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Let me win, but if I cannot win,
Let me be brave in the attempt.
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Editor's note: We are switching to a quarterly release format for now. We do not receive enough inputs from Coaches, Coordinators, Parents and Athletes to support a quality monthly release. We can only publish what we know about. If the submissions from members of the community increase in the future, we may switch back. |
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In this edition...
- An important Message from the Area 26 Council
- Fundraising events for Area 26
- Sports and Athletes on the Go
- Bocce Information
- Pickleball!! - A new demonstration sport
- Articles By Athletes
- Area 26 Participation Policy
- Training Opportunity (Sponsored By DSANV)
- Registration Resources
- Upcoming Events
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Fall Sports are underway!!
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Area swimmers and volunteers participated in the HarborFest Open Water Festival on August 21st.
The Potomac River at National Harbor shined. Truly a joy to see all the smiles as swimmers created, met and in many cases exceeded their goals.
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Fit5 returns...
Fit5 Alumni Kyler, Max, Tom and David are being joined by Jay Choi for this year's activity inspiration. They are getting ready for their Fall Sports...are you? Here are some of their summer exploits...
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Tom Merz working the cone drill! |
Jay Choi preparing an Ace... |
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David Kellet-Forsyth and Max Hershberger finished out their Summer season with Track medals - they are now getting ready for Soccer and Volleyball along with more running... (with Caitlyn Donovan) |
Kyler Reese perfecting the fly! |
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A letter from the Area 26 Council...
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...That Area 26 must raise money to run all of its sports programs, and that we do not receive funding from Special Olympics VA or Special Olympics International?
Yes it's true, each local program must provide their own funding to operate. The email campaigns from SOVA and Special Olympics are raising funds for their projects, and those funds are not distributed to Area 26.
All Area 26 sports are free to athletes and their families, so donations are critical to our program. Examples of program expenses include equipment, uniforms, transportation, facility fees, equipment maintenance and storage fees, event/tournament fees, away and overnight games/lodging fees and more. Please help us raise these funds by donating to Area 26. When provided by the correct method, your donation goes directly to Area 26's program costs. You can donate to our Fundraiser Golf Tournament, or send a donation directly to Area 26 by check to our Post Office Box (P.O. Box 645, Dunn Loring, VA, 22027)- donations sent by either of these methods go 100% to the Area!. Other fundraising ideas may include sending donation requests to your network, organizing Area 26 fundraisers (car or dog washes, restaurant, yoga/dance classes, etc.), company matching, or a monthly allotment.
You can also help the Area by giving funds to our Plane Pull, Polar Plunge and Torch Relay Teams, but ONLY 50% of funds go to the Area on these, and ONLY if you designate your Area (26) in your donation. The remaining funds are absorbed and used by SOVA directly.
It is actually an expectation of Special Olympics that each sport be mostly self-sufficient. Some sports cost more per athlete participant, while the bigger sports cost more because of the number of teams, athletes and tournaments involved. In any case, it is important that every family try to help with the Area costs. It is also important to note that the pandemic has forced the cancellation of several other fundraising activities, especially those that normally take place indoors or involve large numbers of people, whether conducted directly by Area 26 or by other organizations on our behalf. This makes YOUR support even more critical.
There are many ways teams can raise funds - Bake sales and car washes, special support days at restaurants and local merchants (many in the area have supported in the past), donation matching from local businesses, etc. Every little bit counts. You can also send the links for the fundraising campaigns (Golf, Plane Pull, Polar Plunge...) to your family, friends and network and encourage them to support the program as well. This is easy and expands the reach of contributors.
We must mention that there is another campaign that Special Olympics launched in VA involving face-to-face canvassing. You will see signs/booths on the street, in shopping malls, and get solicitation both business to business and door-to-door. This is a cost-effective way for Special Olympics to reach a demographic they have not reached through other campaigns. Face-to-face canvassers are able to have personal conversations about our programs and about the benefits of monthly giving with thousands of people in all parts of the country. However these funds are not directed to Area 26, and we are not allowed to conduct such campaigns ourselves as an Area.
We all believe in the importance of maintaining our large and healthy SO Area program, and know that you do as well. Please help us to stay healthy and deliver the 23 sports we are fortunate enough to have locally.
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Plane Pull 2022 - Join in on the FUN!!
Area 26 Soccer has taken the lead on fielding our team for the Plane Pull on September 17, 2022. Our area will receive 50% of the donations made to the Area 26 Teams.
Please join or donate!!
Please send the link to family and friends as well!
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Tracking: When you join our team, include your Sport / Team Name somewhere in their Name when they register. For example, my profile if I was on the Quicksilvers, would be Abigail Whidden- Soccer / Quicksilvers
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Area 26 Fall Fundraiser Golf Tournament- Please JOIN Us!
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Everyone (duffers, scratch players, spectators, friends...), whether you HIT the links or not, CLICK the links and help out - also, send them to your family, friends and network (yes, that is a foursome!) |
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Area 26 will receive 100% of the net proceeds which will help fund all sports. If you have any questions about the tournament or donating, please contact the Coordinator at A26GolfFundraiser@novasova.org. The QRC code will also take you directly to the registration form...
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Profile: Made of Iron...
by Karen Dickerson
I’m Karen Dickerson and I have been a Special Olympics Athlete for 25 years. My main event is running the 5K and 3000 meters in track competition and half marathons when they are offered. I also compete in swimming. I do the 400 and 200 meter freestyle and 100 meter butterfly. Open water swimming is another sport I do with Unified Sports where each Special Olympics athlete swims with a partner in the Potomac River.
I started my Special Olympics career at Mark Twain Intermediate School with track. I started running races and did my first 5K when I was 12 years old. When I went to Thomas Edison High School, I was on the cross country team and indoor and outdoor track team. Long races were better for me, so I started running 10 K and 10 mile races, then half marathons and finally marathons. I have done 35 marathons. My 36th marathon will be this February. My goal is to run a marathon in each state.
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My dream goal is to do a Half Ironman Triathlon 70.3, where you swim 1.2 miles in open water, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles. I did my first Olympic distance triathlon on my own on August 7 in Atlantic City where I swam one mile in the bay, biked 22 miles and ran 6.2 miles. I was nervous at first in the water, but stayed strong and finished the three events in a little over three hours. I have already signed up to do it again next year and then try the Half Ironman after that.
Sports are great for exercise and to keep you in shape and you should pick a sport you have fun doing. If you really want to compete in a sport you have to train and work hard. Set a goal, work hard, listen to your coaches and follow your dream. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t do something, because you are the only one that knows what you can do and there are people out there that will help you meet your goal. I have a favorite quote and that is start strong and finish strong.
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POWER Couple...
By Bill Whiteside
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Matt Whiteside and Thomas Britton from the Area 26 powerlifting team rocked the day competing in a CrossFit event on teams with the Fairfax County Police Chief Davis and other department executives. The event raised more than $10,000 for Special Olympics Virginia.
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Special Olympic Sailing in Northern Virginia
- by Allen Flannigan, Sailing Coordinator
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Last year, sailing was one of the few spring/summer sports to submit a reopening plan to safely conduct practices and get back to pre-covid activities that form part of Special Olympics in Northern Virginia. Around a dozen athletes were supported by a similar number of volunteers in participating in around half a dozen practices at Washington Sailing Marina. Due to lingering concerns regarding congregate activity risk with respect to Covid 19, no competitions were scheduled in Maryland or Virginia. Athletes and volunteers had a lot of fun sailing last year and looked forward to more opportunities in 2022.
Spring of 2022 brought a surge of interest in Special Olympic Sailing. Most of the 23 athletes from our 2019 roster decided to return this season, and an additional 10 new athletes were added to our roster for a total of 28 participants. The challenge of finding enough boat space and qualified people to meet the demand proved daunting, but the awesome coaches, partners, and volunteers fulfilling a variety of roles (including recruiting new volunteers) met the challenge. The logistical hurdles of complying with new covid-related participation requirements for athletes and volunteers alike, and keeping practices organized were, for the most part, overcome Everyone showed a great deal of patience in working around delays in processing of paperwork for returning and new athletes and volunteers.
We were very fortunate to have the support of the Washington Sailing Marina staff, the Sailing Club of Washington, and Georgetown University Sailing Team, without whose support we could not have pulled off such a successful season.
Our first competition the weekend of July 23-24 was an away competition in which selected teams/athletes traveled to Saint Mary’s College of Maryland to sail FJ sailboats and Hobie 16s. We were not able to arrange for boats suitable for our Flying Scot teams to go to the regatta, which limited participation. Virginia athletes shone in challenging light air conditions during 2 days of competition, and team Virginia introduced level IV sailing (two athletes by themselves aboard an FJ) to the competition for the first time ever. Other athletes aboard FJ boats sailing level III (athlete sailing with an on board coach, athlete having complete control of the boat) and level I (athletes handling the jib sail with a Unified Partner on board at the helm) rounded out the Maryland roster. Almost all athletes managed to medal, and level IV athlete Joe Lower won the Sportsmanship Award for the regatta. More importantly, everyone seemed to have fun and exhibit good sportsmanship. Saturday night the delegation attended a dinner and dance which
was provided by our hosts from Maryland Special Olympics, which everyone seemed to enjoy.
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Our first competition the weekend of July 23-24 was an away competition in which selected teams/athletes traveled to Saint Mary’s College of Maryland to sail FJ sailboats and Hobie 16s.
We were not able to arrange for boats suitable for our Flying Scot teams to go to the regatta, which limited participation. Virginia athletes shone in challenging light air conditions during 2 days of competition, and team Virginia introduced level IV sailing (two athletes by themselves aboard an FJ) to the competition for the first time ever. Other athletes aboard FJ boats sailing level III (athlete sailing with an on board coach, athlete having complete control of the boat) and level I (athletes handling the jib sail with a Unified Partner on board at the helm) rounded out the Maryland roster. Almost all athletes managed to medal, and level IV athlete Joe Lower won the Sportsmanship Award for the regatta. More importantly, everyone seemed to have fun and exhibit good sportsmanship. Saturday night the delegation attended a dinner and dance which was provided by our hosts from Maryland Special Olympics, which everyone seemed to enjoy.
The following weekend, Virginia held a second “Virginia” championship regatta on our home waters of the Potomac. The weather was beautiful, with enough wind for 3 races. The Flying Scot athletes were able to go out and show their stuff, along with FJ and Hobie teams. More good sportsmanship and smiles were spotted throughout the regatta. Lots of wind shifts made for challenging racing, with water and snack breaks in between races. After returning to shore and stowing the boats, an impromptu lunch provided by parent volunteers was devoured, and
Medals awarded.
Our program had what I consider to be a singularly successful season coming out of the Covid 19 pandemic, all due to the wonderful volunteers who serve as coaches, powerboat drivers, partners, skippers, and all around helpers, and due to the athletes who participate and compete, and the parents and caregivers who step up when needed to lend a hand. I’m sure they all join me in looking forward to next season, with more fun, learning, and sailing competition on the Potomac River!
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Great news!! The Fairfax County Police Department is going to support our Bocce Crew again this year.
Returning Coach/Coordinators Marques Lowrey and Pete Flynn will be joined by new volunteer Coach/Coordinator Mike Crutchman.
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They will begin practice on Monday, September 12, 2022 at 5:30 PM, and are returning to Burke Lake Park again. |
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Coach Mike... About me...
I was raised in the northern Virginia area and following high school, attended West Virginia University, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree.
I began my police career in 2009 as an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department, Washington D.C. and came to Fairfax in 2013. As an FCPD member, I served as officer in the Fair Oaks District, a Sergeant in West Springfield, and a Second Lieutenant in both the Operations Support Bureau (DWI Squad) and Office of the Chief of Police (Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator).
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Pickleball arrives as a demonstration sport...
by Brenda Zeph
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Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America! This racquet/paddle sport is loads of fun as four players on a court hit a hollow ball over a 36" high net.
Come join us on the outdoor courts of the Springfield Golf and Country Club on Sundays from 4-5 pm. In the case of inclement weather, we will use the indoor courts. Some experience with racquet sports is helpful but we will teach you how to play!
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Mike and Brenda Zeph are the Pickleball Coaches, and Brenda is the Sport Coordinator |
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The program begins Sunday, September 18th. Slots are limited. For more information and to register please contact Coordinator Brenda Zepf at: Pickleball@novasova.org
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Note from the Director of Fall and Winter Programs: While Pickleball is being added as a demonstration sport for Area 26, space is limited at present as we hope interest will increase and funding resources are raised to continue this sport.
The Pickleball coordinator herself is providing some of the resources to start this program. We would like to offer a diverse range of new and ongoing programs to our area, but to do so requires funding. Please consider donating funds or equipment to this sport. See the note from the Council on fundraising in this issue.
Due to limited space and schedule conflicts - Members of the bowling and flag football teams are ineligible to sign up.
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Cycling rolls on...
by Nancy Julia
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Area 26 cyclists will again be competing in the Delaware Cycling Classic near Dover Air Force Base at the Air Mobility site. Athletes have competed for many years and it is the highlight of the fall season. Athletes from Delaware, Maryland and Virginia compete in races from 500 meters up to 20K depending on ability level. The event conflicts again with an October 1 soccer tourney which will limit the number of athletes who can attend. We are in the process of setting up some practice sessions to ensure that our newer cyclists understand the start and finish procedures. Shorter events start each athlete 30 seconds apart while the longer races have a mass start. Each has its own challenges for athletes who are not ready for them. Coach Jeff McGiboney and son Bruce have been our most active racers. Bruce competes in the 15 and 20K races. |
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Alpine Ski and Snowboard are ready for the cold... |
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It might be summer for a few more weeks, but ski and snowboard season will be on us soon enough.
Athletes learn to compete in three disciplines, Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super-G. In the last few years our athletes have won numerous medals at State Games (in Pennsylvania), and more importantly, we had fun!
Practices, both ground training and on-snow training takes place on Sundays, beginning in November. We are on the snow in January, depending on the weather, with State Games in February.
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Hello Area 26!!!!!
I am back with some more profiles of our Area athletes...This time...Mal, Nick, Jay and Kia...
More athletes next month, keep working out!!
Max Hershberger
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Mal Weinstein
Q. Why are you so passionate about playing sports?
A: I am passionate about plying sports because I enjoy them & they made me a better person I would of never met the wonderful people I’ve played sports with over the years!
Q. Describe your major highlights and achievements in sports in the past?
A: My highlights and achievements are doing my best in my sports I do for special Olympics.
Q.. What's the best piece of advice you've gained from your coaches?
A: My coaches always tell me do your best and if I fall get back up & keep on going.
Q. How would your coaches and teammates describe you?
A: My coaches enjoy me on the special Olympics as an athlete and my teammates enjoy me!!
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Nick Ortega
Q. Why are you so passionate about playing sports?
A: To keep myself fit and making new friends along the way
Q. Describe your major highlights and achievements in sports in the past?
A: I won Basketball states in Stafford in 2020 before the pandemic hit
Q. What's the best piece of advice you've gained from your coaches?
A: Take your time and have fun also to run with it even when it’s ruff in the field.
Q. How would your coaches and teammates describe you?
A: That I’m pretty fit and very focused when we practice and on the field.
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Jay Choi
Q. Why are you so passionate about playing sports?
A: Because it keeps me healthy/active and most importantly it helps me to relieve stress.
Q. Describe your major highlights and achievements in sports in the past?
A: On Jun 10-11 I attended the 2022 Special Olympics
Virginia Summer Games and competed for tennis. I got
2 gold medals for singles and doubles in my division.
On Jun 16-19 | attended the 2022 1st Korean Friends
Adaptive Sports Festival and competed for tennis. I got 2 silver medals for singles and doubles in my division.
Q. What's the best piece of advice you've gained from your coaches?
A: The best piece of advice that my coaches gave me was whatever sports you do never give up and always start off slow in the beginning and work your way up.
Q. How would your coaches and teammates describe you?
A: My coaches and teammates describe me as a hard working athlete and a great leader with good Sportsmanship
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Kia Hill
Q. Why are you so passionate about playing sports?
A: I love competing and making new friends
Q. Describe your major highlights and achievements in sports in the past?
A: My highlights is I always work well with people and I improved volleyball skills the past couple years
Q. What's the best piece of advice you've gained from your coaches?
A: The advice I gained is always be confident in myself
Q. How would your coaches and teammates describe you?
A: They would describe me as a sweet loving caring person
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Special Olympics Coach/Volunteer of the Quarter
-by Billy Duquette
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Fall : Hannah Walden
Hannah is the currently the president of the Northern Virginia Special Olympics Young Professional Board.
She has also been the coach of the George Mason Swim team since 2012 and is the Assistant Coach of the swim team that went to the US games in 2022!
Hannah got involved with Special Olympics because she wanted to advocate for inclusion of special athletes. Hannah’s favorite moments from Special Olympics are being on the pool deck, cheering on her swimmers. It was also a privilege for her to watch her swimmers to achieve their goals within practice and in competition. She is very proud of them.
Her advice to our athletes is to try to get into any sport that would be of interest to them. She says that our athletes don’t need to be afraid of trying something new. She guarantees that they will meet new friends and have a great time staying active!Olym
Talk to you next month,
Billy
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Health Corner...
by Kyler Reese
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Editor's Note: With this issue we will add a new contributor and feature on healthy behaviors by SOVA Health Messenger Kyler Reese... |
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Hi - I am Kyler Reese, your Health Messenger!
With the fall sports practices starting, I want to share 5 simple tips to safely practice in the heat.
1) Get a good night's sleep the night before practice - This will help improve your performance.
2) Eat a healthy breakfast like fruits, eggs, whole wheat toast - If you don't eat, you might feel sluggish or lightheaded during practice. A healthy breakfast will give you energy.
3) Drink water throughout the day - You should drink water before, during and after practices to stay hydrated.
4) Use sports drinks if practicing longer than an hour - For longer practices, sports drinks can replace some of the electrolytes lost when you sweat.
5) Let your coach know if you don't feel good - If you feel dizzy, nauseas or just don't feel good, get out of the heat, drink water and tell your coach. Don't try to tough it out.
I hope you have a great Fall season!
Talk to you next time,
Kyler
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Hi Athletes,
As always, details and schedule can be found on the online resources page on the Website.
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Sept 24 Soccer Tournament John Lewis High School
Sept 24 Soccer Tournament Woodson High School
Sept 24 Soccer Tournament Paul VI High School
Sept 24 Feet Meet Kenmore Middle School
Opportunities to volunteer and help at these and other events can be found at the button below...
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Area 26 Participation Policy... |
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Area 26 is now operating under GREEN COVID protocols: Masks are recommended but not required for individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID19. Providing COVID vaccination status is mandatory.
Masks AND a negative COVID test are mandatory at every session for the Unvaccinated. Physical proof of the negative test must be given to the activity leader (coach or coordinator) and documented on THIS FORM
Additionally, Area 26 Policy requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all athletes, volunteers and coaches participating in overnight or away events. Unvaccinated individuals may only join as day participants. This includes any local, regional, state or national invitational events. Proof of vaccination must be sent to SOVA and Area 26.
Athlete families, please verify with your coaches that your paperwork has been approved before arriving for practice or events. The coaching and volunteer staff cannot accept the forms in person and grant immediate access, as SOVA has the approval authorization.
-- See the Registration Resources section (farther down) for links to all forms --
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A New Training Opportunity...A Program for Developing Healthy Relationships, Good Boundaries and Awesome Social Skills
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Presented by the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia
- Based on the Circles Program developed by James Stanfield, Stanfield Publishing Group
Classes will be held on Thursdays at 6:30 pm, on the following days: September 30. October 6,13,20,27 and November 3
Open for ages 12 and up
For the last two years Relationshapes has been offered either online or in a hybrid format, with some students online and others in person. Now DSANV will be offering a completely in person Relationshapes Program.
- We're excited to be able to have time to role play different social situations. For example we can practice the difference between greeting a peer or your boss at work.
- Another example of role play would be acting out the difference of how you speak to a family member as opposed to a stranger coming to your house, such as a plumber or the mailman.
- We'll also touch upon cell phone and social media etiquette. For example we'll point out the difference in texting family and close fiends compared to texting people you don't know as well.
- We'll also discuss the difference between social media friends and real friends.
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The instructor for this program is Mrs. Beth Henry who works as a school counselor in a pre-K-8th grade private school where she teaches a blend of social skills, healthy boundaries and caring behavior. She has been a licensed professional counselor (Maryland) and she is a National Certified Counselor for more than 20 years. The Fall 2021 will be Beth's fourth time teaching the class. |
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INFORMATION AND LINKS
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Each athlete and Volunteer will have to complete a COVID Waiver Form. The link is now to an updated copy which adds vaccination status - (button #1).
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Athletes with an expired Medical Form will have to submit updates to all forms. The package now contains 8 pages - please complete and submit the full package (button #2).
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Athletes, please email completed athlete forms AND front/back images of Vaccination Cards to: athleteform@novasova.org (this will deliver them to both the Area AND to SOVA - only the one email address is required)
See the button below for Volunteer Class A Certification Process on the Area 26 website.
Volunteer Class A, and coach certifications must be updated every 3 years. Many certifications have expired, and many are due to expire. All volunteers are also required to have a COVID19 Waiver on file (button #1 above... ).
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Volunteers, please email completed volunteer forms, certifications AND front/back images of Vaccination Cards to: Volunteerforms@novasova.org (as with the athleteform email, this will deliver them to both the Area AND to SOVA - only the one email submission address is required)
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Stay Healthy, Stay Active!!
We love to have your pictures - so keep busy and...
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Revealing the Champion in all of us... |
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Please continue to share information about this newsletter and website with those you know in the community so that we can better share the wonder of our special athletes and volunteers. To sign up to receive the newsletter, go to our webform Newsletter Subscription
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Area 26 Points of Contact |
Area 26 Council
Chair
Elaine Tilton
Chuck Adkins-Blanch
Patrick DeLapp
Billy Duquette
Jeff Eskridge
Christine Fowler
Max Hershberger
Veronica Jennings
Nancy Julia
Katherine Martin
Jeff McGiboney
Tejas Patel
Nancy Robbins
Abby Whidden
Bernie Woolfley
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Season Directors
Elaine Tilton, Fall/Winter
Nancy Julia, Spring/Summer
Webmaster
Barry Tilton
Volunteer Coordinator
Tejas Patel
Athlete Representative
Max Hershberger
Medical Coordinator
Christine Fowler
Senior Director, Potomac Region
Veronica Jennings
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When you click, scroll to the bottom of the Site Homepage
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