|
In This Edition:
- Thoughts from Randy -
Beginnings
- Bank of ABQ & UNM Lobos
return to Mayor's Track Meet
- Three Tip-A-Cop events
achieve fund raising success
- Athletes: "We need your
help!"
- Athlete Profile:
Sterling Kriser
|
Thoughts from Randy-Blog
Beginnings
Interestingly, I have had four conversations this week with people
wanting to know how my career in Special Olympics began. Although my
first Special Olympics experience happened over twenty years ago – I
can remember it like it was yesterday. It was awesome – and it
changed me, forever.
At the time, I was coaching women’s basketball at Iowa State
University and got a call from the Athletic Director asking if I
would welcome 3,000 Special Olympics athletes to our university at
the Opening Ceremonies of their State Summer Games. My response
showed up in the form of a question - ”What is a Special Olympics
athlete?” After hearing the answer I recall my ”yes” to his
invitation including a sense of wonder at the very thought of how
this might affect me.
MORE
Bank of Albuquerque and UNM Lobos Football team
return in support of Mayor's Indoor Track Invitational
After the great success of the 2010 Mayor’s Indoor Track
Invitational, Special Olympics New Mexico has been invited by Mayor
Richard Berry to continue this new tradition in 2011. Special
Olympics New Mexico is proud to participate in the 2nd annual
Mayor’s Indoor Track Invitational and lead the way as one of the few
Special Olympics programs in the country to have an indoor track and
field season.
On February 19, 2011 over 100 track and field athletes will
meet at the Albuquerque Convention Center from 10am to 2pm and have
the opportunity to compete on a professional indoor track. This
event is open to all Special Olympics athletes across the state.
Registration ends February 11, 2011. Events include running,
walking, assisted walking and long jump competitions.
"One of the best things about the Mayor’s Indoor Track Invitational
is that it provides our athletes with an opportunity that they would
not have, " said SONM Executive Director Randy Mascorella. "The
partners who have joined in making this happen are awesome.”
For the second consecutive year the Bank of Albuquerque will serve
as presenting sponsor at the Mayor’s Indoor Track Invitational
providing funding support and volunteers, who will help award the
SONM atheltes. The UNM Football team will also be on hand as
competition volunteers and, of course, cheering fans.
Special thanks to Mayor Berry for his continuing support of Special
Olympics New Mexico.
Rio Rancho and Las Cruces Applebee's Tip-A-Cop events
achieve fund raising success
The first round of this year's Applebee's Tip-A-Cop fund raising
events was a big success.
Thank you to the officers, SONM athletes and families in Rio Rancho
and Las Cruces who participated. Together, over $5,000.00 was raised
for SONM's athletes and sports program.
SONM sends a great big thank you to all the LETR officers who gave
their time and believe in the mission of Special Olympics as well as
the great support Applebee's continues to provide.
Be sure to join Special Olympics New Mexico and the many great
Albuquerque Police Officers on February 17, 2011 at all seven
Albuquerque Applebee's locations. To find an Applebee's location
nearest you please click
HERE. We hope to see you on the February 17th!
SONM is in need of athlete artists
Attention SONM athletes!
Athletes have been creating paintings that are baked
onto a ceramic plaque. It is then framed and presented to our
sponsors throughout the state.
It’s time to gather another group of artists to create the 2011
plaques. If you know of an athlete that would like to take advantage
of this, please contact Christine Sandoval at (505) 856-0342,
1-800-371-5525, or by email at
christinesandoval@sonm.org. This is a really fun activity and
opportunity for our athletes to be recognized for their multiple
talents. And our sponsors absolutely love them.
Please have art work submitted to Christine Sandoval by February 18,
2011.
Athlete
Profile
Athlete Name: Sterling Kriser
Age: 19 years old
Team: Special Olympics Rio Rancho
Sports: Aquatics, Basketball, Indoor Track Invitational,
Gymnastics, Poly Hockey
Highlights: Earned the Silver medal in Track and Field and
two Gold medals in Gymnastics at the 2010 State Summer Games in May.
|
SONM Chapter Staff
Executive Director
Randy Mascorella
randymascorella@sonm.org
Director of Media & Public Relations
Oscar Solis
oscarsolis@sonm.org
Director of Special Events & Torch Run Liaison
Rhonda Gardner
rhonda@sonm.org
Director of Development
Christine Sandoval
christinesandoval@sonm.org
Resource Development Associate
Heather Scott
heatherscott@sonm.org
Director of Sports
Competition & Program
Chris Page
chrispage@sonm.org
Program Operations
Jena Richardson
jenarichardson@sonm.org
Director of Coaches Education & Outreach
Steve Harris
steveharris@sonm.org
Director of Finance
Alice Hanson
Ahanson@sonm.org
Director of Volunteer Affairs/ Administrative Assistant
Jayne Thurman
jayne@sonm.org
Systems Administrator
Victoria Gonzales
victoriagonzales@sonm.org
SONM Board of Directors
Executive Committee
CHAIRMAN
Tom Padilla
PAST CHAIRMAN
Jerry With
VICE CHAIRMAN
Jack Eichorn
VICE CHAIRMAN
David Harnick
SECRETARY
Suzanne Frazier
TREASURER
Nick Loftis
Board Members
Melissa Spencer
Shaylen Stephens
Nestor Romero
Suzanne Fields
Bruce Beebe
Bob Scanlon
Jim Reist
Sharen Hart
Blake Brown
Brad Hutchins
Walt Bolic
Darren Wilkins |
