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SO Brief
“Let me win, but if I
cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” |
July 27 - August 10 Issue |
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Thoughts from Randy Behind the Scenes
In the past two weeks I’ve attended a Special Olympics New Mexico soccer clinic hosted by the University of New Mexico’s Men’s Soccer team; our 2011 Special Olympics New Mexico Golf Classic and Sports Auction/Dinner held at Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club and Hotel Albuquerque, respectively; our Area 5 Aquatics Competition at the Rio Rancho Aquatics Center; and our 2011 Over the Edge Kick-Off at the Stone Age Climbing Gym in Albuquerque. Whether sport-related or on the fundraising side of our world – I was reminded that quality Special Olympics events take tremendous preparation and effort on the front-end so that greater possibilities and more room for fun and engagement can happen on the back-end. Our events speak loudly about who we are to all those who come and are able to enjoy themselves, observe the wonderful things happening around them, and leave happy that they participated. These are the experiences in life that transform us into fans.
For Love of the Game
[Las Cruces, NM] On Sunday July 24th, 2011, the Las Cruces Softball teams took on the Las Cruces Vaqueros from the Pecos Professional League. Ronda Norfleet the Area 3 Director stated, “this opportunity provided to both Special Olympics and the Vaqueros brings every level of athlete together to live and breathe the sport of Softball.” It was well noted by many fans the hunger that was seen in the Las Cruces Special Olympics team to beat the Vaqueros. What started out as a serious game quickly turned into a celebration, from practical jokes on the Unified Partners to Mayfield High School Dance Team leading the athletes and crowd in dance numbers, the night was filled with a joy that became contagious. The Las Cruces Vaqueros shadowed each SO Athlete in their field position to teach, support and encourage the athlete to learn more about the sport. The Rhinos T-Ball team also participated and were seen batting, fielding, and running bases with the best of them. The games ended with a superb RBI by the Las Cruces Special Olympics team and came to completion with an enthusiastic dog pile; with a score of 19-17 Las Cruces Special Olympics took the Win over the Las Cruces Vaqueros. Jeff Pfeiffer, the connection between the Vaqueros and Las Cruces Special Olympics has experienced first hand the joy we all know so well. He stated “my family and I were looking forward to the game all day, we were so excited to have the opportunity to share in something so great”. When asked what this means to his family, he said, “this became an opportunity to show our young boys that our similarities are more than our differences, that a disability is nothing to be afraid of because we all are here to play a great game of softball.” This night could not have been done with the many great people who put their heads together and made this event successful. Special Olympics wants to send out a big HUGE Thank You to the Las Cruces Vaqueros for giving their time and sharing their passion for baseball, the Mayfield High School Dance Team for cheering each player and sharing their enthusiasm, The Pfeiffer family for providing food to all athletes and to the many fans who have and continue to support Special Olympics Las Cruces.
* Photos by Ivan Roman
Rio Grande Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk
When: Sunday, August 14, 2011 @ 6:30am Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center 1701 4th St. SW, Albuquerque, NM What: Gijima Racing LLC would like to invite you to experience the 2nd Annual Rio Grande Half Marathon. A major portion of the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics New Mexico. You can also sign up for the 5k Run/Walk. How: Register HERE. Online Registration closes August 12, 2011
World Games experience gives SONM family the full promise of the Special Olympics movement
What SONM athlete Abe Assaad feels as a benefit through his participation in the Special Olympics movement and what his mother, Vicki, feels are often distinct from one another. But their individualist views on the impact Special Olympics has played on their lives are pieces to a larger picture that, like Abe and his mother, are bringing celebration and hope to families everywhere. At the beginning of July, Abe, 16, joined 7,000 athletes from 168 countries to compete in Track and Field at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens Greece. As a member of Team USA, he spent months preparing for competition—often practicing into the late evenings. Upon arriving in Athens, the Albuquerque resident had no trouble adjusting to life as a traveling athlete—spending all his time with his coaches and teammates. “I really liked being with my team,” said Abe. “I loved doing everything with them, together.” He carried that enjoyment during competition as Abe returned home with a Bronze Medal in the 400 Gram Mini Javelin, 5th Place in the 100M Run and 7Th Place in the 4x100M Relay. “What struck me was how much he truly enjoyed preparing for these Games,” said Vicki. “Being selected, not only to represent USA, but New Mexico as well, meant so much to him. He wanted nothing more than to leave knowing he gave his very best.” The 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games featured 22 Olympic-type sports throughout over 30 sports venues. The event also brought in some 25,000 volunteers and 146 torchbearers carrying the Flame of Hope to 146 cities. http://www.specialolympics.org/world-games-search.aspx?searchterm=assaad
2011 Golf Classic and Sports Auction raises over $78,000
Hundreds of avid golf fans and SONM supporters participated in the 2011 Special Olympics Golf Classic and Sports Auction presented by The Payroll Company raising a total of over $78,000. SONM’s annual fund raiser not only offered a remarkable round of golf and exquisite dinning experience, but celebrated the growing community of SONM fans and business philanthropists. On July 16th approximately 250 guests attended the Sports Auction and Dinner hosted by Hotel Albuquerque. The event featured the Rodney Bowe Quartet, and a wide array of must-have auction items, such as an autographed Dirk Nowitzky jersey. “Hotel Albuquerque was a true pleasure to work with,” said SONM Director of Development Christine Sandoval of having the dinner and sports auction at a new location. “Their friendly staff and incredible attention to detail truly helped create an evening of great food and fun for our first-time guest and our long-time friends and community partners.” On July 18th, some 156 golfers took to the Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Course, which offered breathtaking views and amazing service all around. Numerous SONM athletes participated in the golf festivities serving anywhere from greeters to team partners. Golf Classic participants also received help driving from tee boxes at various holes as an additional fund raiser during the tournament. Over the Edge Kick Off a Success
[Albuquerque, NM] - On Friday, July 22 Stone Age Climbing Gym hosted an evening of free rappelling for adventure enthusiasts to kick off awareness of the 2011 Over The Edge for Special Olympics New Mexico. Prior to the open rappelling, a brief gathering of SONM fans listened to words of encouragement and appreciation from SONM Executive Director Randy Mascorella and Stone Age Owner Bryan Pletta. “For me, rappelling was amazing way to relate to our athletes,” said SONM Executive Director Randy Mascorella. “Not often have I had to face a fear that literally escalated my heart rate and caused my knees to knock. Meeting that fear head-on and accomplishing the goal helped me understand what our Special Olympics athletes face every day and the importance of giving them opportunities to celebrate and talk about their accomplishments.” The 2011 Over The Edge fund raiser for Special Olympics New Mexico involves a 16 story rappel down the side of the New Mexico Bank and Trust building in downtown Albuquerque on September 23rd. SONM parent and thrill-seeker Craig Amundson arrived with his family to take advantage of the opportunity to get a feel of his rappel for Special Olympics this September. “I’m terrified, but it’s for such a great cause,” said Amundson. “It’s a great way to motivate and inspire people to donate and that it’s worth it.” In addition to being a full-time SONM parent, Amundson has involved himself many times in raising awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement. Prior to moving to New Mexico, he participated in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, a very popular fund raiser in Wisconsin that involves jumping into ice-cold waters wearing minimal clothing.
Athlete Profile
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Program Operations Manager
Director of Coaches Education & Outreach |
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2011 Events Calendar |
Contact Us 6600 Palomas NE. Ste. 207 (505) 856-0342 office |
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