Blog

 

This past weekend at the Downunder Horsemanship Walkabout Tour the Central Georgia Ranch Horse Association raised $4,800 for Special Olympics Georgia through  The Ritchie Ball Charity Toss, the event was a huge success! Thank you CGRHA

 

BEST COUSINS MAKE BEST BUDDIES!

It was an exciting weekend in Washington, DC when Scott Heyman joined his cousin, Allison Gordon, for the BEST BUDDIES BIKE CHALLENGE.  They participated in the 100K bike ride, which started in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday, October 22.

Scott Heyman is a healthy athlete with a developmental disability called Fragile X Syndrome.  He lives with his two best friends, Russell and Paul, with support from ILP, a division of Atlanta’s JF&CS Independent Living Program of Atlanta.

This summer, Scott’s cousin, Allison Gordon, a pre-med graduate of Vanderbilt University, called to see if he would like to train with her for the upcoming Best Buddies Bike Challenge in Washington, DC.  The training would involve multiple bike rides to build endurance for a 100K event.  Scott enjoys riding his bike every Friday to join his family for Shabbat dinner, and he takes weekly spin classes at LA Fitness.  However, he had never trained for the distance that this race offered.  Scott accepted the challenge, and would train for the event with his cousin Allison, joined by his job coach, Tom Shibley, of Supported Employment Services, who is an avid rider as well.

By October, Scott and Allison were ready to take on the challenge.  Scott and his parents, Gail & Lyons Heyman of Marietta, arrived in DC a day early so that Scott could be fitted for his bike. The experience started off with the warm welcome by two national bike champions, Jeff Shoemake and Nathan Winkleman, as they put on Scott’s clip-on bike pedals and encouraged Scott how to stay strong for the next day ride.

That Friday evening, Scott and his family joined the other members of Team Nashville for a kick-off for a carb loaded meal at a friend’s home in DC.

At 6 a.m. the next morning, Scott headed to the Washington Monument to join the 1,400 other participants for breakfast under the tent.  There was a pep talk at the start line with Anthony Shriver, founder of Best Buddies International.  Maria Shriver and many other members of the Kennedy family came in support of the ride. Even before the sun came up, Scott was cued up with the other bikers for the race.  With his helmet on, his race jersey number 101 on his back, Scott heard the final blow of the whistle.  He looked over at Allison and off they went!

The traffic was stopped for the bikers at the mall and all around DC.  Starting at the Washington Monument, the route followed the Potomac River up into Maryland.  Streets were closed, and there was a police escort on the Beltway.  Every 15 miles there was a rest stop with cheers, water and nutrients for the bikers.

The race continued for many hours, and near 1 p.m., Scott and Allison could be seen approaching the finish line.  It was so exciting!  The loud noise of the cow bells and cheers were alarming, but it did not slow them down.  Scott stood up on his bike and stepped into super drive with an awesome finish.  He went through the finish line and kept on peddling, never looking back.  It took him a few moments to turn around to get yet another round of applause.

After the race, Allison took off her helmet, high fived her Best Buddy, and then calmed down her cousin’s nerves by massaging his knee.  Allison’s smooth words of encouragement kept Scott’s mind focused on the challenge during the long race.  The whole time they joked with each other, sang Camp Barney songs, and had a great time.

After the race, when speaking with Scott’s brother, Jared, and sister, Carly, on the phone, he was asked “Scott, how did you do it?” His answer was simple, “I got on my bike, and then got off”.

Scott is an inspiration to many.  He has dozens of new Facebook friends, and enjoys sharing pictures and stories of the BEST BUDDIES BIKE CHALLENGE.  Scott is a hero for taking on this awesome challenge and going beyond expectations.

MACON ATHLETE SPEAKS TO GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF THE MOOSE

Before heading to her sailing competition at Lake Tobesofkee, athlete Nandi Isaac spoke to more than 200 Moose members at its State Convention in Macon Saturday, Sept. 24. Nandi talked about her sports and explained that Special Olympics has taught her many skills and she wants to help others just like her.

“When I first started bowling, I tried my hardest and aimed for the gold! I am now 28 years old. Now I compete in many sports like bowling, bocce, softball and sailing. When I try hard and meet my goal, it feels good,” she said.

Nandi moved out of her parent’s home a few years ago and lives independently with support. “Special Olympics gave me strength, courage and most of all confidence. I now own a small business called SCANwithNAN,” she said. She said support counts. It helps her and peers to attend State Games. “That helps my friends learn team work and new skills. It makes them a part of their community.”

SAINT LUCIA
Four staff members recently traveled down to the island of St. Lucia to train their coaches and athletes in order for them to compete in the State Fall Games this October in Dalton, GA. Click here to read about the training experience.

DUCK DERBY RESULTS
Here is a list of the lucky duck winners in today’s Duck Derby at Six Flags White Water:

First place: Tom Adrien won a Mandalay Bay Resort Package including a 3-night stay at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, 2 tickets to Disney’s The Lion King, 2 tickets to Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort, $100 off a Mandalay Bay Beach Cabana, and $150 dining credit to any one of Mandalay Bay’s 15 restaurants.

Second place: Kathy McCluskey won a $300 reward gift card for Marriott Hotels, valid until November 17, 2011

Third place: Andrea Walker won a $250 Macy’s gift card

Fourth place: Joyce Ferris won a $250 gift card redeemable for any product or service at Kauffman Tire

Fifth place: Highwoods Properties

A $80,000 UPS check presentation is made by
Joe Ruiz, Corporate Contributions Manager, and
Bryan Brum, Attorney for UPS to
SOGA CEO Georgia Milton-Sheats to contribute
to long-term support of the program.

Visit your Publix this week and support Special Olympics

Publix, Procter & Gamble, and Special Olympics have partnered together for 32 years to help people with intellectual disabilities achieve their dreams. Here’s how you can help…

• Support Special Olympics while you shop at Publix by purchasing your favorite P&G products like Charmin, Pantene, and Downey and many other well-known brands during the month of January.
• And while you’re at Publix until Jan. 25, show you’re a fan of Special Olympics by purchasing your very own paper torch at the check-out register for $1, $3, $5 or $10 to support Special Olympics and your local athletes!

Be sure to check out this link and watch two athlete videos.

This year’s torches include $14 in coupons on select Procter and Gamble products. These coupons are good above and beyond the brandSAVER™ coupons, so purchase a torch and you’ll find out just how rewarding it is to “Be a fan”!

 

 

Go Over The Edge for Special Olympics Georgia!

Are you brave and courageous like our athletes? Do you like to push the limits?

Go Over The Edge April 21 at The Overlook III in Atlanta and raise much needed funds for the 23,630 athletes of Special Olympics Georgia! Afraid of heights? You and your co-workerse could raise $1,500 to send your boss Over the Edge. For more information, contact Amber Mullins at Amber.Beach@SpecialOlympicsGA.org or call (770) 414-9390 ext. 105.

Go here for more information!  Or click here to Sign up !  Reserve your chance, slots are limited for this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Art Auction 2012

Join us on the beautiful spec home located on Stratford Lane  Sandy Springs, GA, March 24, 2012 and enjoy the home tour during this year’s Art Auction.

Here are the details:
7 p.m. Meet and greet as well as preview art.
8 p.m. Tour of the beautiful model home
8:30 p.m. Auction begins.

Location:  7775 Stratford Lane, Sandy Springs, GA
Entry fee of $40 includes tour, beer, wine, hors d’ouevres, door prizes, silent auction, and a special treat — an athlete speaker telling her personal story. Pre-registering is preferred but you may pay at the door. Click here to purchase your ticket. For more information contact Rebecca Surles at rebecca.surles@specialolympicsga.org or 770-414-9390 ext. 102.

Click here for the flyer.

Your contribution to the Art Auction helps ensure that Special Olympics Georgia can offer free year-round sports training and competitions to 23,620 inspiring athletes with intellectual disabilities across Georgia.

You Can be a Hero to an Athlete

You don’t have to be a professional athlete to be a hero to a Special Olympics athlete. As athletes are an inspiration, you can also be one by becoming a coach and teaching healthy habits or a sport, being there for an athlete at a State Games as a fan and, of course, making a donation. Without scoring a touchdown or pitching a no-hitter on the big screen, you can still help create a level playing field for children and adults with  intellectual disabilities.

Click here to donate today.

Every little bit counts:

You can make a difference:
●$25 provides medals for one competition;
●$50 provides 3 athletes housing for 2 nights at a State Games; and
●$100 feeds 20 athletes one meal at a State Games.

Help show that everyone can be a hero and that everyone can be good when we work together.

SALE: SOGA Hoodies & Fall Games T-Shirts

 Click here for Fall Games T-Shirts  only $12, shipping included!

 Click here for SOGA Hoodies  only $28, shipping included!

 

2012 State Games Deadlines Available

We just wrapped up a successful State Fall Games and already have 2012 State Games deadlines available to you.  For the document listing deadlines for our five state games next year, please click here.

*Note when you click to download the 2012 deadlines for State Games, you’ll be emailed the document. It is our hope that you’ll allow us to add your email address to our database so that we can stay in touch with you monthly with our e-newsletter SOGA Connection. If you want to be emailed the deadlines but do not want to receive our monthly messages, please email Wendy.Bigham@SpecialOlympicsGA.org.

 

Rugs for a Reason!

Purchase any of the three rugs online with Special Olympics designs and you’ll warm your home and heart!   Through the new Rugs for a Reason campaign, rugs created by Shaw Living, are machine woven and resistent to soil, stains and fading.

Click here for your rug. Once you choose your pattern, click on the rug and select your size.

 Shaw rugs are known around the world as incredibly high-quality products. Each area rug is machine woven, not printed, and resistant to soil, stains and fading. Click here to purchase your rug.

 Each of the traditional designs is available in a variety of sizes, where each can be incorporated in the most appropriate size into any size room.

 Under the Paisley Over Stripes image:

 

The paisley over stripes area rug  is expected to be a favorite, as the paisley design is on the cutting edge of interior design. Add this to the bold stripes in colors that compliment any décor, from traditional to contemporary, the area rug is elegant and complimentary to any space.

 Under the Circle image:

 

The circle design beautifully displays the Special Olympics logo, integrated into vividly colored circles of various sizes. The bold colors and modern design of the circle area rug are on trend and fitting for any style of home décor.

 

Under the blocks and vines image:

 

The blocks and vines area rug combines two transitional elements that are right in line with the design trends in today’s homes. In this Shaw Living area rug, the Special Olympics logo is integrated subtly into the design to perfectly compliment the vines which scroll through classic blocks of color.

 

Sizes and prices (shipping included for continental US):

4 x 6 rugs, $199

5 x 8 rugs, $349

8 x 10 rugs, $549

 Click here for your rug! Once your choose  your pattern, click on the rug and then select your size.

Rugs For A Reason is presented by Paul Prince of DOOR TO DOOR FLOORS. Through a strong partnership with Special Olympics, and Shaw Living, Paul designed a way for supporters of Special Olympics to show their support and warm their homes and hearts. Paul’s desire is to advocate for those individuals who deserve a chance to expand their abilities through Special Olympics and show the world their capabilities.

 

An avid supporter of Special Olympics, Paul and his family have dedicated time and finances to Special Olympics. He and his wife, whose nephew has severe intellectual disabilities, have volunteered at Special Olympics events and work in the special needs class at their church.

See you at Joe’s Crab Shack on October 20th!!

Join your area law enforcement or volunteers as they serve up seafood at all five Georgia Joe’s Crab Shacks on Thursday, October, 20th. Dine out for our athletes and help support your local officers as they wait on you! All tips received by the cops goes directly back to SOGA. Also 10 percent of your bill comes back to SOGA as well. Thanks to the generosity of Joe’s Crab Shack! This is your chance to get to know your local law enforcement and see them serving, dancing and maybe even singing! A night to not be missed!
Be sure to visit the following locations.
Please click on the location that you will be visiting to print a copy of the flyer to bring in to benefit Special Olympics Georgia:
Douglasville: 2868 Chapel Hill Road (Douglasville Police Department)
Duluth: 1590 Pleasant Hill Road (Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office)
Kennesaw: 2501 Cobb Place Blvd (Kennesaw Police Department)
Morrow: 1965 Mt. Zion Road (Canton Police Department)
Lilburn: 4300 Highway 78 (MARTA Police Department)

 

For more information, contact Danny Knight at danny.knight@specialolympicsga.org or 770-414-9390 x119.

STATE FALL GAMES – Oct. 21-23

OCTOBER 21-23…What time of year is it when you have softball, bocce, cylcling, golf, and long distance walking/running competions all in one place? Answer: SPECIAL OLYMPICS GEORGIA STATE FALL GAMES!! Break out the long sleeved shirts and sweaters, because this year’s Fall Games will be held in Dalton, GA on October 21-23. You won’t want to miss out on this competition weekend!

For more information about 2011 State Fall Games, contact David Crawford.
David. Crawford@specialolympicsga.org (770)414-9390, ext. 103

For volunteer information, contact Leslie Anderson.
Leslie.Anderson@specialolympicsga.org (770)414-9390, ext. 120

For sponsorship information contact Celestine Patton.
Celestine.Patton@specialolympicsga.org (770)414-9390, ext. 121

Time to sign up for Busse Golf

You can sign up for the 16th Annual Bob Busse Golf Tournament at Cherokee Town and Country Club in Atlanta Nov. 7.
This year, expect a great game of golf along with golf-course prizes, door prizes, a silent auction and wonderful reception all for the great cause of supporting Special Olympics Georgia and our inspirational athletes.

Complete the registration form and email it back to Debbie.Palay@SpecialOlympicsGA.org or mail it to the Special Olympics Georgia office at 4000 Dekalb Technology Parkway, Suite 400, Building 400, Atlanta, GA 30340 or fax to 770-216-8339

Click here for more information.

About Bob Busse:
Robert G. “Bob” Busse has devoted over 30  years of volunteer service to Special Olympics Georgia. From 1977-1984, he served as President and Executive Director of one of the organization’s most successful fundraising campaigns, The Lady Tara LPGA Golf Tournament. He was a member of the SOGA Board of Directors 1986-1999 and has tirelessly provided leadership-holding the offices of President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Secretary. He was an honored recipient in 2002 at the Channel 11 Community Service Awards for his dedication to Special Olympics.