SO Brief
SONM's Bi-Weekly Newsletter
November 26, 2014
In This Issue
Athlete Profile
Thoughts From Randy
Posole Ole!
Thank You Volunteers!
Project UNIFY
LETR News
Alex and Ani Promotion
Athlete Profile
Name: Lindsae Nelson
Team: Special Olympics San Juan County 
Sports: Basketball, Poly Hockey
Highlights: Lindsae won a Silver Medal at the 2014 State Basketball Invitational
Join Us Online
Thoughts From Randy
Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving.  I have said, written, and heard those two words countless times the past few days and with each time, I have thought a little more about this American Holiday and what it means to us.

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Festive fun at Posole Ole Fun Walk!

Thanksgiving may be over after tomorrow, but fear not, fans - the holiday fun and food will continue to flow at the Posole Ole Fun Walk next weekend!

This festive fundraiser will take place at the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum on December 6th at 8 am. In addition to the two-lap walk around Balloon Fiesta Park, there will be craft tables, pictures with Santa, a raffle with fun prizes, and of course, posole!

Haven't signed up to fund-raise yet? There's still time. Learn more and create a fundraising page HERE.

If you're more interested in spreading the holiday cheer by volunteering at the event, contact Christine Sandoval at 505-856-0342.
Thank you Volunteers!

With the SONM State and Area competitions wrapped up for the year, we want to express a depth of gratitude to our 6000+ amazing volunteers statewide who have made Special Olympics New Mexico possible. From coaches to law enforcement officers to day-of-event volunteers, we are  deeply grateful for all of your hard work and the time you have given our athletes. Your commitment is greatly appreciated. We would not be here without you.

Interested in becoming a volunteer in 2015? Learn more HERE.
Project UNIFY grows thanks to New Mexico's educators! 

Project UNIFY continues to grow in our state and offering more opportunities for students to create more inclusive schools while enjoying Unified Sports. As Thanksgiving approaches, we would like to thank the wonderful educators in our state who have embraced the program helping us to better serve our community!

Pita Hopkins and Michele Chavez started SONM's first Young Athletes program at Chaparral Elementary. Thea Kavanaugh and Shannon Vermillion brought Project UNIFY to Las Cruces Public schools, and in just 3 years have seen such growth that there are now Inclusive PE classes within the curriculum! Ben Vigil at Cleveland HS implemented our first High School program!

These powerful and fun programs would not be possible without the support of our sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NM! Their commitment to health and wellness of our youth has been instrumental and creating opportunities for students to participate in Unified Sports! 
Law Enforcement Torch Run News!   

A lot to be thankful for - GoTorch Run!

 

While a number of NMLETR agencies continue to plan for one more fundraising activity before the end of this year, we would like to take this time to give thanks to all of our LETR officers and their families, our agency and regional coordinators, sponsors, and Special Olympics athletes for their passion and dedication in helping to expand Torch Run throughout our state.

As a result of LETR's focus on organizational development and program growth, this year over $50,000 will be allocated to our participating local Special Olympics programs-nearly $20,000 more than last year! Additionally, almost $50,000 in Torch Run sponsors helped add to the impact on the Special Olympics New Mexico sports program. An exceptional accomplishment that is both rewarding and inspiring.

No matter what role in which you served, on behalf of our New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run, we thank our officers so very much and wish all of you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving!  
 
Alex and Ani support Special Olympics this holiday season!

Alex and Ani's Charity by Design "Power of Unity" bangle supports Special Olympics
Alex and Ani, a made in America lifestyle brand and producer of jewelry, and Special Olympics have partnered together through their Charity by Design division to create a new bangle. The "Power of Unity" bangle will be sold in Alex and Ani retail stores nationwide, online at Alexandani.com, and at partnering retail accounts, beginning November 24, 2014.

Alex and Ani will donate to Special Olympics 20% of the purchase price from each Power of Unity Charm sold between November 2014 and December 2015, with a minimum donation of $25,000.

The bangle design features the Special Olympics symbol which is an expression of how the Special Olympics movement reveals the champion in all of us, inspiring achievement, change, revelation and community in all who connect with Special Olympics. On the other side of the charm, the Special Olympics Athlete Oath appears, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

For more information, click HERE.
 Upcoming 2014 Events

EVENT                              DATE                                 LOCATION
Posole Ole Fun Walk                         Dec 6                                                Albuquerque 
SONM Board of Directors
 
Executive Committee : CHAIRMAN, Jack Eichorn; VICE CHAIRMAN, Karen Hudson; VICE CHAIRMAN, Bob Scanlon; SECRETARY, Suzanne Frazier; and TREASURER, Steve Pino

Board Members: Tom Padilla, Shaylene Stephens, Ryan Garcia, David Harnick, Sharen Hart,  Brad Hutchins, Walt Bolic, Darren Wilkins, Trish Stuart, Craig Amundson, Allen Smith, Consuelo Bolagh-Cowder, Dub Girand, and Mark Wiggins 
Contact Us
Special Olympics New Mexico
6600 Palomas Pl. NE Ste. 207
ABQ, NM 87109
 
Phone: 505-856-0342
Email: sonm@sonm.org