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SONM's Bi-Weekly Newsletter
| March 13, 2013
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Athlete Profile  Name: Mackenzie Amundson Team: Rhythmaniacs
Sports: Aquatics, Gymnastics, Track and Field
Highlights: Mackenzie served as an Honorary Page at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe last Thursday.
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Thoughts From Randy
In The House
Every other year I take a handful of Special Olympics athletes to the legislative session in Santa Fe to serve as Honorary Pages for the House of Representatives. It's a very interesting, educational, and unique experience - one that we count a privilege.
We go to thank Representative Henry "Kiki" Saavedra for the House Bill he introduced in the 1980s, which continues to support the Special Olympics movement in New Mexico. We also go as ambassadors to keep our Legislators mindful of "our" families. And finally, we go because we can and we should.
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The 2013 State Summer Games: WE ARE _______ New!
Save the date for the 2013 State Summer Games from May 31-June 2, presented by Mountain States Insurance Group.
Rather than choosing a specific theme for this year's games, we have decided to give our Special Olympics delegations and all who are attending the opportunity to define the  mselves. This year, we are coining the State Summer Games simply as "WE ARE___" and letting you finish the statement. For those involved, Special Olympics can and does shape an element of each participant's life. Whether you are an athlete, a coach, a volunteer, or a Unified Partner, Special Olympics has most likely had an impact on your life.
Before Summer Games this year, we are asking you to think about what Special Olympics personally means to you, to your family, to your delegation, and to this state. How do you define yourself or your team? Are you track stars? Are you a champion? Or are you simply inspired? You tell us.
For more information about the 2013 State Summer Games, click HERE to visit our event page.
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Athletes and partners get ready for SONM Unified Team Bowling Tournament! New!
This Saturday, March 16th marks the first annual Unified Team  Bowling Tournament! The competition will take place from 10:00 am until 4:30 pm at Santa Ana Casino's Starlight Lanes. This bowling tournament is unlike any SONM has hosted thus far, bringing together 69 teams made up of both Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities). The tournament will give athletes and their partners a chance to show the meaning of teamwork in a unique way. The concept of combining athletes with intellectual disabilities and those without was first introduced in the mid-1980s to promote equality and inclusion. Unified Sports enables athletes to learn new sports, develop higher-level sports skills, and experience meaningful inclusion as each athlete is ensured of playing a valued role on the team. The Unified Sports program also enables athletes to socialize with peers and form friendships with people outside of Special Olympics. For more information about the event, click HERE to visit the event page.
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LETR News! New!
Dozens of LETR Officers descend on Albuquerque for 2013 State Kick-Off
So much of our success in helping secure the joy of sport to thousands of Special  Olympics New Mexico (SONM) athletes and their families is determined by the level of passion, commitment, and engagement from our Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) officers.
On Wednesday, March 6th dozens of LETR officers representing 19 law enforcement agencies throughout New Mexico attended the 2013 LETR State Kick Off in Albuquerque. Officers were given words of encouragement and recognition from SONM athletes, family members, and staff-as well as numerous LETR dignitaries and community partner representatives.
During the event State Director, Michelle Ugalde, shared photos, videos, and stories of her Final Leg experience in Korea at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games, while LETR officer and deacon Steve Rangel received the Larry Willard Flame of Hope Award. SONM Board Member and parent Craig Amundson shared a powerful story about the birth of his daughter Mackenzie and how she has since changed the family's outlook and attitude on life and relationships. Craig also expressed how much Special Olympics has done for Mackenzie and the family.
Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo Representative and SONM Board Member Ryan Garcia capped the event with a check presentation of $15,000 to the Torch Run, and announced the official Kick Off of the 2013 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Special thanks to First Gentleman Chuck Franco, Attorney General Gary King, Albuquerque's Chief Administrative Officer Rob Perry, and Tony Lynn of the Department of Public Safety for sharing stories and support for our LETR officers.
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Get the ball rolling this sports season at the UNM Soccer Clinic! New!
Mark your calendars for the UNM Soccer Clinic on March 23rd! SONM athletes will get first-hand instruction from UNM soccer players coaches. The clinic will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at the UNM indoor field. Athletes need to bring their own water bottles and cleats (if they have a pair). Coaches are responsible for bringing soccer balls. Lunch will be served following the clinic.
Registration deadline is March 18th. If you are interested in registering for the clinic or have any questions, please contact Jena Waddell at 505-856-0342 or at jenawaddell@sonm.org.
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Upcoming 2013 Events
EVENT DATE LOCATION
Unified Bowling Tournament Mar 16 Starlight Lanes
Law Enforcement Torch Run May 13-June 2 New Mexico
State Summer Games May 31-June 2 UNM
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SONM Board of Directors
Executive Committee : CHAIRMAN, Tom Padilla; VICE CHAIRMAN, Jack Eichorn; VICE CHAIRMAN, Bob Scanlon; SECRETARY, Suzanne Frazier; and TREASURER, Steve Pino
Board Members: Shaylene Stephens, Nestor Romero, Suzanne Fields, Ryan Garcia, David Harnick, Jim Reist, Sharen Hart, Brad Hutchins, Walt Bolic, Darren Wilkins, Trish Stuart, Craig Amundson, and Karen Hudson
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Contact Us
Special Olympics New Mexico
6600 Palomas Pl. NE Ste. 207
ABQ, NM 87109
Email: sonm@sonm.org
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