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SO Brief
“Let me win, but if I
cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” |
Aug 24 - Sept 6 Issue |
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Thoughts from Randy Playing Unified
The concept of unified sports is a great concept and a wonderful addition to Special Olympics. The idea is that athletes with intellectual disabilities and nondisabled athletes partner to train and compete together – on the same team. Through the process much is learned about differences and similarities, and the hope is that respect and acceptance are embraced, friendships are formed, and living life “together” becomes common practice. As great as this concept is – playing unified isn’t as easy as it sounds. Something happens in many of our unified partners that rarely happens in our Special Olympics athletes. My Coaches Education Director explains it as the ”inner Jordan phenomena” where like Michael, some unified partners feel the need to take over a game, dominate the field of play, and do everything possible to win the game. Playing “with” our athletes, being a good teammate, and helping everyone else excel becomes secondary or sadly, nonexistent
Four Corners For The Books
With a total of 873 athletes, partners, coaches and chaperones our 2011 State Four Corners Invitational was the best seen in years. Starting Friday August 19, 2011 golfers and their partners played on three Farmington Golf Courses for the first time in Special Olympic New Mexico history. Friday evening at McGee park we saw the Farmington Law Enforcement light the Flame of Hope and with the words “I now declare these games open” athletes filled the softball fields to begin a great softball tournament. Saturday began bright and early with both Softball and Aquatics competitions. That night after distinguished service awards and athlete sportsmanship awards were presented, the dance floor became crowded as athlete DJ Joey Torres took charge of the evening with a variety of great music. The next morning eight soccer teams took the field for the second year of Special Olympic soccer. Those that attended can vouch for the greatest game seen to date with a draw in regulation play then two over times and 2 rotations in a shoot out, it was very exciting. We are very thankful to our sponsor ConocoPhillips and their support and help at the aquatics skills venue. Thank you to all who gave blood at the Four Corners event, we were successful in meeting our quota!!! With such great games we are all looking forward to next year. * If you lost anything at the Four Corner event, please contact Jayne Thurman at 505-856-0342.
"No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle." - Winston Churchill
Law Enforcement officers lace up the aprons once again for Special Olympics on August 31
When you walk in to an Applebee’s restaurant you can expect a number of things like great food, great service and great fun. But what you don’t expect to see are police officers wearing aprons, serving beverages, taking singing requests and even doing push up in the aisles. Don’t worry. They’re not trying to confuse the heck out of you. They’re actually trying to inspire the heck out of you. They want you to be a fan of Special Olympics, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which for the past few years has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars on behalf of Special Olympics. “Our partnership with Applebee’s and Law Enforcement Torch Run is one of the most fun dining experiences anyone can have,” said SONM Executive Director Randy Mascorella. “You leave the restaurant happy to have eaten a good meal and grateful to have had the opportunity to improve someone’s life.” On Wednesday, August 31 the New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run is hosting its Applebee’s Tip-A-Cop fund raiser from 5pm – 9pm at Albuquerque and Rio Rancho Applebee’s locations. Several local SONM athletes will be on hand during the evening to share serving duties and raise awareness of Special Olympics. For more information contact our LETR Liaison at (505) 856-0342 or torchrun@sonm.org.
SONM Distinguished Service Award Recipients
UNM Men's Soccer vs Cal Northridge
Join us on September 11, 2011 at 1pm at the UNM Track and Soccer Complex for Special Olympics Night. Wear Special Olympics apparel and get tickets at a discounted price, $2 for children and $3 for adults. We are excited to continue a relationship with UNM Men's Soccer and support them in their pursuit of a National Title. For more information please contact Steve Harris at 505-856-0342.
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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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