Special Olympics Vermont : LATEST PRESS RELEASES

Washington, D.C. – The countdown has begun. In just one short year, Idaho USA will play host to the world for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. From February 6-13 2009, nearly 3,000 athletes from 85 countries will compete in seven Olympic-type sports: Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and speed skating. Held in the spectacular mountains of Boise and Sun Valley, Idaho, the 2009 World Games is expected to be the largest World Winter Games in the history of the movement.

The Special Olympics World Games, held every two years and alternating between Summer and Winter Games, are much more than just a sporting event. In addition to showcasing the skills and achievements of Special Olympics athletes, the 2009 World Games will embody the movement’s messages of acceptance and inclusion. These Games will bring together heads of state, celebrities and leaders in the fields of education, healthcare, business and sports to witness firsthand Special Olympics’ ability to transform communities and the lives of more than 190 million people worldwide with intellectual disabilities. Most important, the 2009 World Games will focus on the power of young people as leaders in shattering stereotypes and changing attitudes.

“The global Special Olympics movement is bigger and stronger than ever,” said Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver. “But there is still a lot of work to be done. A generation of young people is looking for something to inspire them, to engage them, something they can take ownership of and pride in. Our athletes provide that inspiration every day, and we invite the world to experience it firsthand.”

Among the highlights of the 2009 World Games are: a Global Law Enforcement Torch Run, sponsored by DHL, culminating in the Flame of Hope lighting the Special Olympics cauldron at Opening Ceremony; a Host Town Program in which delegations will spend four days prior to Opening Ceremony living in Idaho communities to learn about American culture and acclimate to a new environment, while helping the citizens of Idaho learn more about people with intellectual disabilities; a Global Youth Summit where young people with and without intellectual disabilities will share ideas for involving youth in the Special Olympics movement; the Special Olympics Sports Experience, which provides a firsthand opportunity for the community to meet and experience the joy of competition with Special Olympics athletes; Special Olympics Healthy Athletes®, through which athletes receive free health assessments and services; and the Family Forum, which enables family members of Special Olympics athletes to connect with a network of friends and supporters and to learn more about the opportunities available with Special Olympics.

“Idaho has the great honor of hosting the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games,” said Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter. “It will be my privilege as Governor to welcome the world to our home and to invite everyone to be a fan of both this tremendous international event and the Special Olympics global movement. We are looking forward to a competitive extravaganza – as well as a diverse and profoundly human experience as the athletes showcase their abilities on the world stage.”

For more information about the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, visit www.2009worldgames.org

About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition to 2.5 million adults and children with intellectual disabilities across 165 countries. The Special Olympics movement offers one of the world's greatest platforms for acceptance and inclusion for all people--regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or cultural differences. Corporate sponsors of Special Olympics include: adidas, Bank of America, The Coca-Cola Company, DHL, Mattel, Inc. and Mattel Children's Foundation, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Find out how you can become involved at www.specialolympics.org.

Usually only a handful of cars can be seen loitering around the parking lot of Suicide Six, even on a mid-March Saturday morning. But today, the lot is stuffed to the brim with buses and cars and even more vehicles are parked at odd angles in the muddy field on the opposite side of the road. The ski slopes are teeming with people of all shapes and sizes and unfamiliar crescendos of cheers echo through the lumpy hills of Pomfret, along with blaring trumpet fanfares. Strange doings for such a small ski area in central Vermont. With all the hoopla, one might think the Olympics have come to town. Actually they have – The Vermont Special Olympics is in full regalia.

I’ve never been to a Special Olympic event and I’ve had little interaction with the intellectually disabled. I consider myself a card-carrying-new-age sensitive guy, but I must say I don’t have a clue as to proper terminology, how to communicate with those with limited verbal skills, and how to sort out my own naïve misperceptions from reality. Thankfully, I have a good guide – Bob Kay a Special Olympic athlete from Burlington, Vermont.

I’m first introduced to Kay at the reception at the Woodstock Inn preceding opening ceremonies on Friday evening, and he doesn’t waste any time in shattering misperceptions. He’s 33-years old with the shoulders of a linebacker and the girth of a Sumo wrestler. What’s more surprising, however, is that he’s completely articulate in explaining the structure of the event, while we make a serious dent in the hors d’ourves. Kay points out that the ages of the competitors range from 8 to 60; they come from all over the State, representing various regional organizations; and all have varying degrees of intellectual disability, which may or may not be manifested in physical appearance. Okay, so much for referring to the athletes as “kids,” and assuming all the participants are non-verbal.

The town of Woodstock lays out the red carpet for the athletes. The town green has been cleared of three feet of snow for the Parade of Delegates and to assemble a stage for Opening Ceremonies, and despite a few complaints about a crushed park bench or two, throngs assemble to welcome the athletes. Even Governor, Jim Douglas is on hand to officially open the Games. The athletes respond to the ovations with beaming smiles and pumped fists. As fireworks boom from the top of nearby Mt. Tom, red and purple light sparkles on the faces of the awestruck athletes.

Kay arrives early Saturday morning with his Chittenden Delegation ready for the slalom race, which will be followed by a giant slalom and super G on Sunday. Like all the athletes Bob skis with a Mountain Guide, who is responsible for making sure the athletes arrive at the correct venue at the right time. With over 200 athletes competing in one of three ability levels of alpine racing, in addition to various cross-country divisions, it would be easy for any of them to end up in West Bridgewater.

I’m nervous for Kay as race time approaches, but Kay is as cool as a cucumber. He’s busily eating donuts and joking endlessly with his friends in the chaotic din of the base lodge. Kay’s been participating in Vermont Special Olympic competition since he was a teenager, and skiing since he was 12, thanks to a local program at Cochran’s Ski Area. He’s won his share of gold medals, not only in ski racing, but also in bowling, basketball and golf, but be that as it may, Kay has trained hard for this event and I assume his heart is set on the gold.

Kay wins his first race, but after my effuse congratulations, he senses that I’m missing the point. “Look,” he says. “There are about fifteen athletes in the expert race, and five divisions. Three athletes in each division get medals at the awards’ ceremonies and the rest get ribbons.” After stumbling over the numbers, the lights finally go on. “Nearly everyone gets a medal or earns a ribbon for placing? So, it’s not all about winning?” I ask rhetorically.

That point is driven home when I wander over to the podium set up in front of athletes’ tent, where one of the divisions of the beginners’ race is being awarded. Some need help getting up on the podium, others appear confused or too shy to come forward. But finally all are assembled, their names are announced, and medals placed around their necks. Pandemonium then ensues. With the Olympic theme song blaring over the loudspeaker, the cheers of teammates, family and friends wash over the athletes, and I’ve rarely seen such unabashed joy. The athletes only have a short time to bask in the spotlight before the familiar Olympic trumpets quickly fade away, but as the athletes return to their mountain guides and friends for another round of hugs, the smiles on the athletes might last an eternity.

Kay does win all three events in his division in tightly contested races where tenths separate gold from bronze. But there are no hard feelings among his competitors, no bruised egos, and no excuses. As a matter of fact there isn’t even a scoreboard. Times are announced, but most athletes either don’t listen or can’t process what they mean, including Kay. I wish all ski racing could be this pure.

“I came through and won some golds,” reflected Kay. “But I would have been just fine if it hadn’t happened that way. I’ve seen a lot of friends, tried hard, and had a lot of fun skiing. That’s what matters the most to me.”

Contact: Donna Diaz, Director of Sports

Special Olympics Vermont

(802) 863-5222 ext. 104

261 ATHLETES COMPETED IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS VERMONT
WINTER GAMES 2008

Woodstock, VT- Approximately 261 athletes from across the state competed in the 2008 Special Olympics Vermont Winter Games held the weekend of March 14th-16th at the Woodstock Inn and Resort, Suicide Six Ski Area. Participation in the 2008 Games increased 32% over last year.

The 2008 Special Olympics Vermont Winter Games was divided into three days of competition including Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoe and Snowboarding. All competition was held at the Suicide Six Ski Area, while the athletes and coaches stayed at the town’s beautiful Woodstock Inn and Resort.

On Friday, March 14th schools from around Vermont competed in Unified Snowshoe events. Unified Sports® pairs an individual with an intellectual disability (athlete) on the same team as an individual without a disability (partner). The athlete and partner compete together, supporting one another on and off the field. The partnership provides a forum for positive social interaction between students of all abilities.

On Friday Evening, the games kicked off with opening ceremonies organized by The Woodstock Rotary. The Green was decorated with festive streamers and a glowing bonfire. Bob Hager, former NBC Correspondent and Master of Ceremonies led the athletes onto the Green. Upper Valley Hawkes athlete and Global Messenger Laura Buchanan excited the crowd while local signer Samantha Haas sang the national anthem. Ending the ceremony with a boom, fireworks shot off the top of Mount Tom lighting up the snow covered mountain.

On Day two, Saturday March 14th, snowshoe, snowboarding, cross country and alpine competition went off without a hitch. All athletes received awards for their strong efforts. Other activities throughout the day included eye exams by Dr. Bernal, therapeutic messages by EuroSpa and sleigh rides at Billings Farm and Museum. The day of competition concluded with the Annual Awards Banquet where Special Olympics Vermont recognized the outstanding efforts of its volunteers and participants. Following the awards banquet, athletes, coaches, friends, family and volunteers danced the night away.

On Day three, Sunday March 16th the games concluded with a final day of competition, and the last day for the athletes competing in the Winter Games to show off their athleticism and spirit for the games. Athlete David Burke of Bennington expressed that his favorite part of the games is seeing all of his Fans, while Graham Robinson of Upper Valley Hawkes enjoys his teammates and skiing. The day successfully ended with a bbq on the deck of the lodge and a brief closing ceremony for the competitors.

Competitors and their results can be found at the following website: http://www.vtso.org/competitionresultsfolder/2008WinterGames/

Mission Statement:
Special Olympics provides year-round training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience, joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. The spirit of Special Olympics transcends boundaries of geography, nationality, political philosophy, age, gender, race and religion.

Unified Sports® is a registered program of Special Olympics International, combines individuals with intellectual disabilities (athletes) and individuals without intellectual disabilities (partners) on sports teams for training and competition. The Unified Sports® program pairs an athlete and a partner of similar age and athletic ability. The two compete side-by-side, each one a meaningful and integral part of the Unified Sports® team. Schools and communities across Vermont are participating in Unified Sports®. Five of the twelve sports include a Unified component. As athletes and partners train and compete together, they foster ties that develop into friendships both on and off the athletic field. The relationship prepares students for a lifetime of healthy, informed choices with positive social interaction between students with and without intellectual disabilities.

“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
~Athletes Oath

TD Banknorth Donates $3,200 To Special Olympics Vermont
o Lake Monsters & Mountaineers Earn Home Runs For Charity

Burlington, VT – January 15, 2008 The Vermont Lake Monsters, the Vermont Mountaineers and TD Banknorth Charitable Foundation have teamed up in support of Special Olympics Vermont. Through the TD Banknorth Home Runs for Charity program, TD Banknorth donated $100 to Special Olympics Vermont every time the Lake Monsters or the Mountaineers hit a home run. The 2007 baseball season racked up a total of 32 home runs, earning a total of $3,200 for Special Olympics.

“TD Banknorth, the Vermont Lake Monsters and the Vermont Mountaineers created a win-win situation with our Home Runs for Charity program,” stated Philip R. Daniels, President TD Banknorth Vermont. “Both off and on the field, competitive sports can provide Special Olympic athletes with opportunities for personal growth and development. By supporting Special Olympics, more than 1000 Vermont athletes can participate in year round sports training and competitions.”

The TD Banknorth Charitable Grant will support continuing growth and acceptance of all persons with intellectual disabilities. “The Home Runs for Charity program and our ongoing association with TD Banknorth provides our athletes an opportunity to become a fan of baseball, and for everyone in Vermont to become a fan of Special Olympics.” stated Bill Porreca, President/CEO Special Olympics Vermont. Special Olympics Vermont is a volunteer managed collection of community and school based teams from throughout Vermont with the sole purpose of providing sports training and athletic competition to persons with intellectual disabilities, ultimately changing lives and attitudes.

"The partnership between TD Banknorth and the Vermont Lake Monsters has truly been a Grand Slam. Their contributions throughout our local communities are second to none and the Vermont Lake Monsters could not ask for a better teammate in helping to raise funds for Special Olympics of Vermont" stated C.J. Knudsen, General Manager Vermont Lake Monsters. Brian Gallagher, General Manager of the Vermont Mountaineers, agrees "It’s a great cause and the Mountaineers are proud to be involved with TD Banknorth in supporting Special Olympics Vermont, the athletes and their families.”

Photo Caption: TD Banknorth Donates $3,200 To Special Olympics Vermont
Pictured left to right: Philip Daniels, President TD Banknorth Vermont and William Poreca, Executive Director, Special Olympics of Vermont.

About TD Banknorth Inc.
TD Banknorth Inc. is a leading banking and financial services company headquartered in Portland, Maine, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of TD Bank Financial Group headquartered in Toronto, Canada. TD Banknorth is one of the 25 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States, with over $58 billion in assets. TD Banknorth's banking subsidiaries include TD Banknorth, N.A., which operates banking divisions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, and TD Bank USA, N.A. TD Banknorth and TD Banknorth, N.A. also operate subsidiaries and divisions in insurance, wealth management, merchant services, mortgage banking, government banking, private label credit cards, insurance premium financing and other financial services and offers investment products in association with PrimeVest Financial Services, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.TDBanknorth.com.

About the TD Banknorth Charitable Foundation
The TD Banknorth Charitable Foundation is the charitable giving arm of TD Banknorth Inc., a leading banking and financial services company headquartered in Portland, Maine. The Foundation’s mission is to serve the individuals, families and businesses in all the communities where TD Banknorth operates, having made over $22 million in charitable donations since its inception in 2002. The efforts of the Foundation are coordinated locally through TD Banknorth’s community development department and are focused on the areas of economic empowerment, youth development and community support. More information on the TD Banknorth Charitable Foundation including an online grant application is available at www.TDBanknorth.com.

Woodstock, VT - On the weekend of March 14th-16th, the Woodstock community will have the buzz of Olympic spirit in the air as it hosts the 2008 Special Olympics Vermont Winter Games at Suicide Six.

For anyone who has ever been involved in sports, no matter what level, it is obvious that it has a major impact on all involved. Special Olympic athletes experience nothing less and often more, using sport to “develop physical fitness, find acceptance, become confident and aspire to greatness in other aspects of their lives.” Vermont is home to 650 Special Olympic athletes who train and compete in forty-two communities. These athletes are now counting down to the day they begin their nine week training session that will gear them up for the 2008 Winter Games at Suicide Six, including Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoe events.

Although the athletes are a large part of the games, it takes much more than their competitive spirit, the passionate help of their coaches and a venue for such events to take place. It requires the help of numerous volunteers, sponsors and funding. This year more SOVT is looking to raise more money than in the past. There are a few reasons that more money is needed this year. A night of accommodations has been added for athletes and coaches so that everyone will be able to attend the opening ceremonies on Friday night. It also has to do with the fact that each and every year the number of athletes participating in the games increases. “This compounds to positive change that we will look forward to supporting through statewide sponsorship and community support,” stated Nicole Dhyrman of SOVT.

The supporting cost to send an athlete to the Winter Games is approximately $150. For many, whether it is a private donor or a business, large or small, it is a monetary donation, but to the athlete that you support it is a chance to follow through with their dreams and make a difference in their lives that will impact them forever.

As Dyhrman said, “It is amazing to think that such a straight forward gesture of kindness can have such a profound impact on someone’s life, but that is precisely what happens when it comes to donations of time and money to Special Olympics Vermont. Your support will allow athletes the opportunity to compete in a first class competition where they can showcase their skills, experience the joy of competition, meet new friends, and celebrate their extraordinary achievements. It is the culmination of dedication, determination and hard work.”

If you are interested in donating your time by volunteering, please contact Tammy Stanwood, Games Management Director at 5stanwood@comcast.net. You will not only help make a difference in the life of these athletes, you will make a difference in your own.

Special Olympics Vermont helps bring down the 2007 Capitol Christmas Tree from the Green Mountain National Forest.

Jim White, a Special Olympics Vermont volunteer and coach from the Bennington area, and retired forester, invited athletes of Special Olympics Vermont to participate in the cutting of a 55” Christmas tree headed to the Capitol in Washington DC. On November 16th 2007 athletes from the local Bennington Special Olympics Program treaded through the snow and mud to reach the site of the Capitol Christmas Tree Cutting. The athletes helped with the ceremonial cut in the thick trunk using a large cross-cut saw and they helped plant replacement trees. Governor Jim Douglas and Olympic Gold Medalist Hannah Teeter, also showed their support during this festive ceremony.

Woodstock, VT - In 1971 the Special Olympics Games were incorporated into Vermont and competition for Special Olympics athletes began in different towns throughout the state. On Wednesday, October 31st, at the weekly Rotary meeting in Woodstock, William Porreca, President/CEO of Special Olympics Vermont, announced that Woodstock will be the “premier location” for the 2008 Special Olympics Vermont Winter Games in March.

At the Rotary meeting, local athletes Emma Stanwood and Laura Buchanan were present to speak to members and answer some questions about their participation with Special Olympics.

Emma Stanwood, a resident of Woodstock, has been an alpine skier competing in the Special Olympics for four years now. Tammy Stanwood, Emma’s mother stated that she was “emotionally overwhelmed” the first time she experienced the games. “It was the most loving, warm, and exciting experience I have ever been involved in,” she added. Tammy and her husband Tim were an integral part of bringing the games to this community. After attending the Winter Games elsewhere, Tim realized that there were improvements that could be made and knew that Suicide Six and the communities surrounding could offer everything and more that the Games needed. The Stanwood’s then set out to make sure that they could help bring Special Olympics Vermont and the 2008 Winter Games to Woodstock. “We just want to see the community give a warm welcome to everyone,” commented Tammy Stanwood.

Pomfret resident, Laura Buchanan, who has skied with Special Olympics for nine years stated, “I am very happy to have the Games in my home town. I am asking for your help to make the games the best ever.” Nicole Dyrhman, Director of Marketing and Development for Special Olympics Vermont commented that Laura “presented a well prepared speech motivating the Rotary to get involved and brought excitement to the announcement of the games.”

Children and adults with intellectual disabilities are given the opportunity through Special Olympics Vermont to train year-round in “Olympic-type” sports. It allows the athletes to continue “to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”

William Porreca attributes the development of greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image to the athlete’s participation in the Special Olympics. He stated, “They grow mentally, socially, and spiritually and, through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents, but their ‘voices’ as well.”

Special Olympics Vermont knew that Woodstock and the surrounding communities would be the right place to help make the Games “top notch.” The community atmosphere that Woodstock provides was certainly a factor in their decision. A Special Olympics program in the area was another factor in the decision. Cathee Smith, the Program Coordinator as well as active members in the program were integral parts of the Winter Games coming to the area due to the fact that they were “anxious to see the Winter Games develop into a bigger and better competition than in years past.”

Events of the 2008 Winter Games will be Unified School Based Snowshoe, Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoe. Unified Sports® is a registered program of Special Olympics International. The Unified events are unique due to the fact that it combines athletes with “intellectual disabilities and individuals without intellectual disabilities on sports team for training and competition. The Unified Sports® program pairs an athlete and a partner of similar age and athletic ability. The two compete side-by-side, each one a meaningful and integral part of the Unified Sports® team.” All competitive events will be held at Suicide Six Ski Area in South Pomfret from March 14th through March 16th. Athletes and Coaches will be staying at the Woodstock Inn, while the families and other supporters will be looking for accommodations in the area.

Volunteers are a crucial part of the games. It requires more than 300 volunteers to help in all components and aspects of the events. Volunteers help in setting up and directing venues as well as helping in handing out rewards and much more. If a company or individuals are interested in becoming involved, you can contact Donna Diaz, Director of Sports via email, ddiaz@vtso.org or by phone, 802-863-5222 x104. For more information about Special Olympics Vermont, visit their website at www.vtso.org.

Nicole Dyrhman said that “Special Olympics Vermont is thrilled to have Woodstock hosting the 2008 Winter Games.”

Two Special Olympics Vermont Athletes on Compete in The 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games

Two Vermont Special Olympic athletes competed in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China. Jean Mangieri and Henry Fredericks represented Vermont. They competed in Bocce. Jean and Henry are both members of the Rutland Eagles team here in Vermont. In addition, Joan Martin attended as an assistant bocce coach. Donna Diaz, Director of Sports for Special Olympics Vermont attended as Team USA staff.

The athletes were randomly selected from Gold Medal winners from the 2006 Summer Games that were held at the University of Vermont in June 2006. They had been training for the World Games since then. When asked how Special Olympics has changed her life, Jean Mangieri said “I'm more confident. I get to meet new people. It is fun.” Henry Fredericks said that it has enabled him to make new friends and play sports. In addition, he gets to see family around the state when he competes at various events.

The 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games were held from October 2-11 in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. This mutli-sport event marks the first time the Special Olympics World Summer Games were held in Asia, and only the second time the World Summer Games have been held outside the United States. More than 7,000 athletes from 169 countries competed in 23 Olympics-type sports including aquatics (swimming), athletics (track and field), badminton, basketball, bocce, bowling, cricket, cycling, dragon boat racing, equestrian, football (soccer), golf, gymnastics, handball, judo, kayaking, powerlifting, roller skating, sailing, softball, table tennis, tennis, volleyball and Motor Activity Training Program (MATP).

Special Olympics Vermont offers statewide, year-round sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Over 2,000 athletes and volunteers benefit from Special Olympics Vermont by discovering new skills, building self-esteem, and sharing in the victories. Special Olympics Vermont is actively committed to providing quality athletic experiences for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and continuously seeks new athletic participants and committed volunteers.

For more information please contact:
Donna Diaz
Director of Sports
802.863.5222 ext. 104
ddiaz@vtso.org