The first Philly Plunge makes a big splash! The plunge took place on Friday, December 4, 2015 outside of Drexel University’s Fitness Plaza in University City Philadelphia. A total of four plunges were held on this day including a Cool Schools Plunge, for high schools participating in Special Olympics PA’s Interscholastic Unified Sports (10:00am-12:00pm), a Business Plunge for business executives (12:00pm to 2:00pm), a General Public (5:00pm – 7:00pm), and a University Plunge for individuals affiliated with a college or university (7:00pm to 9:00pm). The inaugural Philadelphia Plunge hosted more than 300 plungers and raised more than $60,000.
Each group brought an extraordinary amount of energy with them to the plunge. It was hard to miss this outside event as the plunges started. If you were walking by Drexel’s Fitness Plaza, you would hear cheering and screams from participants as they popped up from under the chilly waters. Participants and spectators alike took to cheering on plungers as one-by-one they did a cannonball, a screwdriver, or just plain jumped in. As plungers came out of the pool, they were chilly, yet eager to watch other plungers take the cold jump.
Our Cool Schools Plunge hosted 5 schools who participate in our Interscholastic Unified Sports program along with staff from the School District of Philadelphia show their support in this chilly event. Our Business Plunge was emceed by comedian Joe Conklin who entertained our executive participants during their luncheon with special guest appearance by Former Philadelphia Eagles Coach, Dick Vermeil. The University Plunge got a special treat with Drexel University’s Head Basketball Coach, Bruiser Flint making remarks prior to students and staff members affiliated with a university taking the plunge.
During the Plunge, plungers warmed up by participating in a Unified Sports Experience, playing recreational bocce and/or volleyball with Special Olympics athletes. While waiting to plunge, participants also had the opportunity to snap pictures at the plunge photo booth and take photos with the official Philadelphia Plunge Polar Bear, “Chilladelphia.” For pictures, click the Plunge you are looking for: Cool Schools Plunge, Business Plunge, General Plunge, University Plunge
Huge thank you to all of our sponsors and partners, participants, volunteers and staff members who made this inaugural Philadelphia Polar Plunge a great success. We look forward to having a bigger and better #PhillyPlunge next year!
Coaches – Carole Angerman, Carole Canady and Michelle Angerman
Coaches – Carole Angerman, Carole Canady and Michelle Angerman
Ronald Atkins, Lisa Barbour, Kristie Walls, Jackie Lutts, Edwin Ian Capacio, Allison Davidson, Michael Weinberg, Emmett Abdo, Eddie Glover, David Brent Williams
Coaches – Charles Abdo, David McCarty, Karen Aviso, Ronald Atkins
Matthew Grabowski, Joseph Rynkiewicz, Ryan Bogan, Charles Zisette, Angel Rodriguez, Brian Stulz, Jesse Rose, Carl Irvis, Mitchel Stahl, Daniel Charlton , Matthew Beckman,
Coaches – Walt Beckman, Stacy Plumbo, Linda Rose, Jon Garvey
Coach – Cynthia Charleston
We’re Hiring! Manager of Interscholastic Unified Partnerships
Major Function:
This position is responsible for development and implementation of all SOPA, Philadelphia Interscholastic Unified Sports initiatives and partnerships through the use of sound management components, adhering to policies and procedures established by Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Inc. (SOPA), Special Olympics North America, and Special Olympics Inc. This individual provides oversight of all aspects of our partnership with the schools in Philadelphia and presents strategies for meeting organizational goals and demands. This role will critically lead and assess all segments of our Interscholastic Unified Sports (IUS) program; meeting all Project Unify grant requirements, encouraging and implementing youth leadership initiatives and unified sports. They will identify areas to improve, and sectors to be developed or changed for program growth in order to meet SOPA’s strategic plan and IUS objectives.
Responsibilities:
School District Partnership
The core work of this position is to create opportunities for students in the Philadelphia School District to participate in Special Olympics Unified sports activities to include sports participation (training and competition opportunities), youth leadership opportunities (i.e. Unified Youth Committees), and whole school engagement (i.e. R-Word Campaigns, etc.) in accordance with the Project Unify initiatives and grant.
This individual will explore ways to enhance existing sports curriculum to include a Unified Special Olympics component, as well as developing new programming opportunities both during and after school hours for a Special Olympics experience. These goals will be met by regular interaction with District personnel to design activities that will offer direct support to the District’s goals while meeting SOPA’s strategic plan objectives.
This individual will also work with School District personnel to prospect and identify new potential schools for future engagement based on each year’s growth goals and initiatives. This position will be responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships through all levels of the School District (Director of Health, Safety & Physical Education to teachers and other school staff and leadership) ensuring all needs are being met and IUS standards and grant requirements are also being implemented and met.
School District Activities
District partnership sports activities include but are not limited to; bocce, soccer, and athletics (track and field). In addition to expanding the sports experience for students, this position will identify other support and resource needs necessary to provide a positive outcome. Support will include; youth leadership, whole school engagement, competition opportunities, coordination of medical examination for “Participation Application” (medical) completion, meeting with parent groups, teachers, or other entities or groups to promote participation as appropriate, etc.
Unified Sports
Working with IUS leadership, SDP Liaisons, and others as appropriate, the manager of Interscholastic Partnership will ensure all needs for successful sports participation is maintained to include but not limited to; coaches education, ordering of needed sports equipment and supplies, school environment materials (i.e., r-word, SOGII, etc.). Key Unified Sports goals for this position include;
Youth Leadership & Activation
Whole School & Community Engagement
Administrative
Young Athletes Program
Young Athletes™ is a unique sport and play program for children ages 2-7 with intellectual disabilities. The focus is on fun activities that are important to mental and physical growth. In alignment with the SOPA Philadelphia 3-year Business Plan, the Manager of Interscholastic Unified Partnerships will take a lead role in the development, growth and execution of this program in partnership with schools, local YMCAs and other groups.
Organizational
Support the overall Business Plan goals of Special Olympics Pennsylvania by;
Public Awareness
Support the promotion of IUS through community awareness by working with the Director and other staff to develop media and community relations opportunities. This includes presentations, conducting promotions utilizing “r-word” and “Play Unified” campaigns, and working with selected individuals to develop additional promotional materials.
Program/Fund Raising Event Management
Support the Sports Director in the coordination of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Philadelphia competitions as it relates to the School District’s participation.
Assist the Director and other individuals as appropriate for fundraising event management.
Communications
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Relationships:
Location:
SOPA, Philadelphia office – 2900 Southampton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154
How to Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their resume and cover letter to:
Britt Kleine | Director, Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia | E: bkleine@specialolympicspa.org | F: 215.671.5033
Last night, at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Leadership Conference, individuals were recognized for their achievements within Special Olympics PA throughout the year during the annual awards banquet. Awards include Athlete of the Year, Partner of the Year, Program of the Year, etc. During this banquet, Philadelphia Beginner Swim Coach, Fran Moore named SOPA Coach of the Year! Fran has served as Aquatics Head Coach for 6 years. Every year she challenges the athletes (beginner to advanced) to step out of their comfort zone and try a new event. Over the years under Fran’s supervision and dedication we have had many athletes who started with no basic knowledge of swimming now be able to accomplish the breaststroke, backstroke, IM’s and even 800 meter freestyles. Fran is like a second mother to all the athletes. She listens when they have problems or need someone to listen. She reviews the Athlete Code of Conduct at least 4 times a season to ensure they know the rules and support one another in good sportsmanship.
Congratulations, Fran! We’re so lucky to have you as part of our Special Olympics Philadelphia family!
Click here for Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s recap of this year’s Leadership Conference Award Banquet as well as photos of all the winners!
On 
August 1st, before kickoff of the highly anticipated Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls match at PPL Park, Myra Ausberry named Hometown Hero.
The Hometown Hero award recognize those men and women who have made a difference in the lives of others. These heroes are ordinary people that have had an extraordinary impact through their service, dedication, knowledge and spirit. The Philadelphia Union looks to salute those heroes who have inspired people to improve the lives of their cities, towns communities and neighbors . Traditional values of teamwork, effort, accountability, trust and selflessness are the cornerstones of Philadelphia Union’s Hometown Heroes.
Myra Ausberry has volunteered countless hours as a coach in a number of sports for Special Olympics Philadelphia to some of the most underserved athletes in some of the most underserved areas of the city. She ensures that those she engages with know about the opportunities available through Special Olympics but even more, she supports their on-boarding by providing resources and personal support to them wherever needed. The energy Myra brings to her role as a coach is contagious and it’s easy to see that the athletes and families enjoy being around her. Myra’s support and commitment to her teams every season has not gone unnoticed. She has personally helped athletes from competing on a local level to be able to compete on the national stage! Her passion for Special Olympics goes beyond the seven sports she is certified to coach in the community program. Myra is also an active supporter for the Unified Sports program and is particularly known for her current coaching position with the Martin Luther King High School Unified Soccer Team.
Congratulations, Myra! We are so lucky to have such a committed volunteer!
Edwin Leon, Partner (left) and Angel Rose, Athlete (right) in Denver, Colorado participate in the Unified Sports All-Star Soccer Match
On Tuesday, July 28, 2015 two Northeast High School students who participate in our Interscholastic Unified Sports program, represented Philadelphia in the second annual Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Soccer Match, presented by MLS WORKS. Athlete Angel Rosa and partner Edwin Leon headed to Denver, Colorado to participate in the match as part of the East Team who competed against the West Team. The match held at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park featured a 7-v-7 East vs. West All-Star format. Each Unified Sports soccer team wore uniforms provide by ADIDAS and played a 7-v-7 match consisting of two 20-minute halves.
MLS Celebrities included MLS on-air talent Brian Dunseth who provided commentary and interviews with both players and coaches, Colorado Rapids players acted as on-hand coaches, and LA Galaxy and U.S. National Legend Landon Donovan presented the athletes and partners with medals after the game.
About Interscholastic Unified Sports
Special Olympics Pennsylvania Interscholastic Unified Sports® (IUS) is a fully-inclusive co-ed high school sports program which successfully facilitates social inclusion by bringing together a proportional number of students with and without disabilities on teams for training and competition. By providing opportunities for students with all types of disabilities and without disabilities to participate in sports meaningfully and by engaging other students in the school community, Interscholastic Unified Sports helps promote inclusion, acceptance, and respect.
Pictured above: Special Olympics Pennsylvania – Philadelphia athletes Ian Capacio and Lisa Barbour (at left and right) stand with Taney Dragons Little League phenom Mo’ne Davis.
SOPA Philadelphia receives Robert P. Levy Award as part of the 2015 Wanamaker Awards Luncheon at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia on Friday, June 12th. The award is presented to an individual or organization that has done the most to “improve the quality of life in Philadelphia through sports.” This is the 20th year in which that the Robert P. Levy Community Service Award has been presented.
Our Philadelphia program was honored along with the Taney Dragons Little League team who captivated the city with the first female, Mo’ne Davis, to ever pitch a complete game shutout at the Little League World Series. The Taney Dragons were awarded the John Wanamaker Athletic Award and Don Richardson, Director of the Philadelphia Blackhawks Athletic Club, received the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Sports Volunteer of the Year Award.
Special Olympics Philadelphia joins many other sports organization who have won this award. Other organizations who have received this award in the past include Coaches vs. Cancer, SquashSmarts, Back on My Feet, PDR Swim Team, and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Third-grade class acted as Fans in the Stands at our 2015 Unified Soccer Championship held for our Interscholastic Unified Sport (IUS) program within Philadelphia high schools. This is a post from Need in Deed’s Facebook page on June 12, 2015. They are posting about a third grade class from McCall School. We were thrilled they could join us for the day to celebrate inclusion on and off the soccer field.
Ms. Hantman’s 3rd graders from McCall School were passionate about celebrating the amazing skills on display at Northeast High School for the recent Special Olympics Pennsylvania – Philadelphia Soccer Tournament where Philadelphia students with intellectual disabilities competed for prizes. The Need in Deed 3rd graders are winding down their service learning project on Special Needs Populations. Among so many other things they want to do, they knew the local Special Olympics event needed a great cheering section. They wrote cheers, made banners and designed their own tee-shirts. Ms. Bottaro’s 5th graders even helped make pom poms out of used plastic bags as part of their efforts to reduce plastic bag waste! Finally the day arrived. We know it’s hard to imagine how great it was, so we took lots of pictures to help you celebrate with us.
FOX 29 News Philadelphia | WTXF-TV
On Friday, May 29, 2015, Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia program partnered with the School District of Philadelphia for the 3rd Annual Unified Soccer Championship held at Northeast High School, located at 1601 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia. Opening Ceremonies began at 9:30am followed by preliminary competition until about noon. After teams participated in preliminary competition, they then went head to head for the medal rounds including the Championship game! Special guest, Matt Cord, from WMMR helped start the day with an energetic, exciting Opening Ceremony.
The Championship featured teams from 11 Philadelphia high schools and Chester High School. Schools in attendance were: Abraham Lincoln, Audenried High School, Chester High School, Furness High School, George Washington High School, High School of the Future, Martin Luther King High School, Northeast High School, Sayre High School, South Philadelphia High School, and Thomas Edison High School. In addition to the soccer tournament, Creative and Performing Arts High School and Samuel Fels High School will showed their skills at bocce in some friendly competition.
Special Olympics Unified Sports® is an inclusive sports program that puts athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. This Unified Soccer elective course, developed in partnership between the School District of Philadelphia and Special Olympics Pennsylvania, includes curriculum with youth leadership components, anti-bullying elements and soccer training and competition. The course provides greater access to sports for all students, with and without disabilities.
Every year, Special Olympics Pennsylvania offers its friends the chance to watch the Philadelphia 76ers game at the Wells Fargo Center and help spread awareness about its organization at the same time enjoy discounted ticket prices (a portion of proceeds go to Special Olympics Pennsylvania), take in a thrilling game and do something positive for your community. During the 76ers Awareness Night, the 76ers invite Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes the chance to play ball on their court.
The Philadelphia Phlames and the Tri-County All Stars pose for a picture with WNBA star Elaina Delle Donne
The 3rd Annual Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) Night with the 76ers was a huge success. Nearly 500 athletes, coaches, supporters, volunteers and families came to the Wells Fargo Center for an evening of memorable experiences on Saturday, March 14, 2015.
In addition to watching the Sixers vs. Nets game, the event honored Philadelphia athlete Benjamin Liken with the “Hero Among Us Award,” offered an exhibition game between the Philadelphia Phlames (2014 Div. 4 National Games Champions) and the Tri-County All Stars (Team of athletes from Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties), and held a post game meet and greet/autograph session with WNBA star Elaina Delle Donne and current Sixers Point Guard Isaiah Canaan.
Exhibition game between the Philadelphia Phlames (2014 Div. 4 National Games Champions) and the Tri-County All Stars (Team of athletes from Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties)
Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes also had the opportunity to shoot lay ups, free throws and three pointers on the Wells Fargo Center hardwood court for 45-minutes postgame. The evening raised money for the movement via a 50-50 raffle that was held at every Sixers home game, plus $3 per ticket sold (using a special promo code) coming back to the organization.
Click here to view more event photos courtesy of TriState Media Productions.
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