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SO Brief
“Let me win, but if I
cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” |
June 15 - June 28 Issue |
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The Season is Here
Its official, The 2011 FCI Season is open!!! We are excited to see our teams across the state compete in Golf, Softball, Aquatics and Soccer. There will also be an Aquatics Training on June 25th, 2011 at 12:30pm at Belen High School. SONM and UNM Soccer are teaming together on July 16th, 2011 from 9am-12pm at the UNM Soccer Fields. This training is for both Coaches and Athletes. Please register for both events with Steve Harris at 505-856-0342 or steveharris@sonm.org. We can’t wait to see everyone there and to be a part of these two great trainings and be able to offer a higher quality training experience to our athletes. Lobo Basketball Coach Steve Alford shares his passion for Special Olympics with 2011 Golf Classic and Sports Auction
It’s that time of the year again, Golf fans. The sun is shining and the fairways are calling your name. The only thing that would make it better would be playing alongside a popular college sports coach while contributing to your favorite cause, right? Well, then we’ve got you covered. Not only is our 2011 Golf Classic and Sports Auction presented by The Payroll Company coming up next month, but the event will feature long-time Special Olympics supporter and Lobo Basketball Coach Steve Alford. On Saturday, July 16th Coach Alford will present as the evening’s Keynote Speaker at our dinner and sports auction at the Hotel Albuquerque from 5pm – 8:30pm. On Monday, July 18th Coach Alford will join many other Golf fans at the Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Course for our Golf Classic tournament play from 9:00am – 3:30pm. Since arriving to the University of New Mexico in 2007, Coach Alford has supported and impacted Special Olympics New Mexico athletes and families all over the state. Today, alongside a full work and family schedule, Coach Alford has made time to meet with and support Special Olympics athletes and families through the Golf Classic and Sports Auction, as well as appearances at past SONM State Summer Games in Albuquerque. “Coach Alford is no stranger to competition,” says SONM Executive Director Randy Mascorella. “And you can see he’s a huge fan of how much our athletes compete with all their heart.” Join Coach Alford and many other sports fans and register today. Participation in the Golf Classic includes team and individual prizes, golf coupons, and more. The Sports Auction and Dinner includes a live and silent auction, cash bar, live music and personal photograph opportunities provided by Kim Jew Photography. Featured silent auction items range from an authentic Dallas Mavericks Jersey autographed by NBA All-Star, MVP and 2011 Champion Dirk Nowitzki to Mark Pardo Salon & Spa Gift Certificates. Proceeds from our 2011 Golf Classic and Dinner / Sports Auction will help cover expenses for sports equipment and year-round state competitions for over 2,600 SONM athletes.
It's Not About the Medal
Everyday we at SONM see amazing volunteers that truly give the time of their lives so that Special Olympics athletes can have the time of their lives. Our coaches exhibit this philosophy on a whole different level by insuring the spirit of sportsmanship is included in every practice and competition. Fantastic coaches can be found throughout our state and we are appreciative of everyone. At the 2011 SONM State Summer Games coach Brad Cutler with the Rio Rancho Rockets showed us the spirit of Sportsmanship. Due to scheduling conflicts and double booking, 5 Rio Rancho athletes were going to miss their Turbo Jav competition in order to make their Gymnastic competition. Brad and his 5 athletes found a spot at the Bocce courts with the support of sponsor Bank of America and created an environment that supported these few athletes in their own team exhibition. Coach Brad says "for these athletes it was not about winning a medal, it was about showing each other and themselves how much they have learned at each practice, and showing their love of sport." Without coaches that take an unfortunate situation and turn it into a fun, creative, learning, showcasing opportunity we could not give each participant the tools to become an athlete. We are so proud to have coaches like this on our team. Thank you coach Brad for continuing to support our athletes. *Do you know a coach who has gone above and beyond to support, teach and create amazing opportunities for SONM athletes? Send in a story and a picture to Jena Richardson at jenarichardson@sonm.org. We are excited to share all the wonderful things SONM is about. SONM athlete’s pre-World Games experience goes beyond the joy of sport
Abe Assaad is about to have a life-changing experience thanks to Special Olympics, and according to his mother it couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time. On June 25 – July 4, Abe—a Special Olympics New Mexico athlete from Albuquerque—will join 315 Athletes and 125 Coaches to form Special Olympics Team USA, and unite with 7,000 athletes from nearly 180 nations to compete in Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece. “I’m overwhelmed with pride and gratitude,” says Abe’s mother Vicki. “ I’m proud of the dedication I’ve seen in Abe—practicing with such determination through hot, windy and even snowy weather.” “I also have much gratitude for every coach, every volunteer, everyone who has contributed to get Abe to this point. I’m grateful that he has been given this opportunity.” But for Abe and his family, the impact and preparation for the 2011 World Games has gone beyond sports. “This is coming at a perfect time in his life,” says Vicki, referring in part to Abe’s recent graduation from El Dorado High School. “Setting his goals and working hard in practice is helping him define who he is and wants to be. It’s all consuming. He even talks about it in his sleep.” There’s no doubt that from this training for World Games Abe is developing a powerful attitude that will help pave the way for future personal growth. “You just know that from this process he’s learning about what it takes to achieve personal growth,” says Vicki. “You just know he’s thinking to himself, ‘yeah, I’m the guy who’s going to work hard and reach my goals. I’m the guy who’s going to stay focused on what I want to accomplish.'’’ Abe will be competing in Track and Field in the following competitions: 100M Walk, 4x100 Relay, and the Men’s 400 Gram Mini Javelin Throw. You can follow him and his teammates by visiting http://www.specialolympicsteamusa.org or find additional information at Special Olympics World Summer Games official website: http://www.athens2011.org. On Twitter? Follow Abe’s journey and search @abeassaad or www.twitter.com/abeassaad.
Athlete
Profile
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Program Operations Manager
Director of Coaches Education & Outreach |
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Donate Now! |
2011 Events Calendar |
Contact Us 6600 Palomas NE. Ste. 207 (505) 856-0342 office |
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