Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia’s 2018 Unified Track & Field Championship was held on Monday, May 7, 2018, at the South Philadelphia Supersite. It was the perfect day to celebrate our athletes, partners and coaches and all the hard work they put on during the 2018 IUS Track & Field season. Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia Director, Chase Trimmer, kicked things off by welcoming everyone to the event and announcing the winning school would get a chance to compete at the PIAA Track and Field Championship in Shippensburg, PA. After some welcoming remarks, the five schools entered through the parade of athletes. Schools participating in the second annual Philadelphia Unified Track & Field Championship included George Washington High School. Hill Freedman, Martin Luther King High School, Northeast High School and host South Philadelphia High School. Special Olympics PA Board Member, Tony Gillespie joined us for the day and offered luck to all athletes and partners competing. Margaret Lasseter and Tra Griffin from South Philadelphia then lead the athletes and partners in the Special Olympics athlete oath of “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Following the athlete oath, Coach Regina Johnson from Martin Luther King High School lead the coaches in the Coaches Oath of “I promise that we shall, take part in these Special Olympics games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them. In the true spirit of sportsmanship. For the glory of sport and the honor of our teams.” After Margaret and Tra came back up to officially declare the Unified Track and Field Championship open, the crowd erupted in applause and athletes and partners got ready to compete.

The 100-meter dash kicked off the Championship. As athletes raced down the track, South Philadelphia’s cheerleading squad was there to cheer them onto strong finishes. The 100-meter dash was followed by the 400-meter race and the 800-meter race which showcased the long distance runners of each school. After these track events, athletes split up to participate in one of three field events – long jump, mini javelin, or shotput. Each field event saw some great jumps and throws by both athletes and partners alike, with some creating a new personal record for themselves. 

Photos

Individual Results

School Key:

GW – George Washington High School, HF – Hill Freedman, MLK – Martin Luther King High School, NE – Northeast High School, SP – South Philadelphia High School

100 Meter Dash

400 Meter Run

800 Meter Race

4×100 Relay

4×400 Relay

Long Jump

Mini Javelin

Shotput

The 2017-2018 IUS Bocce Season is the third year that Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia has had an IUS Bocce League. This year, nine Philadelphia schools are participating with the end goal of competing in Hershey, PA for the State IUS Bocce Championships. After a few months off, everyone was happy to start bocce again. Below is a recap from all of our League Play Days. Separate posts will be made for the IUS Philadelphia Bocce Championship and State IUS Bocce Championship. 

League Play Day 1

Five Philadelphia schools met at Thomas Edison on Tuesday, November 14th for the first of four league play days. High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Hill Freedman High School, Parkway West High School, Strawberry Mansion, and Thomas Edison brought two teams to compete against each other during their first round of league play days. For two schools, this day marks their IUS Bocce debut! This is the first year that Kensington is competing, Strawberry Mansion is new to the program! Every school came and showed their best efforts, but also showed great sportsmanship. 

CAPA = High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, HF = Hill Freedman High School, PW = Parkway West High School, SM = Strawberry Mansion, TE = Thomas Edison

League Play Day 2

For our second IUS Leauge Play Day of the 2017 – 2018 season, four schools came to Abraham Lincoln on Thursday, November 16th for their first league play day. George Washington High School, High School of the Future, Northeast High School, and South Philadelphia High School each had two teams representing their school. Like the first league play day, schools brought their competitive nature and sportsmanship. During each game, athletes and coaches showed their knowledge of the sport. Many of the games came to the last few balls thrown.

AL = Abraham Lincoln High School, GW = George Washington High School, NE = Northeast High School, SOF = High School of the Future, SP = South Philadelphia High School

League Play Day 3

Four schools met at High School of the Future on Tusday, December 12th for their second league play day and SOPA Philly’s third. George Washington High School, Hill Freedman High School, Parkway West High School, and Strawberry Mansion High School came to compete one last time before the Championship. Sportsmanship was all around as schools clapped for their competitors after an athlete or partner rolled a particularly good roll. With two more games under everyone’s belt, all teams left feeling confident for the Championship.

GW = George Washington High School, SOF = High School of the Future, HF = Hill Freedman High School, PW = Parkway West High School, SM = Strawberry Mansion High School

League Play Day 4

After some snowfall through the night, six schools were ready to heat things up with their last scrimmage before the Championship on Thursday, December 14th. Abraham Lincoln High School, High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Kensington High School, Northeast High School, and Thomas Edison High School met at South Philadelphia High School for their second scrimmage and the last of the 2017 – 2018 League Play Days. After a slow, snowy start, everyone was competing at their best and is looking forward to the Championship.

AL = Abraham Lincoln High School, CAPA = High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, KEN = Kensington High School, NE = Northeast High School, SP = South Philadelphia High School, TE = Thomas Edison High School

On Thursday, June 29th, Abraham Lincoln High School‘s Unified Soccer team was invited to a Media Day with the Philadelphia Union in preparation for their Unified Exchange game on Saturday, August 5th against FC Dallas. In an ever-growing partnership with ESPN and MLS Works, Special Olympics participates in a Unified Exchange program which provides opportunities for Unified soccer teams to participate in a 1st Team MLS experience.  Unified soccer teams, comprised of players with and without intellectual disabilities, travel from their home city to other MLS markets to compete in exhibition matches with their Special Olympic counterparts. In Philadelphia, our Unified Team becomes the Unified Philadelphia Union!  Unified matches are scheduled in conjunction with MLS club matches, providing MLS fans with an opportunity to witness first-hand the talents and abilities of Special Olympics athletes and unified partners.

The day did not end there! After getting official letters and jerseys, it was time to pose for official Philadelphia Union headshots and moving headshots in their new uniforms to be broadcast on the big screen on August 5th against FC Dallas’ United team.  As if they could not be any more excited, the Lincoln team got to watch the first team practice – they were so inspired by their practice, they started practicing alongside them! As the sun started to bring the heat, our student-athletes got a chance to cool off with a tour of the players’ home away from home and toured the building that houses Philadelphia Union’s training, nutrition, and relaxation facilities used by the professional soccer players.

On the ride home, many athletes shared Lincoln striker, Brandon’s sentiment about how honored he was to be contracted by the Philadelphia Union and how excited he was to play in the Unified Exhibition in August. Kelvin, another Lincoln athlete, even remarked how today was the best day of his life!  

Join us on August 5th as we watch Philadelphia Union take on FC Dallas and then stay afterward to watch the Unified Exchange Game! The Philadelphia Union/FC Dallas game starts at 7:00 pm and the Unified Exchange Game is right after (on the field!). If you purchase a ticket through this link, you will be sitting among the Unified Star Players! Tickets are $35.00 each and can be purchased here.

After months of hard work and determination, 9 schools from the Philadelphia area gathered for the 5th annual Unified Soccer Championships. George Washington High School hosted the 2017 Unified Soccer Championship on May 30. Two of George Washington’s very own students, Angel Rosa and Alyssa Henry, kicked things off with a great introduction to their school and emcee, Marc Zumoff, announcer for the Philadelphia 76ers on. Zumoff was beyond excited to be at the Championship and commenced the event with a parade of athletes. The roster included Abraham Lincoln High School, Audenried High School, Frankford High School, Martin Luther King High School, School of the Future, Sayre High School, Thomas Edison High School, and hostGeorge Washington High School. The crowds roared with applause as each team paraded across the field. After the athletes and partners took their seats, it was time for the Frankford High School Color Guard to present the colors. Before the national anthem was played, there was a moment of silence for Brandon Santos, a George Washington soccer and bocce player who passed away prior to the Championship. Britt Kleine, Director of Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia gave remarks to the crowd which included honoring Brandon’s memory by reminding students that playing and living unified isn’t confined to when they participate in Special Olympics activities, but rather a way of life, a life of inclusion. Matthew Aaron, President, and CEO of Special Olympics PA echoed those sentiments with stories he has heard from athletes and partners across the state.

Opening Ceremonies continued with Angel and Alyssa returning to the podium to give their experiences and how the Interscholastic Unified Sports program has made an impact on their lives. Ronald, Faheem, and Brooke, then lead the athletes and partners in the Special Olympics Athlete Oath that emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship over victory. Next, George Washington Coaches Yvonne Schwiker and Lori Solomon lead coaches in the Coaches Oath. With the reciting of the oaths complete, it was time for the highlight of Opening Ceremonies, the lighting of the cauldron! Philadelphia Police Highway patrol officers led the Flame of Hope procession on motorcycles as Deputy Commissioner, Dennis Wilson, marched alongside eager athletes and partners carrying the torch. The ignition of the Special Olympics cauldron sent a surge of energy through the crowds as Ronald, Faheem, and Brooke kept the excitement up by declaring the games OPEN!

The competition was spread across six fields and each field held tremendous competition. Most of the matches were close calls as each athlete and partner had their eye on the trophy and gold medal that could soon be theirs. As each team gave their all, spectators and coaches were there to support their favorite team and witness the true joy of sport. However, the fun was not limited to the competition. Olympic Village featured cornhole, lawn games, soccer in an inflatable field.  Plenty of delicious, and nutritious snacks and souvenirs were also available. Thank you to our great partners, Philadelphia Union, Shop Rite of Morrell Plaza, EAT.RIGHT.NOW, and Dave and Buster’s for providing a festive Olympic Village! Although there was a little shower throughout the day, smiles were abundant at the Unified Soccer Championship!

Photos

by Lexy Pierce

Results:

Round Robin/Medal Scores:

Round Robin

On Tuesday, April 4, 2017, SOPA Philly hosted a Unified Bocce Demonstration at the School District of Philadelphia Head Quarters (440) in the atrium for all to see! The two winning teams from our Philadelphia Unified Bocce Championship championship that did not advance to Hershey – a team from Thomas Edison and another from George Washington, along with a team from Kensington HS joined us at 440 to take part in this fun day.

There was a small program prior to the demonstration where a partner from the George Washington team who played in Hershey addressed the crowd and shared their experience in Hershey, and then two athletes from Edison.

The Edison and George Washington teams played off against one another to demonstrate a skilled game and teammates from Kensington played alongside administrative personnel from within the school building who came down to experience the magic of Unified firsthand. Not only did administrative personnel come down to play, there was a crowd watching the showcase, including from the balconies above. 

Photos from the Showcase

On Tuesday, October 25, 2016, thirteen high schools came together for training to be student leaders in their respective schools at Special Olympics Philadelphia’s “I Have a Voice” Unified Youth Summit. The Philadelphia School District hosted the summit at their headquarters with support from HOBY, and The Philadelphia Foundation. Schools in attendance at the Unified Youth Summit were: Abraham Lincoln High School, Frankford High School, Furness High School, George Washington High School, High School of the Future, Hill Freedman High School, Martin Luther King Jr High School, Parkway West High School, Sayre High School, Simon Gratz High School, South Philadelphia High School, Thomas Edison High School, and Universal Audenried Charter High School.

The day started with opening remarks from President and CEO of Special Olympics PA, Matthew Aaron, Director of Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia, Britt Kleine. After opening remarks had been made, Brandon Velez-Roa and Kenny Brough from Abraham Lincoln High School shared how the Interscholastic Unified Sports (IUS) Program has it brought them together and made a huge impact on their lives. Superintendent, Dr. Hite, gave some remarks and inspired the students in attendance to learn as much as the could during the summit to continue making a positive change within their school. 

The main part of the day was a presentation from by Kevin Grace, from Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY). Kevin lead the students in exercises about working together and setting goals. At the end of the presentation, students constructively discussed issues in their schools and how they could implement change in those situations by creating a game plan that the could execute in the academic year.

Youth Leadership is one of the components of the Interscholastic Unified Sports (IUS) Program, a program that brings individuals with and without intellectual disabilities together to train and compete on the same sports team as well as make a change in their school through a Unified School Club. Through these clubs, students act as leaders and promote inclusion through Whole School Engagement Activites. 

Thank you to all of the coaches, Officials and volunteers who helped make this day possible!

View Photos on our Facebook Page

Results:

Group 1: 

RESULTS:

Games: 

Games:

The 47th annual Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games took place from June 2-4 at Penn State University. The 2016 Summer Games might have been a rainy, but that did not wipe the smiles off of the athlete’s faces.   Over the course of three days, athletes competed in sports such as aquatics, athletics, basketball, bowling, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, softball and tennis.  With over 2,000 athletes, 800 coaches, and 2,500 volunteers this event was a success.  

Competitions began Thursday with preliminary rounds.  Later that night Opening Ceremonies kicked off the weekend.  Players from the Penn State Football team pumped up the crowd to begin the ceremony and made sure every individual in the arena was on their feet having the time of their life.  Even Sue Paterno joined in on the dancing! Opening Ceremonies featured speeches from the President and CEO of Special Olympics PA, Matthew Aaron, and Special Olympics PA Senior Vice President of Programming, Clare Walsh Miller, and a couple of athletes eager to share their enthusiasm for the upcoming competitions.

At the conclusion of Opening Ceremonies, the Flame of Hope was brought in by The Law Enforcement Torch Run which began at PNC Park in Pittsburg and traveled 150 miles over three days to end at the Opening Ceremonies in the Pegula Ice Arena. The torch was lead by ten motorcycles came in with their sirens and lights on, as the crowd roared.  With help from law enforcement officials, athlete Kyle Zurns, lit the torch, and the games officially began!

After a spectacular Opening Ceremonies, competition kicked off Friday as early as 8 a.m. and athletes began to receive medals that they would remember for a lifetime.  Athletes got to interact and socialize with Penn State athletes during their competition and were even awarded by these wonderful student athletes. Throughout the course of the games, Healthy Athlete programs were offered around the campus.  In Pollock Commons fitness, eye, ear, dental, and dietary health screenings were provided free of charge for our athletes.  In addition, at certain venues during competitions, staff offered information about healthy eating habits as well as healthy snack options to athletes and their families.

A fun filled weekend came to an end with closing ceremonies on Saturday with the presentation of the Sheetz Family Award of Excellence.  James Fry from Columbia/Montour was the winner and raised his new gold trophy high to show everyone around.  His smile was contagious and had everyone smiling with him as they left Penn State.

Results:

Athletics

Aquatics

Basektball

Bowling

Gymnastics

Photos:

The 2016 TD Tour is Approaching! We are looking forward to visiting our twenty-two Philadelphia TD Bank Branches! We love talking and getting to know TD Employees and getting tours of the different branches and sometimes even helping customers out with their transactions! 

Between Monday, May 16, 2016 and Friday, June 24th, stop by your local TD Bank to support the Special Olympics movement! For a $5 (or more) donation to Special Olympics, you will receive your choice of the “Play Unified. Live Unified” wristband OR *new this year*, a set of TD Bank’s new “2016 Special Olympics Athlete Trading Cards” at select locations! This year, TD Bank has partnered with Special Olympics to create cards featuring athletes from Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington D.C.! Each card includes an action shot of the athlete on the front and a bio and more information on a program Special Olympics offers. Special Olympics Philadelphia is very excited to have four of our athletes featured: #10 is Allie Rutizer, #21 is Dadly Thenor, #28 is Ian Capacio, and #35 is Sharon Quarles.

To grab a set of cards, visit www.meetourathletes.org for the TD locations that will have cards.

Collect them all!