have some family fun!

 

January 28, 2011

February 25, 2011

March 25, 2011

April 15, 2011

May 27, 2011

June 17, 2011

 

Riverside Park, 1600 Lockwood Blvd., Oviedo

407-971-5575

7:00pm - 9:00pm

$2 per particpant and $1 per guest attending

 

For more information, please contact

:

Anne Marie Sargent

407-359-5014

amsargent@cfl.rr.com

 

Jenette McKinney

407-971-5591

jdmckinney@cityofoeviedo

.net

Sp
Dedicated to Serving Those With Special Needs!