Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia held their 29th Annual Bowling Tournament on Sunday, February 25th at Erie Lanes in Philadelphia. Over 125 athletes brought their A-Game to Erie Lanes with hopes to advance to the 2018 Eastern Bowling Sectional on Sunday, March 25th in Allentown, PA. Opening Ceremonies kicked off the event with athlete, Lisa Barbour acting as the day’s emcee. Angie Smith joined Barbour during Opening Ceremonies to lead her fellow athletes in the athlete oath of “Let me win. If I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Special guest, Joe Conklin, entertained athletes, volunteers, families, and friends with his many voice impersonations. If you closed your eyes during his segment, you would believe the individuals he was impersonating were really there. Before Barbour officially kicked off the event, the torch, representing the Flame of Hope was brought in by South Philadelphia athletes, Bianca Pedulla and June Ruffenach. 

After Opening Ceremonies, athletes split from their teams and went to the lane they would be competing in. Throughout the morning, there were many strikes and spares. The athletes showed really showed their skills when their first ball left them with a split. Each athlete played three games to make up their final score. 

Thank you to our volunteers who made this event run smoothly! Erie Bowling Lanes, Frankford JROTC, Buholme Ambulance, National Health Corps Philadelphia, Drexel University’s Alpha Sigma Alpha, Andersen Tax, Temple University students. An additional thank you to our amazing coaches who help our athletes prepare for competition week after week and for the family and friends who joined us who give our athletes all the support. 

Results:

Photos:

La Salle University hosted the 2018 Winter Dance for Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia athletes and their families on Saturday, February 24th. As athletes and their families walked into the winter dance, they were transported into a winter wonderland with winter decorations, festive music, and the smell of delicious refreshments filled the air. Athletes and students filled the dance floor as the electric slide, the cupid shuffle, and much more filled the room with music made for dancing. The dance floor was fun for everyone from jumping and dancing to playing keep it up with balloons. The big hit of the day was the photo booth! Students, athletes, coaches, and families lined up to get their pictures taken! Props, funny faces, smiles, and lots of laughs were captured by the camera. After some dancing, photo taking and fun, athletes and students caught their breath by sitting around tables and snacking on refreshments while chatting. The hall grew louder and louder as excitement grew for upcoming events and getting to know each other better! After taking a quick break, everyone was back up and hitting the dance floor and the photobooth again.  As the dance started to come to an end, we all crowded around for some announcements, but none of us wanted it to leave! The Winter dance was a success, to say the least, and La Salle is excited to host a dance again next year!

Photos from the 2018 Winter Dance

Special Olympics PA (SOPA)  announced a new partnership with YMCAs across the Philadelphia region; Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA, YMCA of Greater Brandywine and the YMCA of York and York County. Both organizations have the shared mission to work towards improving the quality of life and well-being for the community. Through this partnership, Special Olympics local programs will be able to find suitable locations for training and hosting local competitions. In addition, athletes will have access to dozens of Y facilities where they can train, improve fitness levels, and build conditioning skills needed to be better athletes. Athletes will also be able to train year-round as opposed to the current 8-week sessions.

Developing healthy habits is a challenge facing these athletes and their families. Many have limited healthcare so health issues often go untreated. With the support from the Y, athletes will have regular access to health and wellness programs, group exercise and nutritionists as well as open gym and swim time. This collaboration will not only benefit the athletes but the entire community which the Y serves. The Y connects people from all backgrounds who want to live healthily and feel connected to something bigger than themselves. The relationship between Special Olympics and the Y opens up volunteer opportunities for both organizations and demonstrates the impact that partnerships like this can have on strengthening the community.

Athletes and their families can receive 25% off of membership by a presenting this flyer at a participating YMCA. Note, additional financial assistance is available for those who demonstrate need. With Y membership, athletes and their families can access the pool, wellness center, gymnasium and participate in group exercise classes. 

Press Release

Find a Y Near You

Philadelphia – Freedom Valley YMCA Locations

After a snow delay which pushed the third annual Elementary/Middle School IUS Bocce Championship back a week, the championship was held on Tuesday, January 16th at Jefferson University‘s Gallagher Recreation Center. This year, Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia welcomed the largest amount of school teams to date with three elementary schools and five middle schools bringing a total of 15 teams to compete. Elementary schools in attendance included Juniata Park Academy and Penrose School. Middle schools in attendance included Andrew Hamilton, Hill-Freedman World Academy, Middle Years Alternative School (MYA), Penrose School, and Universal Daroff Charter School. 

 Executive Director, Health, Safety, Nutrition and Physical Education, Bettyann Creighton, and Manager of Interscholastic Partnerships, Alex Christy, kicked off the day by welcoming all teams to the championship and wishing them the best of luck during the competitions. As the competition got underway, there was excitement in the air as each team brought their A-game to the championship. There was excitement in the air. After each student rolled, they were met with high-fives and if it was a particularly great roll,  a loud cheer from their school.

Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia would like to extend a huge thank all the coaches who have helped their team train and be competition ready, the chaperones for assisting with the event and Jefferson University athletics for providing volunteers. Without all of their support, this event would not have been possible. Thank you! Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia is excited about next year’s Elementary/Middle School IUS Bocce Championship!

The Third Annual Elementary/Middle School IUS Bocce Championship ended with awards being given to all of the athletes and partners based on the order of finish. In the middle school division, Hill-FreedmanTeam 2 took first, Penrose  Team 1 took second, and Middle Years Academy Team 1 took third. In the elementary school division, Juniata Park Team 1 took first, Penrose Team 1 took second, and Penrose Team 2 took third.

Results:

round robin play

overall results

Photos:

Media: 

SOPA – Philadelphia seeks Director.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania seeks an enthusiastic leader to serve as Director of its Philadelphia program. This exciting leadership opportunity will require the Director to strategically evaluate the presence and impact of Special Olympics programming in the city and develop a solid business plan calling for growth in both school and community-based activities keeping in line with the overall organizations five year Strategic Plan.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in supervising staff, engaging the greater community and collaborating with groups and organizations that serve individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Director will be responsible for managing all aspects of programmatic activities in order to meet organizational goals including overall program health and athlete growth as well as working collaboratively with Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s VP of Development and Marketing to assure the program’s financial requirements are met through managing fundraising events, cultivating sponsorships, and other development opportunities as presented.

Reports To:    

Sr. Vice President Programming, Special Olympics Pennsylvania

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for developing and implementing a multi-year business plan that aligns with SOPA’s Strategic Plan by:
  • Working collaboratively with Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Special Olympics North America, and Philadelphia’s volunteer management team to establish and meet operational goals.
  • Continually assessing and improving the quality and availability of services offered to all eligible people with intellectual disabilities in Philadelphia.
• Lead all day-to-day activities for Philadelphia. This includes:
  • Successful execution of “Interscholastic Unified Sports” (IUS) activities to include sports, whole school engagement, and youth leadership components in conjunction with School District of Philadelphia and other Philadelphia based schools. IUS is currently offered in 25 schools (middle and high schools) and there is an annual growth or expansion goal determined each spring for the following school year. This number is determined in alliance with the District personnel, budget allowance, and overall statewide IUS growth plan.
  • Expansion of community-based program activities to encompass all areas of the city.
  • Successful execution and growth of Young Athletes Programs across the city.
  • Show systematic athlete growth to the current 807 athletes and 340 Unified Partners. Current Business Plan (expires 2018) will require updating to reflect new goals, analysis of future activities, etc.
  • Supervision of staff and volunteers:
    • Staff –
      • Sports Director
      • Manager of Interscholastic Unified Sports Partnership
    • Volunteer committees including –
      • Management Team
      • Executive Advisory Board
    • Cultivating strategic partnerships with:
      • School District of Philadelphia
      • Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department
      • Agencies and other Service Providers
      • Professional sports teams
      • Universities and colleges
    • Public awareness – identifies gaps and enhances the visibility of Special Olympics as a whole in Philadelphia market.
    • Establish partnerships and alliances with government, individuals, corporations, sports associations, schools, foundations, media outlets, and other nonprofits to generate resources and support.
    • Financial management including budget preparation, execution, and monitoring
    • Administration of policies and procedures

Candidate Must Demonstrate Experience In:

• Supervision of staff and volunteer committees
• Budget development and execution
• Program development to include strategic planning skills, goal development, and management
• Donor cultivation
• Computer proficiency (able to utilize office software programs including database, spreadsheets, and word processing applications)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field
• Five or more years in management positions with demonstrated positive operational results
• Fundraising experience in establishing and managing sponsors and donors strongly desired
• Nonprofit experience either in professional or volunteer positions
• Commitment to travel throughout Philadelphia (with some statewide travel) as well as evenings and weekend work as needed

Desired Qualifications:

• Special Olympics experience
• Relationships and/or familiarity with businesses, sports teams, entertainment contacts, and media entities in Philadelphia

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Submit a letter of interest, resume, salary history, references, AND salary requirements to careers@specialolympicspa.org

No phone calls will be accepted. Resumes accepted for this position only.

EOE/M/F/H/V

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Special Olympics Pennsylvania provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults (age 8-80) with intellectual disabilities. All training and competition opportunities are provided free of charge to athletes, enabling everyone to experience the benefits of Special Olympics that extend well beyond the playing field. The athletes of Special Olympics — nearly 20,000 strong in Pennsylvania — are constant reminders of all that is right with the human spirit. For more information, visit www.specialolympicspa.org.

The 2017 Philadelphia Polar Plunge was a huge success! Prep for the event happened on Thursday, November 30th to ensure that the water would be nice and chilly for Plungers. On Friday, December 1, 2017, more than 500 Plungers took to the water during three different plunge times. The first temperature reading of the morning was a refreshing fifty degrees. Chilladelphia, the Philadelphia Polar Plunge mascot, was out and about ready for photos and anyone who would challenge her to a dance-off. 

Plunge day started with our Cool Schools Plunge where high schools from Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.Schools participating in this year’s plunge included Abraham Lincoln, Audenreid Charter, Cheltenham, Frankford, Furness, George Washington, High School of the Future, Lansdale Catholic, North Penn, Northeast, Parkway West, Philadelphia Academy Charter, Souderton High School, Strath Haven, Sun Valley, and Universal Daroff. Plungers in this session had a wonderful activity provided by HYPE (Healthy You, Positive Energy) and led by peers from Northeast High School. During the activity, students learned how water is important for their health, decided on a way to increase their own personal water consumption, and how they can promote this message within their school. After plunging, our high school students and chaperones got lunches provided by Pagano’s Market and Bar as they headed back to school to thaw out.

After our high schoolers, we had our Business Plunge where business executives and government officials joined by some Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia athletes enjoyed a hot lunch provided by Pagano’s Market and Bar and hosted by John Clark, while mascots Franklin, Phanatic, and Swoop, entertained the crowd along with the Philadelphia Polar Plunge mascot, Chilladelphia.Clark introduced the keynote speaker, new Philadelphia Phillies manager, Gabe Kapler, who gave a heartfelt speech on his move to Philadelphia, how transformative sports can be for everyone and his support for Special Olympics and everyone in the room. 

The last group to take the plunge were our University students and the general public. CBS Radio personalities, Spike Eskin from 94WIP and Bennet from Today’s 96.5 kicked things off as the sunset, leaving plungers with a chilly night. Right before our plungers took to the pool, our ice sculpture artist took some chunks and added them to the plunging pool. After the plunge finished, participants continue the fun with a post-Plunge Splash Party at Wahoo’s!

Support the event or your favorite Plunger/Chicken!

On social? Use #PhillyPlunge and #FreezinForAReason

Silent auction & Raffle Winners

SoulCycle Pass – Georgia Brantley
Philadelphia Soul Tickets – Bruce Carter
Philadelphia Theatre Package (Walnut Street Theatre & The Arden Theatre Company) – Brian Monihan
Signed Philadelphia Eagles Lane Johnson Photo – Michael Puma
Outside Philadelphia Theatre Package (Delaware Theatre Company &People’s Light) – Bruce Carter
Bread for a Year from Panera Bread – Tim McLaughlin
DICK’S Sporting Goods Gift Card – Tessa Dermoss
Yards Brewing Co. Gift Basket – Georgia Brantley
Target Gift Card – Jackie Lutts
PHILADELPHIA RUNNER Gift Card – Emmy
Shake Shack Gift Card – M Diaz
Philadelphia Phillies Photo & Rally Towel – Zisette Family
Philadelphia Phillies Scarf – Lisa Barbour
Wawa Gift Basket – Sarah DeNight

Photos

Photos on our Facebook Page

GIF Photos provided by PhotoboothProfessional

Thank you to our 2017 Philly Plunge Sponsors!

The Philadelphia Charity Ball celebrated 138 years of tradition on Saturday, November 25, 2017. The mission of The Philadelphia Charity Ball is two-fold: to raise funds for non-profit organizations focused on youth in Philadelphia, and to inspire the young people of Philadelphia to make philanthropy a central part of their lives. It is a formal celebration and gathering that has raised millions of dollars for a variety of worthwhile charities over the years. Representing Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia were Jimmy Medal Winner, Bria Townse and mom, Yvette Rivers, Parkway West Athletic Director, Brian Beaton, Special Events and Marketing Manager, Kristin Craven and her husband, Frank Craven, Special Education Teacher at George Washington, Lori Solomon and her husband, Michael, an athlete at George Washington, Kalif Bledsoe,  Executive Advisory Board Member, Robert Croft, and date Tiffany Wildfong. 

This year, Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia was the beneficiary. In addition to being the beneficiary, one of our Partners (an individual without an intellectual disability who plays on a Unified Team made up of individuals with and without intellectual disabilities) received the honored Jimmy Medal. The Jimmy Medal identifies and celebrates individuals who make a positive difference in the lives of others. Through their actions, they exemplify the virtues of resiliency, humility, empathy, and loyalty.

Bria Townes is a senior at Parkway West. Raised in West Oak Lane. Bria has four siblings, an older sister and two older brothers, and one younger sister. She is a dedicated, hardworking student who does well in school. Volleyball, basketball, softball, and bocce are just a few of the sports in which Bria participates. Whether she’s a key player or helping on the sidelines, she is a valuable teammate. When she’s not dedicating her time to her studies or sports, Bria also has a part-time job during the school year and works full time during the summers which show her dedication and commitment to her future. Her friend and family would describe her as kind, compassionate, and loyal. She also loves children!

Bria has been a partner (a participant without an intellectual disability) with the Special Olympics Unified Program at Parkway West for two years. During her time as a Unified Partner, she has participated in bocce and their Unified Youth Leadership Club. One of her favorite memories of her time as a Unified Partner was meeting the other bocce ball participants for the first time. Bria says that every day since then they always give her a big hug and ask how her day is going. No matter what her mood is, it always helps to put a smile on her face. As a Partner, Bria has been a shining example of how every person in our community should be: kind, friendly, and welcoming to all. She has experienced firsthand through Unified Sports that training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. We cannot thank her enough for her commitment to this program and for leading the way to inclusive communities for all. Congratulations, Bria!

Everyone had a wonderful time meeting each other and talking, then after dinner, dancing the night away. 

2017 Philadelphia Charity Ball Program Book.

The 2017 Fall Fest took us through time with the theme, Adventure Through Time. Fall Festival was held at Villanova University between Friday, November 10th – Sunday, November 12th. Fall Fest started with the Unified Fall Fest Torch Run, kicking off at Citizen’s Bank Park and weaving through the city for a mid-way stop at the Philadelphia Museum of Art before finally heading to Villanova for Opening Ceremonies. Opening Ceremonies took athletes through a time portal and sent them back in time as they would travel through time to see different eras at the various venues on campus. Athletes were given pocketwatches and as they ventured through time, received a stamp to signify the various eras they have seen.

This year, Fall Fest had special guests who visited various venues and were headliners for Closing Ceremonies. Those guests included two Special Olympics International staff members, Mary Davis, CEO, and Soeren Palumbo, Senior Director, Global Youth Engagement. During the weekend, Philadelphia athletes participated in bocce, soccer, and volleyball.

In addition to the regular Closing Ceremonies, athletes and teams were picked for both the 2018 USA Games and 2019 World Games. Celebrate the moments. Our Victories are Timeless.

Photos

For photos of the event by Dane Hildebrand, click this link.

Results

Bocce

Soccer

Individual Skills Michael Younkers – Anthony Silverstra – Dante Rodgers – Coach: Stacy Plumbo

Volleyball

Individual Skills 

Joseph Barut – 1st Place

Cyla Bradshaw – 3rd Place

Coach: Monica Bradshaw

On Saturday, October 28th, Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia (SOPA Philly) held their 2017 Volleyball Invitational at Abraham Lincoln High School. Teams from Area M, Clinton County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and of course Philadelphia came to compete, and for some as an extra competition before the state’s Fall Festival in early November. 

Richard Bailey, Ceremonies Chair,  kicked off the day at 9:00 am with Opening Ceremonies led by the Master of Ceremonies, Global Messanger and Athlete Representative, Raymond Anderson. Anderson also serves on SOPA Philly’s Athlete Leadership Committee. The first portion of the ceremony included all of the volleyball teams making their entrance into the auditorium. Teams in attendance included Area M County Blasters, Clinton County Hawks, Delaware County Slam, Montgomery County Blue Barracudas, Montgomery County Teal Seals, Montgomery County Hawks 1, Montgomery County Hawks 2, Montgomery County Warriors, Philadelphia Wildcats I, Philadelphia “Wildcats II, Philadelphia Flash, Philadelphia Special Stars, Philadelphia Spike Blasters.

Director of Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia, Britt Kleine gave some inspiring words to the athletes and thanked everyone behind the scenes  Sharon Quarles, representing the Philadelphia Special Stars, led athletes in the Athlete Oath of “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Opening Ceremonies concluded with the Flame of Hope, a symbol for Special Olympics. The Flame of Hope was carried in by Philadelphia Wildcat I athlete, Kevin Burke. To kick off competition, Bailey wished the athletes luck in their matches and opened the Games.

Photos

For all photos, please see our Facebook Page

Results

Division 1

1. Clinton County Hawks
2. Montgomery County Warriors

Division 2

1. Delaware County Slam
2. Philadelphia Spike Blasters
3. Philadelphia Phlash

Division 3

1. Montgomery County Teal Seals
2. Philadelphia Wildcats I
3. Montgomery County Hawks I
4. Montgomery County Blue Barracuda’s

Division 4

1. Area M County Blasters
2. Montgomery County Hawks II
3. Philadelphia Special Stars
4. Philadelphia Wildcats II

Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia held the 2017 Fall Unified Youth Summit on Tuesday, October 17th at Dave & Busters in Philadelphia Mills mall. Over 100 students attended from local high school to prepare for the upcoming school year. Participating schools included Abraham Lincoln High School, Audenreid Charter, CAPA, Frankford High School, Furness High School, George Washington High School, Kensington High School, Martin Luther King High School, Parkway West High School, School of the Future, and Thomas Edison High School. The vision of the 2017 Fall Unified Youth Summit is to inspire and motivate all attendees to create a more inclusive school community through Unified Clubs and effective, creative Whole School Engagements. 

The day started with welcoming remarks from Alex Christy, Manager of Interscholastic Partnerships, Bettyann Creighton, Executive Director of Health, Safety, Nutrition and Physical Education, and Matt Aaron, President & CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania. After welcoming remarks, our students let loose by socializing through bowling. While bowling, students were prompted into conversation with a list of questions that would assist them in preparing for the afternoon’s workshops. Bowling wrapped up with lunch and final discussion points. After lunch, the schools were split into two groups to work on how to strengthen their school climate. One session was how to run a successful Unified Club where students discussed what they were doing well and what they could improve in their school and how their Unified Club could plan activities that would improve their school climate. The second session was how to work with individuals and groups successfully. Students took a quick quiz that let them know what their communication style was. Afterward, like-styled students were grouped together and groups practiced the best way to work with each of the other groups in the room. 

Photos

To view all of our photos, please visit our Facebook Album