Tyvis Coats competes in bowling, basketball, athletics (track and field) and powerlifting in the Panhandle area. The Palo Duro High School senior became involved with Special Olympics Texas in 2006 and is a dedicated athlete who gives it all he's got, even when he's not going for the gold. A member of Palo Duro's varsity basketball team, Coats also makes time to volunteer at area SOTX events and at Camp Agape. He has plenty of cheerleaders and fans in the stands rooting for him during competitions, including his brother, a fellow SOTX athlete.

It's on! SOTX athletes, law enforcement officers from across the state and supporters of the movement attended the annual Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run Kickoff this morning at the Capitol.  The kickoff is a prelude to Summer Games, set for May 23-26, in Arlington.  More than 3,000 SOTX athletes will compete in soccer, cycling, gymnastics, basketball, athletics and tennis events during the four-day competition.  At this morning's event, members of several law enforcement agencies ran side by side from the Capitol through downtown Austin after the ceremonious lighting of the torch.  Once the torch passes through each of SOTX's 19 areas, the Summer Games will officially begin!

Many of us are at a stage of life where we are reflecting on what sort of legacy we will leave behind us. If I may be so bold, I have a suggestion that I would like for you to consider.

At our statewide Summer Games in Arlington in late May, we will be kicking off a capital campaign to raise money to build a $6 million headquarters in Austin to create a permanent home for Special Olympics Texas.

Although we have one of the largest Special Olympics programs in North America, we do not own our current headquarters location.  Our lease is more expensive than owning a building, and we have far less space than we need to support our mission, conduct training, hold meetings and store essential equipment and materials.

We are rapidly approaching a time where we simply won’t be able to serve all of the athletes who need us because we lack enough space to house the staff required to assist an ever-increasing athlete base.

Progress is already being made toward making our planned facility a reality. We are in the process of securing lead gifts from major donors.  Our staff and Board have also already pledged a significant financial amount, but we still need a lot of help to reach our goal.

I hope that you and your family will consider making a gift to the capital campaign, perhaps in honor of a special person in your life. Please contact me at mlarsen@sotx.org for more information about contributing to our new home.

Margaret Larsen

President and CEO

At Special Olympics Texas, we often talk about how our sports training is actually “training for life.”  Through the power of sport, our athletes are trained to participate and be active members in their communities – on and off the playing fields.

SOTX athlete Max Adamczyk proves to the world that someone with an intellectual disability can be just as valuable to an employer as any other worker.  He has worked on the maintenance crew at All-Saints Catholic Church in his neighborhood for the past nine years.

Did you know? 

52% of Special Olympics athletes become employed, compared to only 10 percent of individuals with intellectual disabilities who do not participate in Special Olympics.

Special Olympics athletes perform better in school, enjoy stronger family relationships, make more friends and are more prepared to live and work in their communities than their peers who are not involved in Special Olympics (according to a Yale University study.)

When you include SOTX in your estate plans, you ensure that athletes like Max and many others not only succeed at sports, but also exceed in life.

The Legacy Society is a group of supporters who have included SOTX in their estate plans through a will, trust, charitable gift annuity, or as a beneficiary of a retirement or life insurance plan.  These thoughtful donors are “champions” of Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s legacy,committed to safeguarding the success of our mission and ensuring a bright future for generations of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

If you would like to include SOTX in your estate plan, or let us know that you have already done so, please contact the Major Gifts and Planned Giving Department.  If you are considering a gift, our staff would be happy to have a confidential conversation with you about your charitable gift options.

SOTX coach Suzette Steward is a finalist in the "Live with Kelly and Michael" Teacher of the Year contest!  Steward is a special education teacher at Cinco Ranch Junior High School in Katy.  She is one of five educators up for the title and will appear on the show on May 2; Kelly and Michael will announce the winner on May 6.

Click here to meet her.

Conroe Stars competitor, Iesha Williams, became a SOTX athlete only two years ago, but already the bocce, bowling, basketball and athletics athlete has seen some big improvements in her life as a result of her involvement. The Irons Junior High School eighth-grader puts her new physical and social skills to good use, even when she's not competing. In fact, Williams' love of SOTX has motivated her big sister to get involved as a volunteer. Her family is proud of the progress that she's made as an athlete and loves to support her as fans in the stands. In her spare time, Williams likes to play video games and work with computers. She also volunteers at church whenever possible.

Special Olympics Texas athletes joined 75 student-athletes from UT Dallas.

Athletes from the local Special Olympics Texas chapter joined 75 UT Dallas student-athletes Sunday afternoon for an "Athletes for Athletes" event, held in conjunction with the NCAA's National Student-Athlete Day and Division III Week celebration.

The Special Olympics athletes were included in the pre-game introductions prior to UTD's softball doubleheader with Mississippi College, including running out on the field and throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Afterwards, the athletes joined the UTD student-athletes on the multi-purpose field for bocce ball games and other activities.

All participants were treated to a pizza lunch, and finished the afternoon in the bleachers cheering on the Comet softball team.

"Our student-athletes really wanted to do something more with Student-Athlete Day this year than just get together and eat," said event organizer Kelli Davis, sponsor of the UTD Student-Athlete Advisiory Committee. "They've been looking for ways to get more involved with the community and inviting Special Olympics Texas to join us seemed a logical opportunity. I really think the Special Olympics athletes had a great time, and I know our kids did as well. It was nice getting to give back."

The event was sponsored by the UTD Intercollegiate Athletics Department, Student-Athlete Advisory Committe and Student-Athlete Affairs.

Bocce, basketball, aquatics and athletics - Lisa Ibarra does it all! The 22 year old North Texas area competitor joined SOTX in 1998 and it's had a great impact on her life.  In addition to making new friends with her fellow athletes, Ibarra just loves the thrill of competing and has plenty of support from her proud family.  Her sibling is one of her favorite Unified Partners!  Ibarra is a senior at Hirschi High School.

Have you ever wanted to walk across Texas? Well, now you can! Special Olympics Texas and AgriLife Extension Service invite you to participate in the physical fitness challenge of a lifetime: walking across the entire state of Texas in eight weeks.

Teams of eight will raise a dollar per mile walked ($104 per participant). The goal is for each team to walk 832 miles during the eight-week period while raising the same amount in donations for SOTX. You don't have to walk; you may complete the challenge through regular exercise, including swimming, golfing, dancing, and even gardening. Join a team today! 

Participants will be able to check their team’s progress each week as they log their mileage on the Walk Across Texas! website. The challenge starts as soon as you sign up. For more information or to register, go to www.sotx.org/walkacrosstexas or contact Judy Mullinix (jmullinix@sotx.org) at 800.876.5646, ext. 2926. 

The 2013 Summer Games competition is coming up in May, and it is once again time for the SOTX Data Entry Project. This is a wonderful way to help a great movement and your involvement is needed and appreciated!

What: Entering athlete and coach information into the SOTX games database

Why: To ensure a successful 2013 Summer Games for all SOTX athletes and volunteers

When: Various afternoon and evening shifts from April 16 - 24, 2013.

Who: Up to 12 volunteers per shift; good for individuals or small groups

Where: The SOTX chapter office, located at 7715 Chevy Chase Drive, Suite 120, Austin 78752
(We are located in Building 4, closest to the I-35 southbound access road.)

CLICK HERE to view shift times and sign up.

If you have any questions, feel free to send an email to volunteer@sotx.org.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and we look forward to seeing you in April!

Judy Yoshimaru
Director of Volunteer Services
Special Olympics Texas
volunteer@sotx.org

The SOTX Project UNIFY - Meet in the Middle (MiM) program is the proud recipient of a grant from the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust. The $20,000 award will support programming in 2013.  The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust is dedicated to strengthening the capacity of nonprofit organizations across the country that are committed to supporting children with disabilities and promoting inclusion.

Meet in the Middle staff will use the award to improve its communication and training network throughout the state, utilitizing webinar and videoconferencing technology to connect participating MiM schools with one another and provide specific training opportunities identified by school staff or requested by students/facilitators. MiM staff will also use the funds to conduct a face-to-face leadership conference in Austin for program participants and facilitators, which will include training in effective use of this technology.

Something HUGE is underway in Austin right now. It's called Amplify Austin, and we are excited to be one of the charities participating in this 24-hour, online giving event. If you've already donated to the cause, thank you! If not, you only have a few hours left to contribute.

Donations will be accepted through their secure website, AmplifyATX.org, and through authorized secure AmplifyATX giving forms located on participating nonprofit websites.

Special Olympics Texas' goal is to raise $5,000 by 7:00 p.m., which will help us to enhance the lives of more than 4,500 athletes in the Central Texas Area. We’re still quite a ways from our goal, but you can help us meet, or beat, our target.

Help support our super Special Olympics Texas athletes:

• For $25, one athlete can compete at an area sports competition such as basketball, athletics, bocce ball and softball
• For $35, one athlete can participate at Winter Games
• For $55, one athlete can participate at Fall Classic
• For $75, one athlete can compete at Summer Games
• For $100, one athlete or family member can attend Families Camp
• For $500, 20 Special Olympics Texas athletes can receive scholarships to participate in competitions at the state level

DONATE NOW!

Thank you for your continued support of Special Olympics Texas!

Melissa Matherne

Greater Dallas area athlete, Stacey Johnson, won the American Quarter Horse Association National High Point Award for Riders with Disabilities in Working Trail. The AQHA will honor her at an awards banquet in Houston on March 9.

Johnson is a swimming, equestrian, bocce and athletics (track and field) athlete from Allen.  She's also president of the Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs), a Global Messenger who's given more than 50 speeches on behalf of SOTX and an equestrian coach.  This 33-year-old is such a talented competitor, she took home gold and bronze medals at the 2003 World Games!

Way to go, Stacey!

Dustin DuCharme became a SOTX athlete in 2001 and has received countless honors, awards, ribbons and medals since his first competition more than a decade ago. DuCharme competes in bowling, athletics (track and field), flag football, basketball and bocce in the Golden Triangle area. He's also a Meet in the Middle participant. His accomplishments aren't just limited to competition. Last year, the 18 year old was voted Homecoming King at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School. He was also named "Most Spirited" 2009 by his peers at Mauriceville Middle School.

The ambitious 12th grader has plenty of hobbies, including learning job skills as a Pizza Hut employee and, of course, competing alongside his fellow SOTX athletes at Games.

Some Sharyland High School students are kicking off 2013 in tip top shape. They walked across Texas! Four teams from S.H.S. completed the recent Walk Across Texas fundraiser and collected nearly $4,000 for Rio Grande Valley area athletes. The students are members of the school’s Meet in the Middle program and had a great time participating in the fitness fundraising campaign.  Have you ever wanted to walk across Texas? Now’s your chance! Sign up today.

The snazziest Unified team at Showplace Lanes Sunday most definitely was the team of Kaitlyn Flynn and Lauren Erdelt. The two were decked out in feathered tiaras while they bowled.

“I’ve wanted to bowl with Lauren for years,” Kaitlyn said. “I love the tiaras!”

Lauren, who is known for her tiaras—she has 27!—has been in Special Olympics for 19 years. She participates in athletics (track and field), bocce, basketball and bowling.

It’s obvious that Lauren and Kaitlyn have a lot of fun together. “Kaitlyn is like a younger sister,” Lauren said.

Kaitlyn, who is pursuing a graduate degree in counseling, has been around Special Olympics much of her life because her sister has been an athlete for years. She started as a volunteer at age 11—after begging for years to be allowed to help.

“I took a few years off in college from volunteering, but now that I am in graduate school, I’m back. Volunteering for me is an escape from the world. The athletes are in a good mood, they’re uplifting and positive. Being with them puts everything in perspective,” Kaitlyn said.

Unified teams run in Kaitlyn’s family: her grandpa has been bowling with her sister for years.

“As a Unified Partner,” Kaitlyn said, “we’re building a bond with the athletes. I’ve developed a spirit of compassion. You start to recognize their strengths and you realize that everyone has their own strengths. You have a greater appreciation for what they can do and what you can do.”

Kaitlyn said that being a Unified Partner is something that just about anyone could benefit from. “Special Olympics has been one of the most formative experiences in my life,” she said. “I wouldn’t have the compassion for everyone that I feel without Special Olympics.”

Lauren said that she and Kaitlyn will continue their Unified Bowling team next season. And Kaitlyn said she can’t see a time where she wouldn’t be around Special Olympics.

“Special Olympics will always be a part of my life,” she said.

Seven cheerleaders from Samuel Clemens High School in Schertz, Texas took to the stage at Athlete Village Saturday to lead the crowd in a cheer. But this squad was unique because it was an inclusive cheerleading team that included students with and without intellectual disabilities. 

The Buffalo Sparklers began three years ago when a high school student approached English teacher Stephani Martinez and asked to build an inclusive cheer program. Today she is the advisor to the Buffalo Sparklers, a squad of four cheerleaders with disabilities. Each Friday morning, the students get together with varsity cheerleaders to practice cheers and routines in preparation for performances at football games, basketball games, and Special Olympics events. 

Barbara Adam, the mother of first-time cheerleader Jessica Adam, said her daughter has gained confidence by being part of the Buffalo Sparklers. “She’s a lot more outgoing, and she’s just having so much fun with the squad, she said. “She’s really coming out of her shell.” 

During practices, the varsity cheerleaders share their expertise with the squad. “They love learning new things and it’s really exciting to teach them,” said varsity cheerleader Avery Lewis. “I see them all as friends.” 

To advisor Stephani Martinez, the best part of the program is the relationships that are forged between the girls. “It’s why I teach,” she said. “To see kids love each other.” 

The Buffalo Sparklers was founded with the help of Sparkle Effect, a national program that helps teens begin inclusive cheerleading and dance programs. Project Unify – Meet in the Middle is a Special Olympics program that brings together students with and without disabilities to promote acceptance in schools. For more information, visit www.mimtexas.org.

The Houston Hot Shots Live Unified and Play Unified, and they like it that way! The Hot Shots and some friends from the high school service group Corby's Castle formed a Unified Volleyball team called The Towers. It's a decision they're all very happy that they made.

(Unified Sports is a program that combines athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to form sports teams for training and competition. Unified Sports dramatically increase inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities into the community by breaking down barriers that have historically kept these people apart.)

SOTX athlete Patricia Threatt said that playing with her Unified Partners has made her a better player. "We are now at a higher level of play. Now we can work together and do better," she said.

Unified Partner Lisa Eicher said that playing on a Unified Volleyball team allows her and the other Unified Partners to get to know their SOTX athletes as friends. They all agreed that they would encourage their friends to get involved in the Unified movement. "It's fun!"

Coach Susan Donaldson said she's pleased with the Unified Partner program. "Unified is wonderful. It brings the athlete's ability up a notch. We like our athletes to play hard, and playing with their Unified Partners also helps them with their social skills," she said.

And, with this week's announcement by the U.S. Department of Education that all schools in the United States will be required to provide athletic opportunities for all students, including those with intellectual disabilities, the future for Project UNIFY is very bright. The Houston Hot Shots and The Towers have shown us what the future could look like.

For more information about Project UNIFY, see our website at http://www.sotx.org/get-involved/athletes/sports/unified/.

       Central Texas area athlete, Vanessa Hargis, gets examined and fitted for a new pair of glasses and sports goggles       

When you're a basketball and bowling athlete, like Vanessa Hargis of Austin, there are two things you never want to be without: game and good vision.  Volunteers and physicians are participating at Winter Games to help our competitors out with the vision part.  On Friday, competitors took a break from their hectic schedules to stop by Opening Eyes for a vision exam and a fitting for eyeglasses.

Dr. Sylvian Ung of Texan Eye explained, "We're seeing a lot of nearsightedness, which is pretty common in this demographic. The [eye] pressure is good for many of the athletes." Poor pressure is often a sign of glaucoma.

Students from the University of Houston College of Optometry volunteered at Opening Eyes this year. They helped athletes find that perfect pair of glasses, goggles, and even sunglasses.

"UV protection is so important," said Dr. Ung.  "We're also testing color vision, depth perception and checking pupils", since pupils that are unequal may be a sign of a neurological issue.

It'll take about three weeks for athletes to receive their new glasses.  If you missed out on Opening Eyes today, be sure to stop by for an exam on Saturday anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Norris Conference Center.

David Hernandez is confident that he can accomplish anything. His participation in SOTX - Laredo area, not to mention the many medals he's earned over the years, has boosted his self esteem and given him the courage he needs to succeed. Hernandez joined SOTX in 1994 and competes in bowling, aquatics and athletics.  His hobbies are listening to music and dancing.

Meet Blaine

Special Olympics Texas athlete Blaine Hardin can’t remember a time when he wasn’t involved. He says that participating in SOTX has made him more outgoing and helped him be more confident in communicating with others.

That confidence helped Blaine get a job at Rapid Refill Ink in McKinney and to travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with Congressional members and talk to them about issues important to Special Olympics athletes.

Without SOTX, Blaine says, “I would feel desperate. I wouldn’t be the same person I am with SOTX in my life. I would be bored, lonely and not as outgoing.”

As the year winds down, Blaine asks that you take a moment to consider a tax-deductible donation to his favorite cause:

“Without donations, I wouldn't have the opportunity to make friends, compete in sports and better myself. There wouldn't be the staff to make things work. SOTX is a vehicle for me to have fun, compete in sports and make friends.”

Won't you please give?  Donate now.

To meet athletes just like Blaine, volunteer or be a fan in the stands at a competition in your community.  Check out our calendar.

David Miller and his family have been loyal champions of Special Olympics Texas for more than 10 years. As members of the Olympus Society, their David B. Miller Family Foundation has generously supported SOTX athletes.

As with most of our loyal advocates, the Millers have a personal reason for their philanthropy: a dear family friend who has greatly benefitted from her participation in Special Olympics Texas.

Cindy Johnston has been an athlete for 26 years, training and competing in numerous sports, including bowling, swimming, basketball and tennis.

“Over the years,” Miller said, “we have been able to observe how very important Special Olympics has been to Cindy. Just like any other athlete, she enjoys competing and being a member of a team, and Special Olympics is the avenue through which she has been able to have those experiences.”

Like any other serious athlete, Cindy is determined, focused and competitive. “I’ll share with you that she doesn’t like coming in second place!” Miller said.

The work that SOTX does is important, and others should consider making a meaningful gift to the organization, he said. “To our knowledge, Special Olympics is the only broad-based organization that affords children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to pursue their athletic interests.”

                                             Melinda Gabbard               Tamie Armstrong (center) and athletes attend a basketball game                                                                           

If you're in the Panhandle area on Christmas Eve, take a break from the good eatin' and turn on the TV. Pronews 7 will feature SOTX volunteers, Tamie Armstrong and Melinda Gabbard, in a special broadcast on outstanding volunteers around Amarillo! We can't wait to see these phenomenal ladies get recognized for their hard work and committment to our wonderful athletes!

Are you a fan of Special Olympics Texas?  Do you love to share your enthusiasm about SOTX with others?  Would you like to visit your legislators to garner support for Special Olympics Texas athletes... and to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities?  You can!  We're looking for athletes and volunteers from throughout the state who are interested in representing Texas at Special Olympics' 2013 National Hill Day in Washington, D.C. during either the last week of February or first week of March.* 

You'll tour some of Washington's most prestigious and historic locations; meet and network with your fellow athletes, volunteers, honored guests, and legislators from throughout the nation; make legislative visits to U.S. Senators and Representatives to share information and represent Special Olympics Texas; and enjoy special receptions featuring honored guests. 

ATHLETE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be at least 12 years old.

- If the athlete is NOT a Global Messenger, the athlete must be accompanied on the trip by a parent or guardian who is a Class A volunteer and submits a 2012 Hill Day Volunteer Nomination Form.   

- Must be able to travel via airplane.

- Must be able to complete a full day of visits at the Capitol.

- Must pay for your own airfare, hotel, some meals and personal expenses. 

- Must be available for travel either the last week of February (2/25-2/28) or the first week of March (3/4-3/8)*.

VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be a registered Class A volunteer (if you are not already a Class A volunteer, we will notify you of the steps that you must take to become one upon selection).

- Must be at least 21 years of age.

- Must be able to serve as an athlete chaperone.

- Must pay for your own airfare, hotel, some meals and personal expenses.

- Must be available for travel either the last week of February (2/25-2/28) or the first week of March (3/4-3/8)*.

SELECTION NOTE: In addition to meeting the above criteria, nominations will be reviewed in the order in which they were received, taking into account geographic representation and past attendance.  You will be representing the more than 44,000 athletes and 32,000 volunteers in Texas, so visits will be solely focused on promoting SOTX as a whole.   

Nominate yourself or someone you know for this once in a lifetime experience!  Please fill out the nomination form and submit it to Tela Mange, Vice President of Communications, no later than Jan. 4. 2013.  Forms may be emailed to Tela Mange (tmange@sotx.org), faxed to 512.835.7756 or mailed to Special Olympics Texas, ATTN: Tela Mange, 7715 Chevy Chase Drive, Suite 120, Austin, TX 78752.

Questions?  Email tmange@sotx.org or call 512.491.2928.

* The actual date of the Special Olympics Hill Day has not been set, but we believe the visit to Capitol Hill will be sometime during the last week of February or first week of March. We hope to know soon.

The holiday season is flying by, and you’re running out of time to find that perfect gift for that friend or family member who has everything already.

Don’t worry—we can help.

Make an online Tribute Donation in their name to Special Olympics Texas and we’ll take care of the rest—we’ll send them a snazzy card announcing your thoughtful gift and you’re done with your shopping list! Donate now.

Watch a video about Special Olympics Texas

Leslie Swaringim is a student at Magnolia Junior High School, a cheerleader and SOTX - Heart of East Texas area athlete.  When Swaringim is not cheering on her home team, she competes with the Magnolia Magic in bowling, basketball individual skills and athletics (track and field). 

She is the daughter of Scott and Connie Swaringim. Her big brother, Kyle, is a college student in San Antonio and always makes time to work with her on her sports skills when he comes home to visit.

Special Olympics Texas athletes will join the 210 members of Special Olympics Team USA for the first time in New York for Special Olympics Team USA’s official training camp, prior to their participation in the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in the Republic of Korea. The Games will take place January 29-February 5, 2013. Special Olympics Team USA is comprised of 151 athletes, 44 coaches, four medical personnel, and management team members from throughout the United States. Training camp is December 10-14 in Albany and Lake Placid, New York.

Central Texas area athletes Cory Gentry and Alex Miller will compete in figure skating. Thirty year old Gentry is a member of the Hill Country Stars team.  She started competing with SOTX in 2006 and also participates in basketball, soccer, softball and bowling, just to name a few sports. Twenty-three year old Miller joined SOTX in 1997 and competes with the Hill Country Stars and Chaparral Ice Diamond Spurs as an aquatics, powerlifting and tennis competitor. 

For more information on Special Olympics Team USA, go to www.specialolympicsteamusa.org.

As we enter the holiday season, this is an excellent time for those of us at Special Olympics Texas to reflect on what makes us thankful.

Recently, we polled Special Olympics athletes, families, coaches and volunteers to ask them what about Special Olympics Texas makes them thankful. Here are only a few of the responses:

• Athlete: “I’m thankful for my three decades with SOTX as an athlete and my (team) family and fellow athletes from across the state and family and friends.”
• Coach: “The perseverance of the athletes.”
• Volunteer: “Seeing their accomplishments, no matter how big or small, and being told ‘I love you this much’—with their arms stretched out as far as they can go.”
• Family member: “I am so glad there are people who totally understand my brother and let him have a good time while being healthy. SOTX is a big part of his life.”

SOTX is thankful to you, our supporters. Your generous support makes it possible for our athletes to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy.  Donate now.

Thank you.

At SOTX, there is a place for everyone, from athlete to coach, volunteer to sponsor, and more.  Get involved.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPPf9tBs8C8&feature=player_embedded

SOTX athletes from Down Home Ranch were treated to free computer skills training on November 20, courtesy of the new Microsoft store in Austin. Thanks, Microsoft!                    

Special Olympics Texas athlete Christine Victory is bubbly and vivacious. She lights up the room when she enters and it’s emptier when she leaves. Her positive, can-do attitude is contagious. She signs her emails “Life treat you great if you think you are great yourself.”

Christine has been an SOTX athlete for 27 years and serves on the SOTX Board of Directors as an athlete representative. “Special Olympics lets me meet new people and make friends,” she says. “I love running, competing and giving speeches about SOTX!”

Christine credits her participation in sports with expanding her world: Through Special Olympics, she has traveled far and wide—to China and North Carolina to compete in the Special Olympics World Games, to Panama and twice to Washington, D.C., to meet with Congressional members and talk to them about issues important to Special Olympics athletes.

Please help us continue the work that allows Christine—and 44,153 other SOTX athletes—to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy. Donate now.

Watch a video about Special Olympics Texas.

When Caroline Young’s parents asked her what she wanted for her 12^th birthday, she didn’t give them a typical pre-teen answer.  She didn’t want brand name clothes, the latest sneakers or the newest pop CD; she wanted money… to support people in her community with intellectual disabilities.  That’s when the first of many donations rolled in.  In just a few weeks, Young raised $1,000 to help support about 4,000 Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) athletes in the Greater Houston area. 

Young is a student in the Cy Fair school district.  She was motivated to raise money for SOTX after befriending two special needs classmates in her physical education class at Spillane Middle School.  Young even learned sign language on her own so that she could communicate with one of the students, who is nonverbal. 

Young created a big check for the big donation and delivered it, along with her contribution, to the local SOTX office.  That’s when the staff told her family about Over the Edge, a fundraiser that requires participants to raise a minimum of $1,000 to rappel down Embassy Suites Houston – Downtown.  Young decided to use the money she raised to send her big sister over the edge.  Molly Young will rappel down the 20-story building on November 17.

Fall Classic 2012

Team spirits were high as the Katy Wolf Pack faced-off against the Deer Park Fireballs at Veterans Park on October 27. The athletes were at the top of their game, baring all against the winter-like temperatures. Chris, also known by teammates as “Soccer”, knocked the ball into the outfield bringing in a teammate, adding a homerun to his list. Not long after, number 41, Brian, also had an incredible hit leading him to run all bases for a homerun-point. Two other members of the Wolf Pack were able to make it home!

Pictured l to r: HoD Jackie Jones and athletes, Chris Harris, Keith Anthony Gooden, Jadarious Miles and Toby Thomas

Some of the best golfers around are members of the Robertson County Rockets.  The four-member delegation from Hearne participated in individual skills, iron shots, wood shots, chip shots, pitch shots and putting skills at Fall Classic.  Coached by Jackie Jones, the team is always in good hands.  Jones became a SOTX coach 23 years ago and is proud of how much his team has grown and developed into a group of great golfers.

When Allan Hayhurst, Tony Thompson and Santiago Kidd lace up their running shoes on November 11 in San Antonio, the three Special Olympics Texas athletes will be going on a long run. A really long run: the 26.2-mile San Antonio Rock N Roll Marathon.

All three men live in a residential program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Stephenville.  The three have actually been training for the marathon since June 2012, but their coach, Bill Joe Averitt of The Company of Rock House, didn’t introduce the idea of the marathon until August.

“I had already put them in marathon training before letting them know what I was doing. It started with a goal of running a 10K. After they had completed that, I asked if they would be interested to go farther...a full marathon. They accepted the challenge,” Averitt said, and he’s been training alongside them every step of the way—and he will run the marathon with them as well.

So far this year, they’ve run a 10K in Hamilton, Texas, and a half marathon in Glen Rose. The Glen Rose race was particularly challenging, Averitt said. “It was a very challenging race because of all the tough hills,” he said.

The three have varying levels of experience in distance running.

Hayhurst, 37, had run a half marathon with Averitt back in 2005, but the two didn’t complete the training to run an actual marathon that year. Hayhurst said he’s having fun training for the marathon.  “I enjoys running,” he said.

Thompson, 37, had tried to run a 5K in 2007 but dropped out. In 2009, he returned to running and completed a 5K, as well as 1,500m and 3,000m races that year. He completed his first 10K and half marathon races this year. Thompson said that training for the marathon has allowed him to “make new friends from different places (in the races). I like the sense of hard work of running a marathon and knowing I did my best."

In this year’s Glen Rose half marathon, Hayhurst ran a 2:40 race and Thompson came in at 2:53. “This was not their best time due to several high elevations and hills, but they never gave up,” Averitt said.

Kidd, 19, is new to long distance running but has taken to it quickly. “I recruited him as soon as he arrived at The Rock House,” Averitt said, “when I discovered his athletic ability.” The Glen Rose half marathon was easy for Kidd, Averitt said. “He ran it in two hours flat, like it was nothing to him.”

Kidd said he enjoys “learning to set my pace and pacing myself during a race.”

Averitt, who finished the Glen Rose race in 2:20, has been coaching Special Olympics teams since Fall 2005. He is a certified Special Olympics coach in nine sports and is currently serving his first term as a member of the Area Sports Management Team for the Greater Fort Worth area of Special Olympics Texas.

Training for and running a marathon was a natural progression for the three men and their coach.

“I believe giving them a challenge of running a marathon gives us an equal opportunity that does not separate us by disabilities. I am facing the same challenges as my special needs athletes. The mental  and physical aspect of the run are the same,” Averitt said. “We all have same struggles and same emotions. I've had good run days and bad run days. So did they. So when they run a full marathon, they'll be experiencing the same emotional experiences as tens of thousands of other people did. We are equal as normal human beings.” 

Averitt said he has been impressed with his athletes’ commitment to the marathon training.

“We are at a stage where we are becoming physically and mentally drained. We are ready for it to happen and be over with. We're tired. But what's amazing is that they're not giving up. I had given them plenty of opportunities to back out because I do not want them to do something against their will,” Averitt said. “But they want to keep going. Tony told me that he wanted to keep going, that he would ‘give me 110%’ and Allan said that ‘We’ve gone this far, we can't stop now’. They are truly living up to the Special Olympics athlete's oath: ‘Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’”

If the three athletes aren’t able to complete the marathon in San Antonio, Averitt said he will still be proud of them and what they’ve accomplished. What he wonders about, though, is how the “mainstream” community will see his athletes. “Are we inspiring them? Had we proven to them that people with disabilities can accomplish something that MOST people can't?  Will our story move them?”

In the Little Cypress-Mauriceville school district, both students and teachers make every effort to meet in the middle.  The district joined the Project UNIFY - Meet in the Middle program three years ago and since then, there have been some big changes around Bear Country.  Participants quickly realized that MIM not only benefits typically developing students by allowing them to become aware of intellectual disabilities, but it also benefits intellectually disabled students by increasing their confidence in themselves.

Click here for The Bear Facts.

Lauren Barber is all smiles after a recent aquatics competition. 
She received medals for the 50m backstroke, 25m breastroke, 50m freestyle and 4x25m freestyle relay.

Fourteen year old Lauren Barber competes in athletics (track and field), softball, soccer, aquatics, tennis and volleyball in the Heart of Texas area.  The Priority Charter School freshman with the wide grin became involved with SOTX this year, but is already a multi-gold medal winner.  Since joining the organization, Barber has become more confident in herself and improved her overall physical health.  Her competitive and winning spirit seems to be hereditary.  Barber's big sister, Julie, is also a SOTX competitor and participates in many of the same sports.

When she's not racking up medals and ribbons, Barber plays Wii video games and swims in her spare time.

If you have ever dreamt about having your local police officers wait on you, now is your chance! Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (Red Robin), Special Olympics and law enforcement officers in cities across the country will be serving guests at Red Robin^® restaurants on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 to raise funds for Special Olympics Programs through in-restaurant Tip-A-Cop^® events. At 380 Red Robin restaurants in 39 states, law enforcement officers will trade in their handcuffs and badges between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. to earn tips from restaurant guests to benefit their local Special Olympics Program.

Participating locations in the Greater Dallas and Greater Fort Worth areas are located at 1701 William D. Tate Avenue in Grapevine; 421 East Interstate 20 Highway in Arlington; 5731 Long Prairie Road in Flower Mound; 5031 N. Garland Avenue in Garland and 229 N. Highway 67 in Cedar Hill. 

Participating locations in the Greater Houston and Gulf Coast areas are located at 11200 Broadway Street, Suite 1500 in Pearland; 23318 Mercantile Parkway in Katy and 10465 Richmond Avenue in Houston.

Powerlifting and basketball athlete, Jacob Wempe, is a National Games competitor with plenty of medals to show for his hard work and competitive spirit.  A graduate of Bowie High School in Austin, Wempe volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul Society and now helps train varsity football players at Bowie.  He also works as a "greeter" in a well-known local hamburger restaurant

Besides medals and ribbons, Wempe has a little extra motivation to do his best at competition, his dad is his powerlifting coach.  An athlete since 2000, Wempe's family said SOTX has changed his life for the better.  His social skills have improved and so has his health - he is down to a healthier weight since he joined SOTX.  In his spare time, Wempe stays very active by swimming, playing golf and dancing.  He also likes to watch movies and listen to music.

Students at Dueitt Middle School in Houston honored the mission of Eunice Kennedy Shriver during the 3rd annual EKS Day on September 22.  They hosted an EKS Sports Day on campus and wore green to signify solidarity.  EKS Day is a celebration of Shriver’s life and a global challenge for people to promote inclusion, acceptance and unity for and with people with intellectual disabilities. 

Every year, Special Olympics Texas hosts an awards ceremony to recognize the volunteers, athletes, families and businesses that make the Special Olympics Texas experience possible for our athletes.  Special Olympics Texas would like to congratulate our 2012 Chapter Award Winners listed below.

Male Athlete of the Year (15-21): Brennan O'Donnell
Brennan O’Donnell is an aquatics, bowling, basketball, athletics (track and field), golf and powerlifting athlete from Round Rock.  He joined the movement in 1999 and serves the organization as a Global Messenger and member of the Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs). When O’Donnell is not going for the gold at a SOTX competition, he serves his community as an Eagle Scout.

Male Athlete of the Year (22+): Lyndon LaPlante
Lyndon LaPlante is a golf, powerlifting and equestrian athlete from the Greater Fort Worth area.  He began competing with SOTX in 1995 and now serves the organization as a member of the ALPs and Global Messenger.

Female Athlete of the Year (15-21): Dalia Martinez
Dalia Martinez joined SOTX in 2001 and competes in roller skating, basketball, athletics (track and field), equestrian and bowling events in the San Antonio area. 

Female Athlete of the Year (22+): Leanne Owens
Leanne Owens is a longtime SOTX athlete who joined the movement in 1984.  The figure skating, basketball, bocce, golf, aquatics and bowling competitor is also an assistant coach, Global Messenger and member of the Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs) in the Greater Dallas area. 

Volunteer of the Year: Amy Ramey
Amy Ramey became involved with the movement more than 30 years ago and has dedicated well over 1,500 hours as a results director at state Games, volunteer at area and regional competitions and committee member in the San Antonio area.

Coach of the Year: J'Nette Thorne
J'Nette Thorne became involved with SOTX in 1996 and dedicates her time to the organization in a variety of roles.  She is a head of delegation in the Panhandle area, trainer, chaperone, competition director for several sports and member of the Area Sports Management Team (ASMT) and Games Committee.  Thorne is currently involved with athletics (track & field), bowling, basketball, powerlifting, tennis and many other SOTX sports.

Outstanding Volunteer for Sports and Competition: Sherri Mell
Sherri Mell first volunteered in 1994 and is a head of delegation and coach for basketball, bowling, roller skating, athletics and equestrian competitions in the San Antonio area.

Outstanding Service for Outreach: Abigail Wylie
Abigail Wylie began volunteering with SOTX in 2007 as an aquatics coach in the Greater Houston area.  During her time with the organization, she’s helped implement and grow the Young Athletes (YA) program in the Katy school district.  YA is a sports play program designed to introduce children ages two to seven to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age eight.  Today, K.I.S.D. has more than 100 Young Athletes.

Outstanding Volunteer for Fundraising: Hector Amaya
Hector Amaya has contributed more than $130,000 in cash and in-kind donations to SOTX this year.  He became involved with the movement in 2011 and serves on the planning committee and secures the title sponsorship for the annual Coca-Cola Celebrity Golf Classic event in Houston.  Amaya also commits his time as a volunteer at state Games and local and regional SOTX events and competitions.

Outstanding Service from a Civic or Service Organization: Alhambra
The International Order of Alhambra became involved with SOTX in 1985 and on average, has about 25 members who regularly volunteer at area fundraisers and competitions.  The group’s purpose is to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities and its participants supply everything from food and labor to cooks and servers at SOTX events.  Alhambra has also raised tens of thousands of dollars for Greater El Paso area athletes over the past 32 years.

Family of the Year: The Bethea Family
Robert and Shelley Bethea began volunteering in 2005 and have a son and daughter who compete in the program.  Mrs. Bethea is a certified coach in six SOTX sports and Mr. Bethea is on the South Texas area’s Spring Games committee.  Both also help out with local fundraisers and trainings in the South Texas area.

Unified Sports Partner of the Year: Gary Schwartz
Gary Schwartz is a lifelong SOTX volunteer in the South Texas area.  He became involved with SOTX in 1983 as a coach for his son’s team.  He now serves on the training committee and is a bowling competition director, as well as a committee member, coach and Unified Partner.

Outstanding Service from a Business/Corporation: Southwest Dairy Farmers
Southwest Dairy Farmers became involved with SOTX in 2000 as a Summer Games sponsor.  Today, the Greater Fort Worth area company is also a Fall Classic sponsor and has contributed more than $30,000 in cash and in-kind donations to SOTX this year.  During their 12 years of participation, Southwest Dairy Farmers has contributed more than $240,000 in financial support to SOTX.

Outstanding Service from a Community Leader: Roberto Santos
Roberto Santos began participating in SOTX in 2004.  He’s served the organization as an awards presenter at local bowling competitions and Spring Games.  As superintendent of the United I.S.D. in Laredo, Santos was compelled to get involved after seeing firsthand the impact that Special Olympics Texas had on his community.  He even donates the district’s Student Activity Complex to SOTX for athlete practices and area events.

Trainer of the Year: Shirley Johnson
Shirley Johnson is a 44-year San Antonio area volunteer and serves as a head coach (certified in more than 6 sports), member of the State Presidents Advisory Committee and Families Committee, just to name a few activities. 

SOTX - San Antonio area would like to thank Daryl Sattler and Jeff Jennings of the San Antonio Scorpions for coming out to the Area Softball Competition on August 4 and 11. They signed more than 60 autographs for the softball athletes. Thank you for supporting our competitors and making a difference in the lives of our athletes!  

Josh Hefner will escort Aaliyah Sun at Homecoming

Congratulations to Josh Hefner!  His classmates have voted him onto the 2012 Homecoming Court.  Hefner is a popular student at West Texas High School in Stinnett.  He is honored and excited that his peers chose him to represent them at the big game.  The school will announce homecoming court winners at Friday's pep rally. 

Hefner is a senior at W.T.H.S. and helps out as a coach for the basketball team and plays in the school band.  He joined SOTX 13 years ago and is an athletics (track and field) competitor.

Good luck, Josh!

The 13^th annual Special Olympics North America Golf Invitational Tournament will kick off Thursday at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park, Arizona. The event runs September 6-9 and 26 SOTX athletes are among the 200 Special Olympics participants set to compete in several different levels.  Level I competition consists of an individual skills contest, where six golf skills are tested. Level II is an alternate shot team play, where a Special Olympics athlete is paired with a non-Special Olympics partner of more advanced skill for a 9-hole competition. Level III is Unified Sports® team play, pairing Special Olympics and Unified partners of similar ability for an 18-hole competition. Levels IV and V are individual stroke play 9-hole and 18-hole competitions, respectively.

Level 1 

Athletes Cole Wells and Adam Young - Greater Dallas area

Level II

Athletes Shannon Wilkinson and Josh Dowden and their Unified Partners, Marty Smith and Kent Dowden - Greater Dallas area

Unified Partner Bill McLendon and athlete James Michael Badger - Greater Fort Worth area

Athlete Stacy Brown and Unified Partner, Bill Brown - Greater Houston area

Level III

Athlete Steven Hirschman and Unified Partner, Alan Hirschman - Greater Houston area

Athlete Blaine Hardin and Unified Partner, Dean Hardin - Greater Dallas area

L to R front row: Athletes Michael Gallagher, Tim Braun and Jonathan Blackmon
L to R second row: Coach Bill Gallagher, Michael's caddie; Dave Braun, Tim's caddie; and John McCulley, Jonathan's Unified Partner - Greater Dallas area

Level IV

Athletes Erika Johnson, Buddy Randall and Doug Sullivan and Doug's caddie, Jo Keeney - Greater Dallas area

Athlete Kevin Harrell and his caddie, Jim Hodges - Greater Houston area

Level V

Athletes Chris Holmes and Miles Stroud, and Assistant Golf Coach Joe Stroud, Miles' caddie - Greater Houston area

Athlete Kyle Butts - San Antonio area

Athlete Blair Claghorn - Greater Houston area

Match Point Tennis Participants (Photo Courtesy Rovo)

5 years and going strong the Match Point Tennis Tournament in Houston is a perfect example of living and playing unified.

Kim and Don Richards have found a way to bring a real awareness to the athletes in Special Olympics Texas by pairing them up with a Unified partner during a 2-day tennis tournament.  The tournament, which has 26 athletes and 26 unified partners, is played indoors at the Galleria Tennis and Athletic Club in Houston. It’s something that has grown over the years and has attracted participants from Louisiana and Georgia.

“It’s more about the fun, than about the competition,” says Kim Richards.  “We really strive on the fun and the building of social skills, but over the past year we’ve seen the level of competition grow.”

It’s all about building upon those relationships.  The first day before competition begins there is a “Thank You” party where the unified partners gather to find out who their playing partner will be. That’s right - they don’t know who they will be paired up with until they get to the party.  Then it’s like the “Oscars”, where each unified partner receives an envelope that contains the name and bio of their athlete playing partner.  That’s when they begin to form the relationship and get to know each other a little bit better.

This year unified partners ranged from high school seniors to tennis players in their late 70s.  It’s that range that creates a really inclusive environment where everyone is learning and having fun playing tennis.

Of course all this wouldn’t be possible without the help of GTAC (Galleria Tennis and Athletic Club), Special Olympics Texas coach Cyndi Benson and Houston Area Director Renee Klovenski.

What’s in store for Match Point Tournament in the future? Maybe a regional tournament in the Arkansas/Texas area, but there’s no timetable set. Right now, Kim and Don are having a blast putting this on every year.

“If I won the lottery, I would do Match Point Tournaments all over the place. I just love doing this tournament,” says Kim Richards.  

To see more pictures and learn more about Match Point Tennis Tournament go to Kim and Don Richards Family Foundation website.

Congratulations to the South Plains area on being awarded an $800 grant from the Lubbock Area Foundation.  The foundation includes the Mrs. Fern Cone Endowment, Roy & Lela Furr Fund, C.R. & Virginia Hutcheson Charitable Fund, Hassel Endowment, Horizon Fund, the H.D. Snell Endowment and the Gladys Leftwich Endowment.  The South Plains area will use the grant to help fund local competitions for nearly 700 athletes and volunteer expenses. 

Volunteers are needed for the Data Entry Project for the 2012 Fall Classic. We need people who can assist our staff in entering the competition data for the athletes into our Games database. Some keyboarding experience is helpful, but not required.  If you can join us, simply click HERE to check out the list of available shifts and sign up. Follow the directions about how to reserve the number of “tickets” (positions) you would like. Snacks and beverages will be available during each shift.

My name is Billy Cade.  I am a sophomore at Johnson High School where I participate in the Army JROTC program.  This year I competed in the first Special Needs Division, Color Guard competition at our annual Skills Meet.  I carry the Texas flag proudly!  I have also presented Colors with my JROTC Color Guard team at the 2011 DSASA Buddy Walk.  That was cool because the Buddy Walk promotes awareness about Down Syndrome.  I was able to demonstrate that Down Syndrome should not hold anyone back from being involved in what we want to do.  In November of 2011, I was presented with an Achiever of the Year Award by the ARC of San Antonio because of my accomplishments in the JROTC program.  This award was such an honor!

Special Olympics is also very important to me.  I participate in soccer, basketball, track and field, bowling and softball.  Soccer is my favorite.  I have played with NEYSO Special Teams in both the fall and spring seasons since I was five.  Thanks to coaches and other parents we were mentored, at an early age, to stay with the program and the results will follow.  This has proved itself over and over again.  I love my coaches and my teammates and look forward to state games every spring.

I am involved with our church youth program and choir.  Youth group has given me the opportunity to bond with my teenage peers…they get to know me and I get to know them.  This has been great all the way around.  I have also been able to participate in community service projects.  Wednesday evenings I am in confirmation and Sunday evenings, fellowship with other teens.  The choir program allows me the opportunity to express my love of music.  I was even cast in the production of Beauty and the Beast our church put on this past summer.

Finally, I just want everyone to understand that I am a teen.  I love music and love to dance.  I listen to my I-touch as continuously as I can and love Guitar Hero and Wii Dance.  I have two sisters, Jessica and Cathy.  Jessica is in college and Cathy is in 7^th grade.  We have two big dogs, a cat and a gold fish.  Oh….I love Mom and Dad too.

Last year my family and I had a meeting with my service coordinator and he told me about Special Olympics. My life up until that point consisted of working at the Amarillo State Center and going to school part-time. So I decided to try it out so and I have loved every minute of it.

Competing in sports is a wonderful activity for me. It’s a good way to get out of the house. Participating in team sports really makes me feel like a winner. I play for the Texas Panhandle Center Stars in basketball, bowling and track.

My first sport was basketball and during our first scrimmage, I made the game-winning assist to help my teammate score the winning bucket. I noticed that I was getting better each week that I practiced. When we had our area region tournament, I scored a basket in the first game which helped lead us to victory. In our second game however, we played very hard against another team but came up short and took 2nd place.

When track season came around my coach asked me what events I wanted to do, so I decided to try the 100 meter run, softball throw and the relay. In our first meet my team got 2nd in the relay, and I got 3rd in the 100 meter run and 4th in softball throw.  At our area Spring games I was able to win the 100 meter run, finished 2nd in the relay and the 2nd in softball throw. No matter what happened, I always had a smile on my face because I was having the time of my life.

I’m looking forward to doing it all again next year. Every time I look at my medals on my wall I look back to getting them and smile because I know even when I didn't win, I tried my best and that’s all that matters.

Being involved with the Special Olympics has taught me how to make friends, become a good teammate and allowed me to become more open to my disability. It’s something that no one can take away from me.

(Iesha Adams just finished her first full year competing in Special Olympics in the Panhandle Area.)

Come out and cheer on SOTX athletes as they participate in the annual Match Point Tennis Tournament, hosted by The Kim and Don Richards Family Foundation, August 10-11. They'll compete in Singles and Unified Doubles events at the Galleria Tennis and Athletic Club in Houston. The competition is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both days. There is no cost to attend.

On August 9, the Professional Tennis Registry will host a FREE workshop from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the GTAC.  The workshop is for certification, re-certification and potential new tennis coaches. For more information, contact Celia Newhart at cnewhart@sotx.org.