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SONM's Bi-Weekly Newsletter
| August 28th, 2013
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Athlete Profile
Name: Carlos Contreras Team: Rio Rancho Rockets
Sports: Aquatics
Highlights: Carlos won a Gold Medal in Aquatics at the 2013 Four Corners Invitational!
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Thoughts From Randy
Core Value 3 - FUN
Core Value 3 - #4 It's all about the dance. Years ago one of our Special Olympics athletes wanted to "modify" the Special Olympics oath from "Let me win, but if I can not win, let me brave in the attempt" to "Let me win, but if I can not win, let there be one heck of a dance." He was kidding (kind of) but I am reminded of his words at every State Competition Victory Dance, a place where enthusiasm and full-participation take on a whole new meaning. MORE >>> |
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Four Corners Invitational - Four amazing sports!
The 2013 Four Corners Invitational took place on August 16-18 in Farmington, NM and Special Olympics athletes of all ages and ability levels impressed everyone. This State Competition in Unified Golf, Unified Softball, Aquatics, and Unified Flag Football, allows Special Olympics athletes and their Unified Partners the chance to exhibit their skills in many arenas. 
These games were especially unique because of the addition of Unified Flag Football.
"It's a chance for us athletes to get out there and play what the real men play on TV, without the tackling," said SONM athlete Matt Scates aka Brian Urlacher.
Everyone enjoyed and appreciated this exciting, fast-paced sport. And we are all grateful to the Piedra Vista Football and Softball teams who helped make the competition a truly quality event.
To view photos from all three days of the Four Corners Invitational, click HERE.
Another huge thank you to the volunteers and sponsors who helped to make this event possible!
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Meet Phil!
Phil With is a Special Olympics athlete from Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is 40 years old and has been involved in Special Olympics since he was eight years old. He competes for Special Olympics Rio Rancho and has participated in Bowling, Golf, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Poly Hockey, Equestrian, Basketball, Bocce, and Track and Field. He is an Athlete Leader  by serving as a Global Messenger and sits on several SONM special event committees. Phil went Over the Edge in 2010! Support Special Olympics athletes like Phil by fundraising to go Over the Edge - or send an athlete in your place. Click HERE to visit our Over the Edge webpage, where you can create a fundraising page and learn about sponsorship opportunities.
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"We all have a disability of some kind..."
Craig DeMartino is not a Special Olympics athlete, coach, Partner, but Craig and our athletes do have something in common - they are athletes with a disability.  After a climbing accident in 2002 that resulted in being dropped 100 feet to the ground, Craig suffered shattered heels, a broken back, and other severe injuries. After multiple surgeries, and a lot of time on his hands, Craig chose to amputate his right leg below the knee in order to return to climbing and get his life back. Join us on September 20th at 7 pm at NM State Bar Center, where Craig will tell the story of his fall, his recovery, and what his disability means to him. All proceeds benefit SONM. Tickets are $20. Student discounts available! For tickets, call Erin Gallegos at 505-856-0342 or click HERE. |
Law Enforcement Torch Run News!
LETR SOUTH CENTRAL Region officers announce Sept. 10th  Applebee's Tip-A-Cop
On Tuesday, September 10th SOUTH CENTRAL Region LETR officers from the Albuquerque Police Department will host an Applebee's Tip-A-Cop to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Mexico's athletes and sports program. From 5pm - 9pm, come spend an evening of food and drinks with your local LETR officers and SONM families! For more information on participation, Applebee's locations, and how you can contribute, contact Officer Gerald Sandoval at 505-573-9734 or at geraldsandoval@cabq.gov.
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Thank you SOAZ!
This past weekend, three representatives from SONM were invited to Special Olympics Arizona's (SOAZ) Athlete Leadership Conference. SONM athlete Mackenzie Amundson, her mentor Sarah Hegge, and SONM staff member Erin Gallegos were welcomed by SOAZ athletes, families, and staff at the 3-day conference in Phoenix.
Attendees were offered hands-on leadership courses. Mentors guided their athletes through courses like
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Mackenzie gives her first speech
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Global Messengers (public speaking), Governance, Technology, and Coaching, in order to equip them to serve as Special Olympics leaders.
"My favorite part was the Global Messengers class," said athlete Mackenzie. "I learned to speak in front of a crowd."
The weekend had lasting effects for all of the SONM attendees. Sarah Hegge, Mackenzie's mentor, returned to New Mexico with a changed outlook.
"I was so honored to be a part of such an amazing conference," stated mentor Sarah. "I have never experienced the kind of consideration that the athletes, mentors, and staff had towards their peers. Special Olympics is truly a wonderful program filled with compassionate people- I can't wait to get more involved!"
For more information about Athlete Leadership opportunities in New Mexico, contact Erin Gallegos at 505-856-0342.
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Upcoming 2013 Events
EVENT DATE LOCATION
State Equestrian Competition Sept 13-14 Clovis, NM Over the Edge Sept 19-20 NM Bank and Trust Building
North Regional Bowling Oct 26-27 Santa Ana Starlight Lanes
Holiday Classic Nov 15-17 Las Cruces, NM |
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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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