Inspiring News:

Athlete Elena Weaver and SOGA staffer Jennifer Daniell accepted a $5,000 check from official Summer Games sponsor Aetna in May 2008.

For the 18th year, cyclists raised money for SOGA through the Capital to Coast Bike Ride. The three-day excursion was from Atlanta to Savannah. Jeff Schneider led the bicyclist's efforts and helped organize the ride. Congratulations to the team: Stephen and John Bracy, Darryl Moss, Alex Apostolou, Jay Smith, Bob Schneider, Charles Schneider, Charles Potts, Jay Frasier and Doug Israelite.

The Super Seattle Send off Benefit Bash fundraising event of Jim and Shannon Mora of the Jim Mora Count on Me Family Foundation raised nearly $100,000 for Special Olympics Georgia and the foundation on May 12. The event  included a dinner courtesy of Stoney River Legendary Steakhouse, a rocking blues band, cigar rolling, Monte-Carlo-style games, and mingling with special guests and celebrities. More than 230 people attended the event at the Mora's home in Duluth, which replaced the annual golf tournament this year.

A CVS representative presented Special Olympics Georgia with a $7,500 donation at SOGA's Annual Conference July 28.

Caroline Holley, community relations coordinator at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia and of WellPoint Foundation accepts a Special Olympics Georgia plaque from long-time supporter Rusty Sewell.  The foundation recently awarded Special Olympics Georgia with a $12,000 gift.

Special Olympics Georgia compete at the Pre-World Games Invitational in Shanghai, China

Special Olympics Georgia athletes Sammy Lewis, Kay Center, Megan Bensman, Walton County, and Bryan Ruff, Athens-Clarke County, recently returned from the Pre-World Games in Shanghai, China. The Georgia Delegation spent 10 days in China competing in several venues. Sammy Lewis won Gold in the Pentathlon, Megan Bensman won Bronze in Bowling Doubles and 4th in Bowling Singles, and Bryan Ruff won Gold in Bocce Singles and Bronze in Bocce Doubles.  Senior Sports Manager Kelli Britt also attended the invitational as the Assistant Coach for Bowling.

Katy Wilson speaks at the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention

Special Olympics Georgia athlete and Global Messenger, Katy Wilson, delivered the kick-off speech at the 2006 National Down Syndrome Congress Convention, held at the Atlanta Marriott July 21 -23.  The convention was attended by self-advocates, parents, friends, and supporters.  Wilson was invited to speak about her life.  A big part of her speech, entitled "I Love My Life!" was devoted to Special Olympics which Wilson said "gives her confidence and a chance to reach her goals!"  Wilson and other attendees went to workshops and learned how to be leaders and self-advocates.  "We are proud of who we are, and we want to make a positive difference in our communities," Wilson said.

Actor Chris Burke, from the acclaimed series "Life Goes On," was among the celebrities in attendance - - along with Mayor Shirley Franklin who welcomed everyone to Atlanta.  "I have been a BIG FAN of Chris Burke because he is a young man who has Down Syndrome -- just like me," Wilson said.  "His dream was to be an actor, and he did not let anything stop him!  I admire him as a role model to all of us.  He asked me to dance with him, and I was SOOOO excited!"

Athlete Charles Kelley throws out first pitch at Columbus Catfish game.

The Columbus Catfish recently invited SOGA athlete Charles Kelley to throw out the first pitch at their July 7 game against the Charleston Riverdogs.  Charles also stood on top of the Catfish dugout and invited the crowd to the July 14-16 Masters Bowling Tournament.  Before the game started, Charles met Catfish outfielder Adam Godwin.  Charles also talked with fans about Special Olympics Georgia and showed them his medals as fans filed in the stadium.  Great job Charles and thanks to the Columbus Catfish for the opportunity!

The Atlanta Thrashers recently invited SOGA athlete Casey Brennan to perform during their February 4th game against the Florida Panthers. Casey put on a show during the first intermission, receiving a standing ovation with a routine that won her a gold medal at the Special Olympics World Games in Alaska.  Congratulations to Casey for a memorable performance, and thanks to the Atlanta Thrashers for the opportunity of a lifetime!

The UPS Foundation,  the charitable arm of UPS, recently handed Special Olympics Georgia a check for $80,000. The funds will support SOGA programs through 2006. We are grateful to Keith Jones and UPS, our Statewide Partner, for their continued support.

The 10th Annual Bob Busse Golf Classic raised $101,065, thanks to a final contribution from Clem Hanrahan (UPS retiree and SOGA Honorary Board Member). Bob Busse works tirelessly on this Tournament each year and we are thrilled to announce that his personal goal of bringing in $100,000 has been met!

Atlanta Braves Chris Reitsma Raises Money for SOGA  Country Club of the South in Alpharetta Georgia was the site of the first annual Reitsma’s Relievers Celebrity Golf Classic. Among the celebrity golfers on hand to help provide relief for metro Atlanta children and families in need were Horacio Ramirez, Kevin Millwood, Paul Byrd, Blaine Boyer, Freddy Gonzalez and Ken Griffey Sr.

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