Volunteer of the Month
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Athlete of the Month
Volunteer of the Month
Sponsor of the Month
July 2008
Trenten and I moved to Seminole county in June of 2005 to be closer to my Mom and family. We moved from Alabama where
they do not have many of the opportunities for Trenten to play sports as we do here in Florida. They only had track one day a
year during school and I used to drive him 45 miles to Birmingham during the Fall and Spring so that he could play baseball in
the challenger league. As you can imagine I was so excited when we moved here and I found out that Trenten could play sports
year around. Trenten enjoys playing sports, any sport, so much that we are doing something almost every weekend. He has
run track and basketball and soccer skills and swimming and the list goes on and on. He even went to state in swimming and
soccer. I am so proud of him. We have both gotten so much from this experience. I have also become more involved and I love
it too. I started getting more involved due to the fact that Trenten is a runner (and he is fast, those who know Trenten know
exactly what I mean. LOL). I now volunteer in many of the sports that he plays and I too have made many friends through the
practices, events and trips. Being involved with the Special Olympics, both the people who run it and the athletes and families
we are involved with has enhanced my life more that I could have ever imagined. I would like to say Thank You to all of you
from both Trenten and myself. I hope you know how much you are loved and appreciated. We have both learned so much from
all of you. Everyone is so special and I love helping as much as I can. I really enjoy the friendships that I have made and the
excitement of being around all the athletes and their families. Just the pure love and happiness from being around everyone
makes you feel so happy, lucky and blessed, all at the same time. Trenten is so happy, even if he doesn't win, it's O.K.
because he had fun and got the chance to do his best. I have learned so much from Trenten, especially patience but also not
to worry so much about what other people say or do. Just be who you are and smile even when others dont'. You may be
suprised sometimes they will even smile back just because you smiled first.
June 2008
May 2008
LoPorto Family
Our family has been involved with Special Olympics for about 7 years. Our very own Special Olympiad, Jimmy, has played
several sports over the years. He is now playing golf, swimming and, his new favorite, power lifting. What a thrill it was to see
Jimmy earn a bronze medal at the power lifting state games in November 2007.
Coach “Daddy” Sal has been a swim coach from the start and last year started his golf coaching career. He helps out at power
lifting and also finds time to be involved with the management team. He loves to play games and is the annual picnic’s balloon
toss organizer. Go Coach Sal!
Our daughter, Maria, began her Special Olympic career by volunteering at swimming to earn community service hours. She
had so much fun that she has continued to volunteer and has added gymnastics to her coaching list. Maria is also a Radio
Disney kidcaster and has arranged radio broadcasts to inform the community about Special Olympics.
My involvement with Special Olympics has always been as the mother who makes sure that everyone gets where they need to
be at the right time. This past year I was very interested in the power lifting athletes and decided to join the management team
because I love helping such a dedicated group of individuals who have given so much to help all the wonderful, Special
Olympiads in Seminole county. Because I happen to be married to Coach Sal, I have become the administrative (in other words
- secretary) golf coach this season.
Special Olympics is a very big part of our lives and for good reason. They have given Jimmy the chance to go out and be the
best that he can be and have fun at the same time. The coaches, volunteers and athletes are such a big, happy family. We
feel blessed to be a part of this very special organization.
April 2008
Jim Rich and Driss Oussani Professional Tennis Coaches
Jim Rich
"The Question is: Why do we help out other people and get nothing in return? This is an illusion. I am coaching the special
athletes not to just teach them, I am also helping myself, because I know that we (human beings) are all one, and there is really
only one thing in all the Universe. And that's love. Love always...and in all ways. Jim Rich - Seminole Tennis Coach
Driss Oussini
I was born in Mor-occo where played tennis at age 4 at 14 become top player in Belgium. Also, played Challenger Pro.
Coached Special Olympics Inter-nationally! And in Belgium a member of ITF (Inter-national Tennis Federation) as a coach and
player and a topped ranked player in Florida for numerous years, Now, owner and coach of the Central FL Tennis Acedemy at
Westmonte Park And my experience being involved with Special Olympics -I help Special Olympic children and coach wheel
chair tennis in Europe for over 2 years. When we say they are specials kids, they really are More than specials, my passion for
the game mixed with the love of people gave me the desire to coach not only good players but no matter who they are.
March 2008
It was when I was in 9th grade that I first became involved in Special Olympics. It started out as me getting involved once a year
in Maryland referring the Special Olympics Soccer Games in St. Mary’s County. As much as I enjoyed it, little did I know that my
involvement would soon take a whole different turn? When I moved to Florida, I contacted Special Olympics to find out about
helping to referee, but they told me that there was not soccer team for Seminole County because their was no coach. It just
kind of all went on its own from there and now I am a senior in high school and the head coach of Seminole County ’s soccer
team. The experiences that Special Olympics have offered me have taught me so much that I did not think an eighteen year
old was capable of learning. And I know most of this is thanks to my players, so I can only hope that I have taught them half as
much as what they have taught me. Hopefully I am passing the joy of soccer to the people around me because growing up
soccer was my life, and I want everyone to be able to experience participating in a sport: the teamwork needed, the friendships
made, the bonds built, and the lessons learned. Volunteering with Special Olympics has been one of the most enjoyable
experiences I have had in life and I plan on continuing to volunteer no matter where my life takes me.
February 2008
Elise Hulme, written by Michelle Smiley
"Through the eyes of a volunteer. All that any volunteer should aspire to be, is to be like Coach Elise. Her ever loving, tireless
and compassionate, personality leads a team with determination, and " I can do anything" attitude. With Coach Elise there are
no obstacles or limitations, only opportunities and challenges. She knows the abilities of her Athletes, Horses, and Volunteers.
Coach Elise has worked many hours and years with her Athletes and is able to challenge them when needed. The team now
has two Athletes that ride independantly with minimal to no assistance from a Volunteer. Her determination and willingness to
teach and train her Athletes and Volunteers to be all that they can and to demonstrate excellant sportsmanship in the process.
It's not all about winning, but about being able to participate and come away with a sense of accomplishment. This is exactly
what she instills without ever saying a word. Coach Elise is a positive role model for all that enter her world.
She created an album for the team where each Athlete has their own page to highlight their accomplishments at area and state
games. Every week the Athletes earn stickers for their participation, to include care, as well as grooming their horse, along with
practice, to place in their Equistrian folders.
Coach Elise is not at all boastful of herself, however, she is that of her Athletes and Volunteers. You can see her sense of pride
and accomplishment at the end of every practice. Her smile says it all! Devoting many, many years as a Volunteer and Coach
for Special Olympics. For all that know her, will agree she is a true inspiration. She makes us all feel like a member of the
family, each having a special part that we bring to the team.
You mean so much to all that are involved. The Athletes you provide them the opportunity to have independance within a safe
and structured environment, where they learn to not only ride, but to care for their horse and work with a volunteer. To the
Volunteer you provide us the opportunity to be a part of this incredible experience, giving us both guidance and training to
become Coaches. For the Horses, you care and provide such love and devotion. For all that you do, without even realizing it, I
thank you!" - Michele Smiley
January 2008
The Badders Family (along with the Lundy's!) has been involved with Special Olympics Seminole County one way or another
for about 20 years. Bonnie and Mike moved to Lake Mary from Jacksonville and immediately began participating as a volunteer
and athlete. Mike has played almost all the sports available, including golf, basketball, powerlifting, softball, bocce, athletics,
volleyball, and snow skiing! He loves the practices and the competitions...and the socializing, of course! He has just been
elected president of the Athlete Input Council and is excited about the upcoming meetings and activities. Dani Lundy, Mike's
sister, moved to Altamonte Springs from Jacksonville and volunteered to join the Management Team and be a bocce coach.
She had never heard of bocce but joined in with the athletes' enthusiasm and has become passionate about "her" bocce
bunch. Dani's younger son, Jay, is a volunteer and helped out with the practices. Dani's older son, Joe Badders, moved to
Seminole County in 2006 and soon volunteered to participate as a Unified Partner in volleyball and as a basketball coach. Joe
is starting another year of involvement and is very popular with the athletes. Special Olympics has always been a big part of the
Badders/Lundy family...the newest volunteer is nine-year-old Amanda! She has helped out with powerlifting and is looking
forward to doing more. "Mike is the center and focus of our lives...he knows how to have fun and has taught us to be thankful
for our blessings, and one of them is Special Olympics." - Dani Lundy
December 2007
Hi, my name is Fran Carrozza and I started volunteering with the Special Olympics this past summer as a Unified Partner on the
softball team. I don't think I can adequately explain what playing with Debbie and Mark Taylor, and all the softball athletes
meant to me. I honestly feel I enjoyed the practices and games as much as anyone - just ask the athletes how my softball
uniform used to look after the games!
Having been involved with team sports both on the college and recreational level, it only seemed natural that I would end up
volunteering with the Special Olympics. All the athletes are such an inspiration to me and I can't imagine ever stopping.
I look forward to creating more positive experiences as coach of the Basketball and Track and Field teams and coming back for
a 2nd year of softball.
November 2007
My name is Cheyenne Ala Martinez and I am 15 years old. I was born in Lake Mary, but raised in Sanford. I love to ride and
show horses. My friend Amber brought me out to volunteer with the Equestrian Team at the Circle H Ranch for the 1st time
about 3 years ago; and I have been volunteering about 4 hours every Saturday ever since.
I love to volunteer with Special Olympics athletes. They really work hard and love to ride horses. I feel really good when I
volunteer because I'm helping the athletes feel good about themselves. Equestrian athletes practice on Saturdays from
October to May. I assist them by helping them to groom their horse and also when they ride their horse through a series of trail
obstacles to prepare for the various competitions we attend throughout our training season.
I have a little brother named Javier who wants to come out and volunteer. I feel really good when others want to come out to
volunteer and hope that you would like to come out and try it too! I hope you have enjoyed my Volunteer Voice!
October 2007
John Omana
John became involved in Special Olympics 1 ½ years ago, when Mitch started swimming with the Seminole County Special
Olympics team. This past season he became a Coach for the beginners swim team. John has thoroughly enjoyed coaching and
the children he coached. He also plans to help out with coaching for the Basketball team starting in November.John works as
the Community Development Director for the City of Lake Mary.
In his spare time he dabbles with a website that he created answering free questions about Land Use and Zoning. John also
sits on the Board of Directors for UCP of Central Florida.
Going to State Games for swimming was especially memorable for John and Mitch. John has been a baseball fan since the age
of 6 and the Coaches and Athletes stayed at Dodger Town (the spring training venue for the Dodgers). John has quite a
collection of Dodgers memorabilia and nowwants Dodger stadium seating in the family room. John always keeps the Special
Olympics Coaches amused by sharing Mitch's latest sayings (usually about him). He has thoroughly enjoyed working with the
Swimmers and the Coaches. As he puts it "Seminole County Special Olympics is Top Notch"
September 2007
Tim Hagan- Swimming, Golf
I started Special Olympics several years ago as the typical parent – taking my son Samuel to swim practice. After seeing the
awesome interaction between the athletes and coaches, I decided that I wanted to play a larger part within the organization. I
went through the process to become a certified coach in Swimming and Golf. The training enabled me to teach the athletes
better. I really love working with the beginners – it is extremely rewarding. At first I thought the athletes would be the ones to
benefit from all the volunteers, but ask any volunteer – we do it because we love the athletes and we get back much more than
we give. Bless the athletes, volunteers and coaches. Seminole County Special Olympics is a great group to be a part of.
August 2007
Catherine Howat & UCF’s Pre-Professional Medical Society. (2007 Aquatics County Game Volunteers)
Catherine: "My name is Catherine Howat and I teach Kindergarten at Southwood Elementary in Orange County . I have been
married to my wonderful husband Scott for two years. I became involved with the Special Olympics after watching the state
games on the Sunshine Network. Everyone involved with Seminole County Special Olympics is so warm and welcoming I felt
like I had been apart of the organization from the very beginning. I enjoy giving my time to others and great organizations like
the Special Olympics. Thank you for nominating me as a Volunteer of the Month. I look forward to contributing more of my time
to such a fantastic group of people. I have spread the word and hopefully you will see many friends and family members of
mine at future events."
UCF's Pre-Professional Medical Society contacted us on their own looking for ways to help out! The athletes all enjoyed their
help and company. The group was very helpful and we look forward to working with them all at future events.
UCF Volunteers: Iris, Lilibeth, Mike, Ashlee, Kelly, Aldrynn, and Darline.
July 2007
Winston Jones – Brett Jones Dad
I am Brett’s Dad, Winston, and for over 15 years our family has been involved with Special Olympics. Being overprotective
parents, my wife and I would attend all practices and competitions that Brett participated in. Initially, being an observer at these
events, I could see Brett’s boredom turning into joy. I also enjoyed seeing the accomplishments of the other athletes. Laughing
along with them helped to lighten the rough days that I would have. There were also opportunities to talk with other parents with
similar difficulties, struggles and challenges.
Over the years I have seen Seminole County Special Olympics grow for the betterment of the Athletes. This is why I have joined
various committees-helping out with fundraising and volunteering with different sports. Doing this provides me with the
opportunity to give back to someone else.
I am quite aware of how busy and hectic our schedules are, but I would like to encourage more people to give of their time and
skills, and become more involved with this organization. All of us working together can accomplish much more for our Special
Needs Population. God Bless You All!
June 2007
Jessica Schalinske, Powerlifitng Coach
Hi! My name is Coach Jessica. I am very excited and honored to be nominated volunteer of the month. Special Olympics has
been sooooo much fun for me. I have met so many great friends! I am involved in Special Olympics because it is fun and I get
to spend time with wonderful people. At the events and practices I am always reminded of my big family gatherings back home
in Wisconsin. I think it is the unconditional love. Thanks guys, I love being a part of the family that is the Seminole County
Special Olympics.
May 2007
Amanda Loftus is in 10th Grade at Oviedo High School. She holds a GPA of 3.9 and is active in Future Educators of America.
She became involved with Special Olympics through her Girl Scout troop of which she has been a member for 11 years. Her
troop was honored last year as the Volunteer Organization of the Year for Seminole County. In addition to her work with SOFL
for the last 5 years, she volunteers with Disney Sports and the Challenger Baseball league. She also has helped organize
Instead of a Volunteer of the Month, we have Richard Mendola, one of our Athletes who wants to recognize a special person in
his life…in his own words this is his tribute.
My name is Richard Mendola. I am in Special Olympics Seminole County. I am in power-lifting and came in first place last
year. Now I am in power-walking, and now on the Athlete Input Council. I was scared to do these things because it was my first
time ever to do these things. Dani Lundy said to try them out to see how I would like them. And I do like all of them very much!
My Special Olympics mentor is Dani Lundy. I would like to thank my sister, Gloria and my brother-in-law, Mike for always being
there for me in Special Olympics. Richard Mendola - Athlete
February 2007
Lori and I entered the Special Olympics in 1987 and she has done about everything that there is as far as sports go. Lori won
several State gold medals in gymnastics until she had to have spinal fusion. Lori and I have been involved in basketball, track
and field, and swimming as well. A typical week for Lori is: Monday – bowling, Thursday - square dancing, Saturday –
basketball, track and swimming. Lori and I have a custom made wooden cabinet in the living room with all her medals and
ribbons from over the years and there are a lot of them!!!
Special Olympics has been a God-Send for Lori, she loves the activities so much, but mostly she loves the athletes and the
time she spends with them. Lori and Mark Preston have been in the Special Olympics from the beginning and have been best
friends since they were five years old. I started out as a helper, then started coaching the basketball events. Five years ago I
took over the track team and moved up to head coach when my dear friend Bill Bonnett stepped down after a bought with
cancer. The Bonnetts never had a child in Special Olympics. They were out there for the love of the kids, and what a devotion it
was and still is. I sometimes have a sad moment when I think about the GREAT coaches and people who I have worked with in
the Seminole County Special Olympics that are no longer with us in body. They will always be here in spirit however and their
contributions to our beloved county will NOT be forgotten. I think of Mrs. Helms who helped me chaperone and coach. What a
great lady. I think of Mrs. Levine who was so good and who fought so hard for so long. May God bless these two wonderful
ladies. I thank God for healing Bill Bonnett from cancer, and I especially thank God for healing me from cancer. I was diagnosed
on October 30th, and it has been the longest fall season of my life. I started the day either crying or praying and just hoping for
more time to spend with my four kids and three grandchildren. I really missed being out there for basketball season! I spent
many moments thinking about all the different setbacks that our athletes have had and yet when we are together you would
never know the challenges they face each day. These wonderful kids have fun, are happy and enjoy everything that God gives
them. I have often thought that not only are these kids special, but their parents are as well. I believe God gives special kids to
special parents. When I started out in Special Olympics everything was for the love of the kids, however Special Olympics is
big business now with rules and regulations that would rival the Marines. I just hope the people in charge never forget what
Special Olympics is really all about. Debbie Taylor is one heck of a county coordinator as well as a great person .and we’re
lucky to have her.
-Wayne Tarkenton and his daughter Lori
January 2007
Hi my name is Rachel Dagan and I am 16 years old and a junior at Lyman High School. I started volunteering with the Special
Olympics in January of this year. I am now one of the coaches for the Sparklers! I love being involved, especially when I am
helping athletes enjoy it. I absolutely love Special Olympics!
Rachel Dagan – Cheerleading Coach
November 2006
Hi my name is Marie El-Khoury and I have been volunteering with Special Olympics for almost two years, but have been
involved with the Special Population for over 16 years. I enjoy coaching Cheerleading and watching the guys and girls learn
new skills, perform fun routines and have a great time! Their smiles, cheerful attitudes and HUGE hugs, make the fun of
coaching them that much more exciting and fulfilling! When I can, I try to help with other programs like swimming and belly
dancing. But, the best part of being a volunteer for Special Olympics is the joy it brings to my heart-no matter how bad my day
has been, every one of those kids knows how to make all your worries disappear! -Marie El-khoury, Cheerleading
Coach, Charbel’s Sister
October 2006
My name is Elise Hulme. I have loved horses since childhood. Growing up in Philadelphia, PA, I only had the opportunity to see
horses at the race track or to ride at a local rental stable in a city park. I hoped at some point in my adult life to be able to have
horses of my own. This dream came true when my husband Jim and I relocated to South Florida in 1988. In my search for a
riding stable, I found a stable that provided riding instruction to the mentally and physically challenged. Upon observing these
classes, I was in awe how the horses allowed these challenged individuals to experience the joy of riding and a sense of
accomplishment and freedom. I was hooked! I had to become part of this group.
Since moving to Central Florida 10 years ago, the Seminole County Equestrian Team, C.H.E.E.R. (Circle H Equestrian Event
Riders) was established at our ranch in Sanford. The Equestrian Sports Program pairs an athlete with a horse who work
together as a team. Along with my husband Jim, several dedicated volunteers, supportive athlete family members, and 3 unique
horses, our Special Olympics athletes practice on Saturdays from October to May. We attend various competitions held
throughout the Central Florida area, concluding with State Games in May. To prepare for competition, athletes are instructed
how to sit on the horse and hold the reins properly to steer, how to apply leg pressure to keep the horse moving, and how to
ask the horse to turn and back up. Athletes are also instructed on stable management such as the care, feeding and grooming
of the horse. It‘s somewhat magical how the horses and athletes bond and communicate.
Events include: Trail-where horse and rider negotiate obstacles such as weaving in and out of cones, trotting over ground
poles, walking the horse through water, and stopping and backing the horse. Equitation judges how the rider communicates
with the horse. Proper posture and form are key. Barrel Racing and Pole Bending are timed events and speed and course
correctness are key. Dressage is a form of English riding where horse and rider complete a series of turns and changes of gait
at designated places in the arena. Athletes receive ribbons and medals when placement in a show is accomplished. Good
sportsmanship is also an important element in our program.
The athletes in our program are dedicated competitors. They train hard and look forward to our various competitions. They
truly enjoy what they do and their achievements speak for themselves. The parents of the athletes in our program have shared
how the equestrian experience has given their athlete self confidence, encouraged verbal and cognitive skills and increased
muscle strength. I am gratified (and joyfully tearful) when I see these athletes competing in events that were only thought of as
for the physically, mentally and financially able. It gives the public a chance to see just how valuable Special Olympics training
benefits athletes in all phases of their lives.
Many people ask me how long I will continue to volunteer to coach this specialized sport. I respond by saying I will until God
says I can’t. I’m proud to be part of Seminole County Special Olympics and honored to be October’s Volunteer of the Month.
Do stop by and see us at one of our competitions. -Elise Hulme, Equestrian Coach.
September 2006
My name is Nikky Cochran. I’ve been swimming most of my life. But I’m only sixteen years old. I can remember being around the
age of seven and swimming my heart out on my team and I'd see the life guards in the stands and just dream of being up there
one day and looking up to my coaches like they were my best friends. They’ve taught me everything I know about swimming,
but coming to help and make a difference in Special Olympics has taught me so many things also.
Helping with the special needs kids teaches me patience. This is something I never had before. I love seeing them smile
because they did well in something or telling them what they did wrong and then see there reaction when they finally got it right.
It makes me happy to know I’m one of the people that is making a different in what they do for the team. I chose to help with
Special Olympics because I enjoy helping other people with things I love to do. And swimming is my thing I live for. Put me in
any body of water that I can swim in and I’m going to be the happiest girl in the world. But to get in the water with these kids and
teach them step by step what they need to know or to fix the little things they’ve got wrong. Just to help better them is the only
thing that matters. These kids mean a lot to me and to see them achieve their goals in swimming makes me feel like I’ve made
a difference. And to be the volunteer of the month makes me feel recognized in everything I’ve helped the swimmers with.
Makes me feel good about myself to know I’ve help this much in there lives. I love helping and working with everyone that’s
involved in Special Olympics, its like a family as we always say and to be recognized makes know I play a role in that family
too. -Nikky Cochran - Aquatics Coach
August 2006
My name is Maria Gabriela Rincon. I originally come from Maracaibo, Venezuela and I have been living in United States for two
years and a half. I started coaching aquatics few months ago. From the time that I lived in Venezuela, I worked with kids in
Summer Camps every year, which was something that I really enjoyed.
I have felt lucky and fortunate working with these Special Olympics Athletes because I have seen how hard they work. I have
been training an athlete named Elizabeth- she is so sweet and in the last county games she won the first place. That was
something that made me feel so happy and proud too, that’s why I enjoy the opportunity to help because it is to give another
chance in their lives. ~ Gaby Rincon – Volunteer for Aquatics since May 2006
July 2006
Patricia Hart from Boston, Massachusetts has recently began coaching Aquatics.
“I come from a family of (5) girls and I have lived in Florida for almost 4 years now. My family is involved with the Special
Olympics in Boston. I always remember going to the Special Olympics Christmas growing up and it was always a good time. I
think the athletes involved with the Special Olympics are truly amazing and I enjoy every minute I am able to spend with them.”
June 2006
I have been working with Special Olympics Seminole County for four years. I coach basketball, track, swimming (except for this
season), gymnastics, and cheerleading. I am also a member of the management team focusing on coach and volunteer
recruitment and fundraisers, such as the Court of Dreams and Enchanted Twilight. I volunteer with Special Olympics because I
have always loved working with special needs individuals.
My mother works for ATEN (Assistive Technology Education Network), so I grew up around special needs individuals. In middle
school I helped coach the special needs PE classes and since then I have been looking for a way to continue my work with
special needs sports. I went online and found the information for my area and started coaching immediately. I have enjoyed
every minute of the work I do with Special Olympics and I hope that we can make Seminole County one of the greatest Special
Olympic programs in Florida. -Mindy Setzer; Coach, Board Member
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