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SO Brief
SONM's Bi-Weekly Newsletter
November 20, 2013
In This Issue
Athlete Profile
Thoughts From Randy
Posole Ole
Three Sisters
2013 Holiday Classic
LETR News
Onate Project Unify Recap
Holiday Giving
Athlete Profile
Name: Isabel Morris
Team: Special Olympics Las Cruces Public Schools
Sports: Golf, Softball, Track and Field, Bowling
Highlights: Isabel won a Gold Medal at the 2013 Holiday Classic in Bowling!
Join Us Online
Thoughts From Randy
Endings

As I was walking from one gym to another at our State Basketball Competition I saw him.  He was sitting on the floor with his back against the wall - crying.  Judging by his sweat-saturated jersey, I assumed he was feeling the agony of defeat, as his team had just lost a close game.  I sat down next to him  prepared to offer a lesson on losing, when this broken voice muttered  "I'm sad.  I just don't want this day to end."

 
Don't miss your chance to sign up for Posole Ole! 
 
The Posole Ole Fun Walk and 5K are less than three weeks away! Don't miss your chance to kick off the Holiday season of giving - New Mexico style. Hundreds of walkers and runners will gather at the Balloon Museum on December 7th to show their support for New Mexico's Special Olympics athletes. 

Registration for the Fun Walk will begin at 7:30 am. Join us afterwards for posole, a raffle, and pictures with Santa! Don't miss out on the holiday fun! Click HERE to register and create a fundraising page! 

In addition, SONM is adding a new event - a 5K Run and Walk! There will be a Kid's 5K as well, so the whole family is invited! There will also be a mini Polar Plunge and a Red, Green, and Christmas Costume Contest. Come dressed for either activity! To register for the Posole Ole 5K Run and Walk online, click HERE or visit Bosque Running Shop at 6001 Winterhaven Dr. NW Suite I to register in person. 
Three Sisters
 
As we publish the final piece of our "Three SIsters" series, we would like to thank all family members who provide support and encouragement to SONM athletes. Families are the heart of our organization, and the three sisters we have highlighted have been greatly impacted by their siblings and have done great things through their involvement in Special Olympics. 
 
Meet Lisa
 
Lisa Archibeque is the Regional Sales Manager for Philadelphia Insurance - a nationwide insurance provider. Lisa is also the sister of one of SONM's most involved athletes Michael Kuyper! Michael has participated in Special Olympics for 28 years, and Lisa has been going to competitions and volunteering as a Unified Partner since he first became involved. 

Lisa and Mike
"Most people don't have the opportunity to share their life with someone who has an intellectual disability, but growing up in that environment can really change your life," stated Lisa. "These athletes are such a shining light. If you attend an event, you will see how differently they view themselves when they compete. They are so excited to participate and to be with their friends. Special Olympics transforms lives - it has certainly transformed Mike's life and I know it has transformed mine!" 

Because of Lisa's relationship with her brother and personal involvement in Special Olympics New Mexico, she nominated SONM for Philadelphia Insurance's Jeans Day program, a day when the company encourages their employees, nationwide, to wear jeans to work in exchange for a dollar out of their paychecks. These dollars raised are donated to a different charity each month. Through Lisa's influence, Special Olympics New Mexico received $6,098! Way to go, sister!
2013 Holiday Classic!
 
The 2013 Holiday Classic was a huge success! With 450 athletes competing, Healthy Athletes venues, and spirited competition, it was a great way to cap off the 2013 sports season! Click HERE to view more photos from the event. 
 
Thank you sponsors! Without you, this event would not have been possible. 
Law Enforcement Torch Run News!

New Mexico delegates return from LETR International Torch Run Conference in Orlando educated and inspired
 

The "Largest Fundraising Vehicle for Special Olympics" met the "Happiest Place on Earth" when several hundred Law Enforcement Torch Run officers arrived at Disney World for the 2013 LETR International Conference in Orlando on Nov. 6th - 9th.

 

New Mexico LETR sent 11 delegates that consisted of Torch Run officers, staff, and SONM athletes to network with their national and international counterparts, receive important program information/materials, and learn new methods for raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics back home. LETR International revealed the brand management system, which included a fresh "look" to LETR's logo. The system is complete with unifying promotional materials that correlate with SONM's branding.


Additionally, between the numerous informational/educational seminars were general sessions that included inspirational talks from several Special Olympics Florida Global Messengers, as well as presentations from Olympic Gold Medalists in Gymnastics, Softball, and Track and Field. 

 

Led by current NMLETR Athlete Representative Ryan Hanson (Farmington) and NMLETR Ambassador Van Pexa, the group returned home charged up and ready to make an impact in New Mexico.  Look for new fund raisers and promotional materials coming your way as NMLETR grows thanks to these inspired individuals. For more information about Torch Run and the LETR International Conference, visit us online at www.sonm.org. 

Another successful event for Onate's Project Unify!

Oņate High School Project Unify had their second annual Project Unify Softball Tournament on November 1st. This year's event was even more successful than last year's, as Mayfield High School joined their Unified Skills competition. Oņate High School's Project Unify would not be a success without the support the Oņate Administration.

"Administrative support is one of the keys to any successful Project Unify, and Onate has one of the most supportive administrations in the state" says Victoria Gonzales of Special Olympics New Mexico.

Oņate's Project Unify is led by the Advocates in Action group, an inclusive leadership group that has been at the helm of each Project Unify event. This group of students encourages the rest of the Oņate students to participate in their softball tournament. Over 70 students participate in practice twice a week, with the help of Ms. Vermillion and Ms. Jones, who are the great coaches and sponsors that assist with not only the practices, but also with the day of competition.

The many student and staff volunteers arrive before sunrise on the morning of the competition to setup the field and the skills events. Over 75 students from Mayfield and Oņate, both athletes and Unified Partners, participated in the Unified Skills competition, and 50 athletes and Unified Partners were part of the two softball teams that competed in the afternoon.

"This event brings so much more than sports to our students with a disability" says Thea Kavanaugh, the head of Oņate's Project Unify. "It brings an opportunity for all of our students to be part of a team and to work together despite their many differences."

The Oņate Project Unify program continues to grow every year and is expected to once again reach amazing numbers next year, with the hope of including even more high schools from the Las Cruces area. 
Donate to Special Olympics this holiday season!          
     
Help Special Olympics with a year-end gift and join us in changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. With your generous support, Special Olympics is able to provide sports training, competitions, and other programs that benefit athletes, their families, and our community. Make your tax-deductible gift before December 31st! Click HERE to donate now!
Upcoming 2013 Events

EVENT                                DATE                                  LOCATION
Posole Ole                                          Dec 7                                                   Albuquerque Balloon Museum  
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
Contact Us
Special Olympics New Mexico
6600 Palomas Pl. NE Ste. 207
ABQ, NM 87109
 
Email: sonm@sonm.org