Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Orono was Awesome!!!
Summer Games were great! I think I can speak for just about everyone and say that we all had a fabulous time. The weather was perfect, the people were terrific, and the athletes were, as always, amazing.
I got to go up on Thursday night this year...although I got there very late because I drove up with the Harley in tow for our raffle. (Tickets are only $20 each and only 2500 have been printed. See Karl Frank or your local Torch Runner for a ticket.) The bike was to be picked up in Freeport but I was practicing for Opening Ceremonies and drove all the way to Brunswick before I realized it. Oops! Then I realized how much the bike cost and how much money it meant for our program and ended up going about 45 all the way to Orono. Very scary. By the way, be careful on the road from Newport to Orono. I saw at least 20 deer.
Anyway, I brought my tv up this year so that I could watch all of the coverage of our games. Aside from my very scary lion looking hairdo, I was very pleased with all of the stories about us. They covered everything from the torch run to the games to the volunteers and more.
Friday was busy with registration. So many of the coaches were so nicely organized with their binders and portfolios. They made our job quick and easy. Then of course there were the, "what, you never sent me that paper", folks. It all made for a very interesting day. The part I really loved was being able to say hi to so many coaches, volunteers and athletes who I hadn't seen since winter games.
I thought the parade was great this year. It had sooo many units! The athletes loved it. The flyover was so cool and very special. What an honor. The families/LETR reception was very nice and it was a great opportunity to really catch up with the moms and dads and officers who do so much to help our athletes. Those little frosted brownies are addicting!!!!
Saturday was just awesome. I always get to organize the 11 and under tent. Those little guys are so cute and excited about the games. Many of them were there for the very first time and were just full of enthusiasm. I hope I never get fired from that job because I love it. I did mange to sneak over to the 12-15 year old tent and couldn't believe how much some of my little ones had grown. I am so old.
I got to vist Olympic Town a few times and what fun that was. Everyone was having a ball and I took a bunch of pictures. I hope that we are able to offer that again next year. Also, very cool was the Healthy Athletes programs. One of my 8 year olds came back after lunch with a brand new pair of glasses. He was so proud of them and looked so handsome. No one knew that he had an eye condition that he probably had for years. He kept looking down at the ground and talking about how nice it was that he didn't stumble all the way to the tent. He could not wait to do his next race and came back with a gold medal which he credited to his new eyewear. What amazing people they all are to donate their time and skills to our athletes.
The dinner was good, the dance rocked and Sunday was very nice with some AMAZING mile run competitions. Wow! A few surprise finishes made it all very exciting.
So, a great time was had by all, but remember in Special Olympics there is no off season, so it's back to work, back to training, and back to getting ready for July's Day on the Links, the All Star Soccer tournaments, Family Day at Camp and of course World Games in China. The excitement never ends.
I got to go up on Thursday night this year...although I got there very late because I drove up with the Harley in tow for our raffle. (Tickets are only $20 each and only 2500 have been printed. See Karl Frank or your local Torch Runner for a ticket.) The bike was to be picked up in Freeport but I was practicing for Opening Ceremonies and drove all the way to Brunswick before I realized it. Oops! Then I realized how much the bike cost and how much money it meant for our program and ended up going about 45 all the way to Orono. Very scary. By the way, be careful on the road from Newport to Orono. I saw at least 20 deer.
Anyway, I brought my tv up this year so that I could watch all of the coverage of our games. Aside from my very scary lion looking hairdo, I was very pleased with all of the stories about us. They covered everything from the torch run to the games to the volunteers and more.
Friday was busy with registration. So many of the coaches were so nicely organized with their binders and portfolios. They made our job quick and easy. Then of course there were the, "what, you never sent me that paper", folks. It all made for a very interesting day. The part I really loved was being able to say hi to so many coaches, volunteers and athletes who I hadn't seen since winter games.
I thought the parade was great this year. It had sooo many units! The athletes loved it. The flyover was so cool and very special. What an honor. The families/LETR reception was very nice and it was a great opportunity to really catch up with the moms and dads and officers who do so much to help our athletes. Those little frosted brownies are addicting!!!!
Saturday was just awesome. I always get to organize the 11 and under tent. Those little guys are so cute and excited about the games. Many of them were there for the very first time and were just full of enthusiasm. I hope I never get fired from that job because I love it. I did mange to sneak over to the 12-15 year old tent and couldn't believe how much some of my little ones had grown. I am so old.
I got to vist Olympic Town a few times and what fun that was. Everyone was having a ball and I took a bunch of pictures. I hope that we are able to offer that again next year. Also, very cool was the Healthy Athletes programs. One of my 8 year olds came back after lunch with a brand new pair of glasses. He was so proud of them and looked so handsome. No one knew that he had an eye condition that he probably had for years. He kept looking down at the ground and talking about how nice it was that he didn't stumble all the way to the tent. He could not wait to do his next race and came back with a gold medal which he credited to his new eyewear. What amazing people they all are to donate their time and skills to our athletes.
The dinner was good, the dance rocked and Sunday was very nice with some AMAZING mile run competitions. Wow! A few surprise finishes made it all very exciting.
So, a great time was had by all, but remember in Special Olympics there is no off season, so it's back to work, back to training, and back to getting ready for July's Day on the Links, the All Star Soccer tournaments, Family Day at Camp and of course World Games in China. The excitement never ends.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Only 3 hours left and the clothes are still in the dryer
I have not packed a single item! Not to fear, I still have 3 hours before I head to Orono. Yikes. I just wanted to stop by real quick with some very exciting news. This is so late breaking that those of you reading this are probably going to find out before the actual person finds out. (No, it's not the news that Paris Hilton got to go home early from jail, but hey, what is up with that anyway?) The news is that several months ago I sent in a nomination for a Maine athlete to participate in the Final Leg of the Torch Run in China for the World Games. I nominate people every year and we NEVER get picked. Anyway, this just in...Chris Oster, an athlete from MAINE, has been selected to run in the final leg. He will be going to China two weeks before the games and will run along with the officers. Only 11 athletes in the world were chosen and only 6 are from the US. This is awesome and I am beyond excited about it.
Speaking of the torch run, I love the above photo of the Flame of Hope being carried in at our Opening Ceremonies. This year we have three athletes carrying in the torch along with officer Troy Peasely of Rockland who is our Final Leg runner for China.
Okay, I really need to pack, send one last press reminder, pick up t-shirts and the Harley and head to Orono. What a gorgeous day. Can't wait to see everyone. Take care and safe travels.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
New to blogging, in time for Summer Games
Hello to all! Welcome to my very first blog. I have been trying to come up with new and innovative ways to communicate with everyone in Special Olympics land and figured this might be interesting and fun. Let me know what you think. My plan is to let you know about all of the cool things going on at SOME and to give you reviews of things as they happen. I also hope to share some of the funny and touching stories from years past. In addition, I will let you in on some of the neat things I am reading or learning about that pertain to SO.
So, the guys have all left the office and are headed to Orono for our 37th annual state summer games. The games begin Friday June 8th and run through Sunday June 10th. Let's pray for great weather and if we can't get that let's pray for great attitudes! (Mine included) We have over 1300 athletes registered for the games in addition to the hundreds of family members and volunteers planning to attend. I am really excited to see everyone. For many years now I have been in charge of the 11 and under tent. I really enjoy doing this and especially love seeing the little ones who are there for the first time. I also enjoy being able to visit the other age groups to see the athletes I knew as children. It is so awesome to see how far they have come and how much they have grown. After fifteen years I am finally bringing a chair. It takes me a while but I do catch on eventually.
I talked to the band on Monday, (Shake, Rattle, and Roll with Malinda Liberty) and they are really looking forward to seeing you guys again. They absolutely love coming to the games and give us an awesome deal!
I am excited about the banquet. I think it is so cool that we can be part of Maine's largest sit down dinner. I love seeing all of the great outfits and how quickly everyone eats in hopes of getting to the dance sooner.
I am a little sad that my guys won't be there this year. Now that they are 8 and 4 they have extremely busy schedules that inlcude lot's of baseball, hockey, and birthday parties. I am usually so busy at Orono however that I probably wouldn't get to see them much anyway. Maybe next year.
Mickey is coming! I know many people will be very glad to see him. Did you know that he lives in my basement? How cool is that?
In addition to the games, another really cool event is already taking place. The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run started yesterday in South Berwick. Over 640 members of Maine Law Enforcement will be running down Maine roads through Friday, carrying our Flame of Hope. The run will end at our Opening Ceremonies Friday night after the parade. If you see them running through your town be sure to toot your horn, or give them a big thank you. They raise thousands of dollars for SOME every year and also spread the word about our program. Many of them will be on hand this weekend running events and handing out awards.
Hey, thanks to everyone who participated in last weekends To Serve and Protect event at Irvings. I haven't heard the totals yet but did hear some great stories about the day. I'll keep you posted.
Please remenber that I am always looking for clear photos of our events and athletes, and also great stories to share. Please email me any time with these. I guess that is all for now. I really need to get one more press release out before the weekend. Can't wait to see everyone in Orono! Take care and don't forget your sunscreen.
So, the guys have all left the office and are headed to Orono for our 37th annual state summer games. The games begin Friday June 8th and run through Sunday June 10th. Let's pray for great weather and if we can't get that let's pray for great attitudes! (Mine included) We have over 1300 athletes registered for the games in addition to the hundreds of family members and volunteers planning to attend. I am really excited to see everyone. For many years now I have been in charge of the 11 and under tent. I really enjoy doing this and especially love seeing the little ones who are there for the first time. I also enjoy being able to visit the other age groups to see the athletes I knew as children. It is so awesome to see how far they have come and how much they have grown. After fifteen years I am finally bringing a chair. It takes me a while but I do catch on eventually.
I talked to the band on Monday, (Shake, Rattle, and Roll with Malinda Liberty) and they are really looking forward to seeing you guys again. They absolutely love coming to the games and give us an awesome deal!
I am excited about the banquet. I think it is so cool that we can be part of Maine's largest sit down dinner. I love seeing all of the great outfits and how quickly everyone eats in hopes of getting to the dance sooner.
I am a little sad that my guys won't be there this year. Now that they are 8 and 4 they have extremely busy schedules that inlcude lot's of baseball, hockey, and birthday parties. I am usually so busy at Orono however that I probably wouldn't get to see them much anyway. Maybe next year.
Mickey is coming! I know many people will be very glad to see him. Did you know that he lives in my basement? How cool is that?
In addition to the games, another really cool event is already taking place. The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run started yesterday in South Berwick. Over 640 members of Maine Law Enforcement will be running down Maine roads through Friday, carrying our Flame of Hope. The run will end at our Opening Ceremonies Friday night after the parade. If you see them running through your town be sure to toot your horn, or give them a big thank you. They raise thousands of dollars for SOME every year and also spread the word about our program. Many of them will be on hand this weekend running events and handing out awards.
Hey, thanks to everyone who participated in last weekends To Serve and Protect event at Irvings. I haven't heard the totals yet but did hear some great stories about the day. I'll keep you posted.
Please remenber that I am always looking for clear photos of our events and athletes, and also great stories to share. Please email me any time with these. I guess that is all for now. I really need to get one more press release out before the weekend. Can't wait to see everyone in Orono! Take care and don't forget your sunscreen.
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