|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
SEPTEMBER
2006 |
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
WHAT'S NEW |
|
| |
|
|
Cheer on athletes at the
Open Sailing Regatta, Sept. 29-Oct. 1
Special Olympics Georgia is holding its first
ever state sailing event , the Open Sailing Regatta, at Lake Tobesofkee in
Macon. The competition is open to everyone in the southeast. Already, Georgia
athletes and Alabama, Mississippi, North and Carolina athletes have signed up to
compete with unified partners while racing Catamaran boats on Lake Tobesofkee.
The opening ceremony will be held Friday night and competition starts Saturday
morning.
Click here for more information about the Open Sailing Regatta.
Congratulate
athletes competing in 2006 pre world games invitational in Shanghai
Three athletes from Georgia were recently
selected to participate in a Pre-Games Invitational in Shanghai, China.
The athletes will compete with athletes from other countries in the sports of
Bowling, Bocce, and Athletics from Oct. 9-20.
The following athletes are going to China:: Megan Bensman – Bowling, Bryan Ruff
– Bocce, and Sammy Lewis – Athletics (Pentathlon).
Congratulations to these athletes!
Make a gift, make a
difference
SOGA need your financial support
Click here
for more information. Donate $35 or more and you'll receive a
limited edition hat. Click on the hat during the month of September to make a
secure gift online.
(Note
to the reader: The Coaches Corner is a new part of the SOGA Connection, where
professional coaches from pro-sports, college and high schools offer sports
tips to encouragement, or about something that has inspired him or her
on the field. If you're interested in writing a column, please write or call
Wendy Bigham at
Wendy.Bigham@SpecialOlympicsGA.org or (770) 414-9390 ext. 117. Today's
column is a letter to athletes from Atlanta Hawks assistant coach Bob Bender.
Dear Athletes,
I want to congratulate you on your journey in Special Olympics! These years
will produce many new experiences and friends. When you look back on your hard
work you will have developed a tremendous level of confidence and pride.
Athletics will always be a vehicle to learn many life lessons. Your ability to
handle both successes and failures will be important in your future. You have
to be able to handle both of these results the same and keep them in
perspective. Every athlete will reach a point where your hard work will be
tested by competition, fatigue and doubt. These are the times when you need to
be positive and confident!
Any experience in life is worth your effort when you have fun, are working
hard and enjoying yourself. Goals are accomplished when you make a commitment
to trying your best each time you step into competition. It is important to
remind yourself why you are working this hard and the simple answer is that
you are having fun. Just the simple pleasure of having the opportunity to be
involved in something you love. Remember that a medal does not make you a
champion. It is what a champion means to his or herself and to others.
When you line up to compete, look at the other athletes and feel proud to be
among those who represent all that is good about sports. Each and every one of
you brings a unique talent to a competition, which enhances the experience for
everyone. At the end of a game, at the finish line or when the whistle blows,
your greatest accomplishment will be in your effort!
I want to wish every athlete the best of luck in the coming years! You are all
champions and will look at your accomplishments with great pride and
fulfillment. Personally, I want to thank you for allowing me a chance to be a
part of your experience.
Best Wishes and Good Luck!
Bob Bender
Atlanta Hawks Assistant Coach
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH |
|
| |
|
|
Volunteer of the Month -
Billy Clark
In a major not for profit organization such as Special
Olympics Georgia (SOGA), communication is vital. All constituents must be kept
up to speed: on past achievements, on acts of volunteerism and on upcoming
events. Thanks to the volunteer efforts of Mr. Billy Clark, Special Olympics
Georgia is able to produce a print newsletter to meet the needs of our
constituents. The newsletter is called Georgia’s Champions.
Billy, a volunteer of Special Olympics Georgia since 1999, has organized the
free printing of Georgia’s Champions three times a year, as well as, and the
State Games, Information Guides. This saves SOGA more than $60,000 a year in
printing costs across all departments. “Billy is very thorough and willing to
help us produce and print these publications. Not only are his efforts
beneficial financially, Billy also helps to create awareness of Special Olympics
Georgia and our programs throughout the year,” said Special Olympics Georgia
Chief Executive Officer Georgia Milton-Sheats.
Bowne of Atlanta and Special Olympics Georgia
began a partnership in 1999 when Mr. Jimmy Johnson, of BOWNE, sat on the board
of directors for Special Olympics Georgia. BOWNE has continued to be a major
supporter of the SOGA program, sponsorship opportunities and in-kind
contributions, even volunteering their time to assist with through the tennis
and aquatics venues at the State Summer Games held each summer at Emory
University. Special Olympics Georgia thanks Billy Clark and BOWNE for their
incredible generosity and dedication.
Do you know someone who should be Volunteer of the Month?
Simply send the person's contact information (name, email address, mailing address, and phone number) and a brief paragraph explaining why you think they should win to:
April.Aiken@SpecialOympicsGA.org.
**Online Donations
You can make an online donation and support the 22,956 registered SOGA athletes. | | |
|
|
| | |
|
|
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES |
|
| |
|
|
Volunteer at Braves Game-
Friday,
September 29
Eighty
volunteers are needed for the Atlanta Braves vs. Houston Astros match-up.
Volunteers should arrive at 4 p.m. and sell raffle tickets until the bottom of
the second inning. Special Olympics Georgia receives 25 percent of the money
raised. Volunteer and watch the rest of the game for free. All volunteers also
receive a free Braves t-shirt.
Buckhead Sizzler 10K race-Saturday, September30
Eighty to 100
volunteers are needed from 6:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. to assist with Buckhead
Sizzler 10K Road Race. The race course begins at the Chamblee Marta Station
and finishes at the Buckhead Shopping Station. Volunteers are needed for split
timers, food and water attendants, t-shirt and goody bag table attendants and
finish line attendants. All volunteers receive free t-shirts. This 10K race
benefits SOGA. Volunteers are needed! The race begins at Chamblee Marta
station and finishes at Buckhead Station Shopping center.
For
more information please contact: April Aiken 770-414-9390 ext 120
April.Aiken@SpecialOlympicsGA.org
 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER NEWS |
|
| |
|
|
|
Upcoming Events:
Sailing Regatta Fundraiser
Skippers can sign up until Friday
for the annual Sailing Regatta to benefit Special Olympics Georgia is set for
the weekend of September 8-10 at Lake Lanier. Skippers can participate in the
Regatta for a $250 donation-based entrance fee. Last day to sign up is Friday,
Sept. 8!
Click here for more info.
Sept. 15-17Annual Leadership
Conference
Friday,
September 8 is the deadline to sign up for the Annual Leadership Conference and
Distinguished Service Awards Banquet, which will be held at the Marriott
Gwinnett Place and at the Atlanta Silverbacks Sports Center. Volunteers, family
members, local coordinators will have
an opportunity to be coaches or assistant coaches.
Click here for more information. Sign up
today by going to
www.active.com and clicking on find an event and typing in “SOGA Leadership
Conference."
World's Largest Truck Convoy
Sign up to sponsor or drive a truck
in the World’s Largest Truck Convoy coming to Georgia Sept. 16. Click here for
more information. The event raises money for Special Olympics Georgia. The
convoy takes place in 30 states and two Canadian provinces on the same day.
Click here for more information.
Hi Life Golf Tournament
The 8th Annual Hi Life Golf Tournament, to benefit Special Olympics Georgia,
will be held Wednesday, September 27. The goal is to raise $50,000! The
tournament will be held at St. Marlo Country Club in Duluth and will feature a
fabulous day of good food, drink, prizes, contests and golf. The first place
team will receive a cash prize and hole-in-one prizes include a Kia or a brand
new Toyota! Come out to support Special Olympics Georgia by playing golf or
volunteering in the 8th Annual Hi Life Golf Tournament. Please contact Heather
Hart at
Heather.Hart@SpecialOlympicsGA.org or 770.414.9390, ext. 111
or April Aiken at
April.Aiken@SpecialOlympicsGA.org for more information.
State Fall Games
More than 1,000 athletes will
compete at 2006 Fall Games Oct. 6-8 in Albany.
Click here for more information. Special Olympics Georgia is looking for
volunteers! If you’re interested in being a volunteer, please contact April
Aiken at
April.Aiken@SpecialOlympicsGA.org.
Cobb County holds Open Houses
Cobb County Parks & Recreation will
join Special Olympics Georgia for upcoming Open Houses Saturday, September 23 at
Fair Oaks Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The Open House is free to the public who
may want to learn more about Special Olympic programs, register an athlete,
gather information about coaching and volunteering. Free athlete health
assessments will be offered by certified health care professionals. For more
information, call (770) 528-4333.
Bob
Busse Golf Classic
The 11th Annual Bob Busse Golf Classic will be held Monday, Oct. 9 at the
Country Club of the South in Alpharetta . Hurry and get your team’s registered
for this fantastic event. This year, the tournament features great hole-prizes
as well as a fantastic silent auction and raffle prizes. There is a $1,200 entry
fee for each foursome. All players receive a tournament gift bag, embroidered
golf shirt, lunch and admission to the reception buffet provided by the Country
Club of the South.
To enter into this year’s tournament, click here.
Upcoming Regionals & Invitationals
Below
are the dates and locations for upcoming invitationals and Southeast Games. If you are a new agency or your athletes will be competing in some of these events for the first time, coming to an Invitational is a great way to gain competition experience in a state tournament setting.
Regionals
Southeast Powerlifting Registration is due to the State Office
September 25. Southeast Powerlifting will be held on October 20-21
at Velocity Sports Complex in Roswell. If you would like to attend or if you have any questions please send an email to:
Jason.Coleman@SpecialOlympicsGA.org.
Invitationals
Bocce,
Sept. 9, Mitchell Baker SC, Camilla.
Contact your regional manager for more information.
Softball,
Sept. 9, Cobb County.
Contact your regional manager for more information.
Softball,
Sept. 23, LaGrange.
Contact your regional manager for more information.
Sailing,
Sept. 29-Oct.1, Lake Tobesofkee,
Macon.
Contact your regional manager for more information.
Here are a
few ways to help SOGA
Donate your old car
to SOGA
Looking to find a new home for your car? Donate it to Special Olympics Georgia!
Donate the car you don't need anymore
Buy
music for SOGA
Buy your favorite music and support Special Olympics Georgia at the same time. A
new online music store featuring tunes for your I-pod or MP3 player will donate
5 cents from every song (99 cents each) downloaded to Special Olympics. Visit
www.SongsForSOGA.com, which will bring
you to a "Burnlounge" store owned by Honorary Board member Jane Eastham. And if
you don't see the song or artist you're looking for e-mail Eastham at
jmeastham@comcast.net.
The Special Olympics Georgia Store!
Show your Special Olympics
pride and get something to wear from the Special
Olympics
Georgia
on-line apparel store!
A portion of every sale will financially support Special Olympics
Georgia.
Please visit
www.SOGA.Artwear.com today to set up an account and to
start shopping!
| |
|
|
| | | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
**Check out the SOGA website at www.SpecialOlympicsGA.org** |
|
Help Special Olympics Georgia reach more subscribers! Click here to forward this e-mail to a friend! This WILL NOT automatically subscribe your contact to the SOGA Connection. |
If you received this newsletter from a friend,
please CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY! |
|
Special Olympics Georgia thanks JangoMail for providing mass email management. Please visit JangoMail.com if your organization needs powerful email solutions for your newsletters and email marketing.
©2005 Special Olympics Georgia. All Rights Reserved.
Special Olympics Georgia
4000 DeKalb Technology Parkway
Suite 400, Building 400,
Atlanta, GA 30340 |
You are receiving this email because your email address was submitted for subscription to the SOGA Connection through our website, http://www.SpecialOlympicsGA.org. We greatly appreciate your subscription!
If you wish to cancel your subscription, please click here to unsubscribe from future e-mails. | |
|
|
| | | |
Powered by
|
