Fitness on the Minds of Athletes and Supporters

As health and fitness is the lifeblood of Special Olympics athletes, Special Olympics Massachusetts recently had the opportunity to acquire some much-needed fitness equipment from a local company. Precision Fitness Equipment based out of Natick MA was kind enough to donate a number of pieces of high-quality equipment to the Yawkey Sports Training Center and the new fitness facility inside. Joining them was Bodyguard Fitness which helped supply the fitness equipment.

In all, a treadmill, stationary bicycle and an elliptical machine were brought in to outfit the new fitness room. SOMA will continue to outfit this room that will be used by athletes and their coaches to complement their training.

A special thanks go to Owner David Aykanian, and David Ramsey of Precision Fitness Equipment and Justin Richardson of Bodyguard Fitness.

Bob Johnson had the chance to talk with the folks at Precision Fitness during their visit to the Yawkey Sports Training Center and ask them why it was important for them to help contribute to the health of Special Olympics athletes. See his interview below.

New England FUNFitness Clinical Directors’ Retreat

 

FUNFitness Clinical Directors, Ed Kostek (Massachusetts) and Heidi Adamski (Connecticut) perform a flexibility screening on Ryan Dickson, a SOMA athlete from Shrewsbury.

Special thanks to Deirdra Murphy and Jim Gleason for contributing this summary of a great event.

Nine physical therapists from 5 states gathered on January 9^th for FUNFitness training updates and networking at Special Olympics Massachusetts’ Yawkey Sports Training Center in Marlborough, Massachsuetts. SOMA was proud to host the FUNFitness clinical training at its state of the art sports training facility. Click here to read more about Yawkey Sports Training Center.  Regional FUNFitness clinical directors received updated training information from Jim Gleason, Education and Research Coordinator for FUNFitness, and Deirdra Murphy, New England Regional Clinical Director, facilitated a workshop on networking and managing the issues, challenges, and successful strategies for FUNFitness events. FUNFitness clinical directors noted working in isolation and recruiting volunteers as significant challenges. The clinical directors also felt motivated to find strategies to increase volunteer recruitment increase the number of athletes screened and increase knowledge to professionals and the community about people with intellectual disabilities. As part of the training, ten SOMA athletes participated in a FUNFitness screening. The screening was video taped. SOMA and University Massachusetts Lowell Physical Therapy students, under the guidance of Dr. Deirdra Murphy, are collaborating to use the footage to produce a training video for future FUNFitness screenings.   Participants were enthusiastic about the opportunity to network, share ideas and discuss issues and they recommended that this type of activity occur in the region on an annual basis.

For more information on the FUNFitness Program, or Healthy Athletes, contact Stephanie.Savarese@SpecialOlympicsMA.org.

Can’t Wait for 2010

You’re going to see a lot of cards, emails, and now blogs thanking you for a great 2009 and wishing you a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year. We’re no different here at Special Olympics Massachusetts.  Thank you for a great 2009. In fact, it was a historic 2009 for Special Olympics and we have you to thank for that.

While many great things happened this year, history was made when the Yawkey Sports Training Center opened officially last month in Marlborough. Over five years of planning was now a reality for everyone here in the Special Olympics movement. Not just staff…everyone. With a full size gymnasium, weight room, a half size soccer field and state of the art training facilities, our athletes, coaches, volunteers and others will have the best training facility there is. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this Center and what will take place here in 2010.

You’ll also be hearing a lot more about our health and Healthy Athletes initiatives. It’s not enough to offer sports training and competition opportunities. We will see a dramatic increase in our efforts to give individuals with intellectual disabilities the chance to live a more fulfilling life, a healthier life and one that is enriched by sport, friends, family and you the community. We’re all a fan of good health in some way and these athletes we see every day are no different. They are worthy of your support and encouragement.

On a sad note, we lost the founder of Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. While a very heartbreaking time for many, it gave the world time to reflect on the immeasurable legacy she left this earth.  She founded a movement, not just an organization. She changed millions of lives through her vision and in her later years, advocated tirelessly for something to be done to the healthcare rights for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The world will miss Mrs. Shriver and her incredible drive. She changed the world for all of us. And now it’s our turn to move her legacy forward. That legacy will live on all over the world and here in Massachusetts at the Yawkey Sports Training Center. Better health is on the way…

I know I speak for thousands in the movement here in Massachusetts by saying thank you. Thank you for your support whether financial or otherwise, thank you for your understanding of individuals with intellectual disabilities and thank you for realizing that it’s not just “nice” to support Special Olympics; its important.

Proctor & Gamble Coupons for a Cause

In the non-profit community, we always strive to achieve long-term relationships. Most of the time, when a corporation gets to know Special Olympics and the true mission of a healthy lifestyle and giving individuals with intellectual disabilities a chance to have a more fulfilling life, they lock on to that mission.

Such is the case with Proctor and Gamble. This year, Special Olympics celebrates a 30-year relationship with P&G. P&G Gets it and they know Special Olympics changes lives.

Coupons for a Cause: For 30 years, P&G has been a loyal supporter of Special Olympics, and this year is no exception. It’s almost time for the annual P&GbrandSAVER promotion! On Sunday, December 27, 2009, keep an eye out for your P&GbrandSAVER coupon book in your local newspaper. With more than $88 in savings in each book, you can feel good about purchasing your favorite products, especially when the savings also translate into funds for Special Olympics. For each coupon redeemed, P&G will donate 3 cents to Special Olympics. And there’s no limit! So get your coupon books and help change someone’s life.  Find your local newspaper that carries the P&GbrandSAVER coupon book.

Yawkey Sports Training Center is Officially Open!

While we could write a long blog entry on the official grand opening of the New Yawkey Sports Training Center, the new Home of Special Olympics Massachusetts, the video below says it all. A great piece by Katie Daly of NECN. It speaks not only of the new state-of-the-art building and all its features but the vision of better health and healthcare for individuals with intellectual disabilities; Take a look.

http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/2009/12/02/Special-Olympics-has-new-home/1259795271.html

What Are Special Olympics Athletes Thankful For?

While we take every opportunity to educate the public about the importance of the work at Special Olympics, it makes sense to do it again at a time where everyone is discussing what they are thankful for. You might be surprised what the athletes and their families are thankful for…

I and many of the staff have spent countless hours with athletes and their families and what we hear is far above the sports training and competition you might expect them to be thankful for.

A healthy lifestyle. Did you know individuals with intellectual disabilities are living longer, healthier lives because of their association with Special Olympics? It’s no secret that sports and exercise lead to a healthier lifestyle. It’s no different for people with intellectual disabilities.

Healthy Athletes Initiative: Jumping off the healthy lifestyle, Special Olympics athletes are afforded a great opportunity several times during the year to get access to quality healthcare such as dental and vision screening. Through a partnership with UMass Medical School, those opportunities are soon to increase.

Year-round competition: Athletes are thankful for the amazing amount of athletic opportunities during the year. With 26 sports and four sports seasons, there is always something going on in Special Olympics. It’s not just during the summer and it’s not just track and field.

A place to belong and a place to share: During this time, we are all thankful for family, friends and people who understand us; for people who look out for our best interests and for a place where we can share in our accomplishments and struggles. Special Olympics gives athletes, families, volunteers and others just this place.

But what everyone at Special Olympics Massachusetts are really thankful for is you, the supporter. Whether you volunteer or donate financial resources, all at this organization are thankful that you feel strongly about what our mission is to give back those resources. Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for all that you do or will do for the athletes of Special Olympics.

 

Day of Special Olympics Mass Fall Games

A wrap up from Ali Grenier of Governor’s Academy who helped run the Special Olympics MA Fall Soccer Tournament;

The day of the Special Olympics Soccer Tournament was an early one for many of us. I, along with my fellow shadows and our heads started the day at the student center at 5:45AM ready to start the eventful day. We got our coffee, got organized, put up signs, and anxiously awaited our guests. It was the day we had been waiting and planning for; we all hoped that everything would go as planned. With just a few bumps and bruises everything turned out great. Over 100 teams joined us to celebrate this great day.

Around 8:30Am teams were lined up on the field and opening ceremonies were held. Watching from the field house, everyone and everything could be seen and it was spectacular. The Newburyport marching band led the teams in, followed by speeches, and then the lighting of the torch. All was just what we had hoped for.

There were smiling faces everywhere from the playing fields, to Olympic town. With many fields set up around campus there were people everywhere. Athletes enjoyed ring toss, craft making, cotton candy and even massages! Between games teams went to fit feet and lounged in the beautiful weather we were lucky to have. The sportsmanship and spirit was everywhere. All of us here at Governor’s can’t wait for next year to be blessed with this great experience and opportunity.

Ali Grenier 11’

Come to the New House of Blues Boston to Support SOMA

On Friday evening, November 13, The Foundation Room at The House of Blues Boston will present “Red, White, and Bid @ The Blues” , a Tasting and Silent Auction to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts.

Tickets are $75.00.

Included in ticket price are:

• Entry into the Exclusive “Members-Only” Foundation Room at the new House of Blues Boston

• Tastings of of various red and white wines, a cocktail, and beer from Boston’s Beer Works and Harpoon Breweries

• Delicious passed hors d’oeuvres

• Live music from Holmes, a local 7-piece band serving up R&B/Funk/Soul and Blues Old School-Style, and Dj Chris Ta-illon!

• Opportunity to bid on Silent Auction items from the dining, hotel, arts & entertainment, sports, health & beauty worlds of Boston and beyond!

• Opportunity to stay in Exclusive “Members-Only” Foundation Room for after-party w/ live music and cash bar

Most importantly, proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts!!  To register for the event, please visit here.  

New England Patriots & Special Olympics Massachusetts Team Up

New England Patriots & Special Olympics Massachusetts Team Up to Host  1^st Annual Special Olympics Flag Football State Games

More than 250 Special Olympics Athletes from 4 states competed in Unified^® 5×5 flag football games, football skills & cheerleading demonstrations in Foxborough

On Sunday, November 1, Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) descended in world-champion fashion upon Foxborough for the first annual SOMA Flag Football & Cheerleading State Games. The season-ending event, sponsored by the New England Patriots, the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and the King Philip Youth Football League, was held at Gillette Stadium, the historic home of the three-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.

“We’re happy to host this event and provide a unique opportunity for the athletes as a fitting season-ending celebration,” said Andre Tippett, executive director of community affairs for the Patriots. “Gillette Stadium is recognized as the home of football throughout New England, and playing on the same field where the Patriots play is a thrilling experience.”

More than 250 Special Olympics Athletes and Unified^® Partners from across Massachusetts, Rhode Island Connecticut and New Hampshire participated in the event, which featured Unified 5×5 flag football games, football skills and cheerleading demonstrations. Unified^® Sports combines individuals with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team playing as equal teammates against other Unified teams.

Tippett led a group of 10 current and former Patriots and NFL players and coaches – including current Patriots linemen Logan Mankins, Stephen Neal and Dan Koppen and defensive coordinator Dean Pees – who actively engaged Special Olympics athletes throughout the day. The event kicked off in thrilling fashion as all 20 teams in attendance ran through the giant inflatable Patriots helmet – led by team mascot Pat Patriot – to begin the festive Opening Ceremonies. After welcoming remarks highlighted by the lighting of the Special Olympics’ “Flame of Hope,” former Patriots safety Roland James officially declared the games open.

The morning session was highlighted by football skills stations (punting, passing, placekicking and a fun running obstacle course) as well as a Unified cheerleading clinic led by King Philip Youth Football and New England Patriots cheerleaders. Unified cheerleading demonstrations were then presented at midfield in Gillette Stadium.

To make way for the afternoon’s New England Revolution playoff soccer game, the Special Olympics teams then transitioned to the Dana Farber Field House for Unified 5-on-5 flag football games. Each team played two games apiece in the afternoon session, refereed by certified school and youth football league officials from across Massachusetts. After each team’s games were completed, participants gathered for group awards presented by New England Patriots cheerleaders, Patriots and NFL alumni, and local law enforcement officials from the Foxboro and Attleboro police departments.

In addition to financial contributions from the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and the King Philip Youth Football League, the events costs were underwritten by significant donations from CVS Caremark and the North Attleboro Fire Department.

“We have been so excited to bring the benefits and joy of organized football and cheerleading to our Athletes for the very first time on a statewide basis,” said Robert Johnson, president and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts. “It’s the only major American sport our Athletes haven’t had access to, until now. And what better way is there to spend a day than to compete with your friends in a sport that you love – all while becoming healthier in the process. It’s a championship combination. Yet we couldn’t do it without the support and encouragement of the New England Patriots and our local youth football organizations, and for that we are deeply grateful.”

 

Fall Games, less than one week away…

From the Fall Games Team at Governor’s Academy

The Special Olympics MA Fall Soccer Tournament is less than one week away! All of the committees are working hard to accomplish their goals for making this annual event as successful as possible. We have 335 student volunteers and 25 faculty volunteering. Planning is nearing its end, as the final details of the day are being worked out by every committee. Each venue is getting ready and organizing their plans for the tournament. The Volunteer and Team Registration groups have worked out a new plan for organizing players and volunteers upon arrival. The Olympic Town team is finalizing plans for new games and activities. As a new addition to the Governor’s Academy tournament, Healthy Athletes will be offering free Fit Feet screenings. These screenings are a fun and easy way for athletes to make sure they’re staying healthy while being active.

This week marked the conclusion of the donation collection period. Each committee completed their hard work raising money from local shops and businesses as well as private donors. The sponsorship competition definitely helped to motivate students to raise money for a great cause. The Fall Games Team raised $4,835 in donations.

The next Special Olympics meeting will be held on November 3^rd, when volunteers will be given their job assignments and will meet with the heads of their venue. All of the heads and shadows are excited to have even more students involved in the planning of the event. Special Olympics spirit will continue on Thursday, November 5^th when juniors and seniors will participate in making posters for each team.

As we finish up this final week of planning, everyone is looking forward to welcoming athletes, volunteers and supporters, alike, to the Govs campus on the approaching tournament day.

 Katie Reilly ‘11