Special Olympics
Seminole County
Seminole Spi=
rit
Septembe=
r 2006
407-263-8043
www.SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org
.……...UPCOMING DATES………..
September 2: Gymnastics County Games, Aquatics Coaches Certificat=
ion
September 5: Last Day to nominate you favorite volunteer<=
/o:p>
September 9: Swimming Area GamesSeptember 16: Enchanted Twilight: Belly Dancing Show
September 21: Coaches Meeting
September 23: Fre=
e Physicals, Gymnastics Area Games
September 28: CPR Training
September 30: Bowling Area Games, Power lifting Area Games
October 1: Cheerleading Begins
October 7-8: Aquatics State Games
October 13: Volunteer Appreciation Banquet
Visit t=
he
Calendar for more!
.………………...Sports TALK…=
…….………..
Sparklers@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org
Powerlifting
Practices are every Saturday from 12pm-1pm at Gold=
217;s
Gym. County Games where held on Saturday September 9, 2006. Area Games will=
be
on Saturday September 30, 2006.
Gymnastics
Saturdays at Browns Gymnast=
ics in
Altamonte from 10:30am-12. County Games where on Saturday September 2, 2006.
Area Games will be held on September 23, 2006.
Softball Season
Softball Players are practi=
cing
at Trotwood Field in Winter Springs from 8am-10am.
Debbie Taylor at 407-699-47=
76 or
DTaylor@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org
Bowling
AMF
Altamonte Lanes from every Monday from 3-5pm. Area Games: September 30, 200=
6. Lots of VOLUNTEERS needed at Bowling Area Games. Co=
ntact
Charisse 407-263-8043;
charisseh@cfl.rr.com
Swim Season
Practice every Saturday at =
RDV
from 8am-10:00am. Beginners 8:30am-10am.
Area Games: September 9, 20=
06 Orlando YMCA of <=
st1:Street
w:st=3D"on">International Drive
State Games: October 7-8 Sebastian Inlet. Contact Coach Debbie Harger=
for
information: 407-571-8735 DHarger@SpecialOl=
ympicsSeminoleCounty.org
=
County Games
27 Bowle=
rs
competed on Monday, August 21. We had 11
First Place Winners! =
Gymnastics Co=
unty Games
Over 7 a=
thletes
competed in County
Games at Browns
Gymnastics. We had lots of first places and a few second place winners!
&nb=
sp;
Powerlifting County Games
Over 6 a=
thletes
competed at Gold’s Gym & took home numerous first & second pl=
ace
ribbons! &nb=
sp; =
&nb=
sp;
Spotlight
Sem=
inole
County Equestrian Team- Cir=
cle H Equestrian Event Riders (C.H.E.E.R.) Roundup
Maggie Bibeau and Simone Moss represented Se=
minole
County in the 2006 State Equestr=
ian
Games help in Tampa=
, Florida on May 19th and
20th. They traveled to Ta=
mpa
along with their equine teammates, Miss Jasmine Spice and Forrest
Gump. Assisting the athletes were Coach Elise, and volunteers Amber
Mitchell and Jennifer Joerger.
Maggie and Miss Jasmine Spice competed in the walk division winning a silve=
r in
walk trail (western) and a bronze in walk equitation. Simone and Forre=
st
Gump competed in the walk/trot division winning a 6th in walk/tr=
ot
trail (western) and a 4th in walk/trot equitation.
Look for Simone and Forrest Gump to be featured on the Sunshine Network sho=
wing
their expertise in the trail and equitation classes The program is
scheduled to air sometime in September.
In early May, we said goodbye to our ever steady equine athlete, Mr. Bojang=
les. Mr.
Bojangles was a part of Special Olympics for the past 10 years and was 27 y=
ears
old (about 90 in human years). He was instrumental in giving beginners
their first riding lesson and taught many riders who needed extra special c=
are. We
will miss him very much.
Since we need to fill an equine athlete vacancy, we think we may have found=
a
suitable replacement in Axle, a 13 year old retired thoroughbred
gelding. He is currently in training and we hope to have him ready when
our program resumes practice in October.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------=
--------------------------------
Be sure to tune into the Sunsports Network (for=
merly
named Sunshine Network) to view highlights from the 2006 Special Olympics S=
tate
Equestrian Games. Check with your local cable or sattelite subscriber=
for
your channel #. If you have Direct TV it can be viewed on Channel
632. Or you can access the Sunsports website http://www.sunsportstv.com/
To
search for viewing information, click Misc from the dropdown menu in the Se=
lect
a Sport column and click search.
Viewing
Schedule:
Thursday
- 9/14 - 11:30 AM &n=
bsp; Monday
- 9/18 - 9 PM
Wednesday
- 9/20 - 12:30 AM &n=
bsp; Wednesday
- 9/27 - 11 AM
Please
forward this information to anyone you think may be interested in seeing our
athletes.
Thanks
to Sunsports Network for their support for Special Olympics.
Coach
Elise Hulme
Special Olympics=
Seminole County Equestrian Team
Circle
H Equestrian Event Riders (C.H.E.E.R.)
CONGRATULATION=
S TO
ALL!
Athletes
Click Here =
; Volunteers/Coaches
Click Here
&nb=
sp;
&nb=
sp;
bac=
k!!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Eastmont=
e Park 9am-12pm
If your =
physical
is expired or will be soon, make sure to take advantage of this opportunity=
!!
You CANN=
OT
participate in a sport without an updated physical. Physicals are good for
three years!
Please c=
ontact
Larry Levine check your athletes status: LPL1258@aol.com
or call 407-263-8043
.……..ATHLETES IN ACTION……..
BIRTHDAYS
Lauren Boucher &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; Courtney
Bredahl =
Alecia
Cepero &=
nbsp; Charbel
“Bubba” El Khoury
Jock Giulliani &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; John
Harrington &nb=
sp; =
Ray
Helms &n=
bsp; Christopher
Kennedy
Brandon Ness &nb=
sp; =
Rachel
Ortt &nb=
sp; =
Aneil
Rasheed =
Eric
Rodriguez
Eric Taylor &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; Patricia
Wittick
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
Hello! I’m Meggan and with some hel=
p from
my Mom, I’m pleased to tell you about myself and how Special Olympics=
has
made a difference in my life.
I’m a third generation native Floridian, born right here in Orlando in 1980.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> I attended school at Central Florida
Christian Academy,
but school wasn’t easy for me.
I was shy, with no friends, but I always tried to have a sunny smile,
work very hard and give 110% to everything I did. At graduation ceremonies I receive=
d a
Special Achievement Award and the teachers gave each senior a special word
dedicated to their character. My
word was Perseverance! <=
/i>
I’ve
enjoyed volunteering with many good programs. On weekends at Horses for the
Handicapped in Lake
County, I would walk
beside a horse holding someone in the saddle so they could experience horse=
back
riding. I’ve served Thanksgiving Dinner at the Salvation Army and hel=
ped
feed the homeless on Saturdays at a local church. Because I love animals,
I’ve helped find homes for abandoned kittens and puppies at adoption
events for the South Lake Animal League.&n=
bsp;
I have a “herd” of cats myself, and it’s my job to
keep them fed, watered and playful!
I’ve also helped out at Canine Companions for Independence.
My start in Special Olympics was in=
spired
by Sir Timothy, the Knight from Medieval Times who performed at the U.C.F.
games each Saturday. I wanted=
to
ride like him, so I joined the Equestrian Program. I rode Western style at first beca=
use it
was easier, then I rode English.
Although I was always nervous in competition, I got some ribbons, th=
en
silver and gold at State...but I
still had trouble relaxing and enjoying myself. I was not going to compete again.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Then we heard about the swimming p=
rogram
in Seminole County. I met Larry Levine and his
“family” of great people. They welcomed me in and I participate=
d,
but was still very shy. Even though my name was drawn to go to State that f=
irst
year, I remembered the nerves and tension of the past and did not have enou=
gh
confidence to compete. Although nobody could talk me into it, no one got up=
set.
They just accepted me and continued to encourage me. Eventually I began to =
feel
more comfortable and participated in more events. I made lots of friends and my conf=
idence
grew. I was finally able to c=
ompete
again! I have participated in Aquatics, Power Lifting, and Bowling Then there is my new
love…Gymnastics. And my
biggest dream has come true…I am a competition Cheerleader! I wish the
kids from my school could see me now.
All the wonderful coaches, volunteers and families involved me in the
many other activities of the Altamonte Special Population I love all of it, including the fun
field trips, square dancing, Troupe Moumayaza and those crazy costumed
Nightbird dances. I’ve =
made
so many friends through Special Olympics.&=
nbsp;
My lonely days are over! I’m also involved in “Angels Am=
ong
Us”, a unique and very talented group of special theater performers w=
ho
raise money for local charities.
Working with the Angels and Cheerleading has really boosted my self
esteem. I’m no longer n=
ervous
performing in front of people and now I actually enjoy it !
In
Special Olympics it’s not being first that’s so important. When a really great swimmer beat m=
e last
year at State, my Mom took a picture of me leaning up from my 2nd
place step giving her a big hug. Then we grabbed the third place winner and
hugged her, too. We all had
gigantic smiles! That’s what Special Olympics is all about.
What
is Special Olympics to me?
Well…training, practice, dedication, good exercise, hard work =
and Perseverance! Yeah…but the BEST part is
feeling good about yourself and the fun, friendship, laughter, love, hugs a=
nd
smiles that come from being with people you like and who like you right bac=
k!
Love,
Meggan
.………...Coaches Corner………..
Coaches
Meeting
Thursday September 21, 2006 at Eastmonte Park from 6pm-8pm.
Contact Dani Lundy to sign up: 407-571-=
8813,
DKLundy@Altamonte.org
CPR
Training
Thursday, September 28, 2006 at Eastmonte Park from 6pm-9pm
Contact Dani Lundy to sign up: 407-571-=
8813,
DKLundy@Altamonte.org
Coaches
Training Certification Classes…
Basketball, Powerlifting, and Bowling Classes c=
oming
up! Visit our Coaches =
Page
for information
Seminole <=
st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">County Hosted Aquatics
Certification!
Sept 2nd at the RDV. It was =
the
first time that Seminole<=
/st1:PlaceName>
County has been the=
host
of An Aquatics Certification and many our own coaches attended, s well as 15
coaches from throughout the state came to The training to learn new skills =
and
enhance their knowledge of swimming. Special Thanks to Head Coach Debbie Ha=
rger
for her time and efforts!
…...VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT HAPPEN…..
Volunteer Banquet
All Nomi=
nations
are in and Invitations have gone out in the mail. Results will be announced=
on
the evening on the banquet. For more information: Cli=
ck
Here<=
/o:p>
Volunteer Opportunities
Bowling Area Games: =
Sat. September 30, 8am-4pm
We need LOTS volunteers!!<=
/span>
Click here to sign up! Or Contact
Charisse 407-263-8043; charisseh@cfl.rr.com
<=
/span>
Volunteer Voices
My name
is Nikky Cochran. I’ve been swimming most of my life. But I’m o=
nly
sixteen years old. I can remember being around the age of seven and swimmin=
g my
heart out on my team and I'd see the life guards in the stands and just dre=
am
of being up there one day and looking up to my coaches like they were my be=
st
friends. They’ve taught me everything I know about swimming, but comi=
ng
to help and make a difference in Special Olympics has taught me so many thi=
ngs
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 wel=
l in
something or telling them what they did wrong and then see there reaction w=
hen
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 lo=
ve
to do. And swimming is my thing I live for. Put me in any body of water tha=
t 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 bett=
er
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 my=
self
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
.………………...FUNDRAISERS…=
…….………..
Enchanted Twilight
Satu=
rday
September 16, 2006, =
UCF
Student Union 6:30pm
Park=
in the
West Parking Garage and look for our Event Staff!
This show will help fund the year-round activities, s=
uch as
buying uniforms, practice equipment, & transportation. The first front rows of seating will be reserved for our VIP
guests…our athletes!!
We also have volunteer opportunities available for our
athletes, so make sure to contact us if you want to help!!
We thank those of you who have received
donations from the community for the event. We would like all prizes in=
by
Wednesday September 13 and all raffle tickets in by 7pm the night of the ev=
ent!
WANNA WIN A PRIZE?<=
/b>
We
have a new contest for all the families in Special Olympics Seminole County.
Each family has been sent a raffle book for Enchanted Twilight. We are aski=
ng
each family to sell at least one book. The family that sells the most raffle
books for our fundraiser wins a $50 Gift Certificate to the mall. More book=
s can
be requested online or by contacting Nin. *Remember all ticket stubs and mo=
ney
needs to be submitted back to Nin before the fundraiser on September 16, 20=
06.
Thank
you for your help!!
Nin
El-khoury 407-929-7254
www.SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org/EnchantedTwilight.html
…...COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS.….
This section of our newsletter will=
help
others connect with all of the happenings within our community. Have someth=
ing
you want to share with everyone?
Let us know and we will add it to o=
ur
Community Section!
City
Of Altamonte- Special Community Services
Provides
many social outlets for individuals with physical and mental disabilities! =
Contact: Nin El-khoury, 407-571-8814, Rrel-khoury@altamonte.org
Upcoming Events:
Special
Needs Bowling on Mondays
Square
Dancing on Thursdays (beginning September 21)
Specials
Belly Dancing on Wednesdays
Specials
NightBird Dance at Westmo=
nte
Park
October
27, 7-9pm, Halloween Masquerade
Specials
STOP Trip
October 14, 9am-4p=
m,
DinoWorld
-----------------------------------------------------=
-------------------------------------------------------
Interested in Adaptive Ice Skating?
Gliding
Stars 2006-2007 Season
RDV
SportsPlex
If you have any questions, please
contact
Diane First at 407-699-4147, diane@firstproductions.com
or
Robin Baker at 407-381-3954, rb=
akergsc@cfl.rr.com
-----------------------------------=
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
* BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND * =
*FATHER
TOM SMITH PRESENTS*
“ANGELS AMONG US”
WITH
21 UNIQUE &=
amp;
SPECIAL ANGELS
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2006
3:00 PM
PARISH LIFE
CENTER
ST. MARY MAGDALEN CATHOLIC CHURCH
ADULTS $10 =
* CHILDREN
8TH GRADE & UNDER $6
Doors open =
at 2:15
SEE MEGGAN VAN LOON FOR TICKETS
-----------------------------------=
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Buddy
Breaks” From
Nathaniel’s Hope…Helping Parents Take a Time Out!
Many
dates available for you to take a break! 407-857-8224
-----------------------------------=
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special
Needs Library Program
Jean
Rhein Central Branch Library in Casselberry
and the East Branch Library in Oviedo
are hosting Library programs the second Saturday of every month at 10am for special needs ind=
ividuals.
Sept.
9 Central Branch &nb=
sp; Oct.
14 East Branch
Nov.
4 Central Branch &nb=
sp; Dec.
9 East Branch
Central
Branch: 407-665-1500 =
; East
Branch: 407-665-1560 www.seminolecountyfl.gov/l=
ibrary
.……...MEDIA MENTIONS………..
Belly
Dancing on the radio??...well you won’t be able to see it!...but you =
can
certainly hear all about it, as Nin n Mindy, or Ranwa n Naura take their shimmy shakin’ to do an instruct=
ional
for Moira of the Phillips Phile=
!...RealRadio
104.1..Oh I’m sure they will have a few words to say about Enchanted
Twilight.
Tune
in to catch all the action, Wednesday, September 13th at 4:00=
!
http://philips.wtks.com/
Make
sure to also catch them on air on the morning of 9/12 on 106.7 and on 9/13 =
on
107.7 to promote Enchanted Twilight II.
Athletes
Meggan VanLoon, Emily Funaro, Alicia Ceparo, Adrianna Kenney, Charbel
El-khoury, and Aaron Hudson where chosen to be a FOX 35 TV to help promote a
fundraiser for the State Office. Be sure to try to catch the commercials up
until Wednesday September 13.
.……...TECHNOLOGY UPDATES………..=
Detailed
Sport Rules for ALL our sports are now online!
Missed
the “latest” announcements? They’re now archived!
Contact
Us! We have many ways for you to get what you need.
Please
check out our new cont=
act
page!
.……...CONTROL YOUR NEWS……..
E-Newsletter is published on the 10th
of every month. To add conte=
nt for
the E-newsletter, please submit information by the 5th of every
month. Information on upcoming events, jokes, quotes, and anecdotes are
welcome! Contact
Kevin Lajeunesse for any E-newsletter related questions: KLajeunesse@S=
pecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org
.……………&#=
8230;...SPONSORS……….………..
Please patron our sp=
onsors
who graciously donate their facilities, time, or money to our program.
Please visit the website for
updates throughout the month:
www.SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org
Contact Kevin
Lajeunesse for any E-newsletter related questions:
E-newsletter=
@SpecialOlympicsSeminoleCounty.org