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.