Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia held its 1st Philadelphia Gymnastics Meet on March 10, 2018, at Temple University’s Pearson-McGonigle Hall. Gymnasts from Bethlehem, Lebanon, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties compete in Rhythmic, Men’s Artistic, and Women’s Artistic gymnastics. Rhythmic Gymnastics consists of four different floor exercises including a rope routine, hoop routine, ball or clubs routine and a ribbon routine. Women’s Artistic Gymnastics events include bars, beam, floor, and vault. Men’s Artistic Gymnastics includes floor, vault, high bar, rings, parallel bar, and pommel horse. It was an exciting day of competition that started with an Opening Ceremony. After the Parade of Athlete, Philadelphia County athlete, Megan Murphy, sang the national anthem, Matthew Aaron, President and CEO of Special Olympics PA, and Umme Salim-Beasley, Temple University Women’s Gymnastics head coach offered words of wisdom and wished the athletes luck in this first annual meet. Prior to the official opening of competition, Hanna Gremo, Montgomery County athlete and USA Games team member, carried in the Flame of Hope. NCAA Athletes from Temple University’s Women’s and Men’s gymnastics program served as volunteers and judges and were enthusiastic supporters of the over 60 Special Olympics athletes who participated. Congratulations to all athletes!
Photo Credit: Rick Mankin
Click here for all photos by Rick Mankin
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23 & Under
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24 – 29
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30 +
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9 & Under
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10
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11-12
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17+
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14 & Under
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15 +
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| Level 3 |
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| Level 1 |
13 & Under
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14 – 15
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| Level 2 |
18 & Under
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19+
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*USA Games Athlete
Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia held their 33rd Annual Leprechaun Run presented by TMNA Services on Saturday, March 10th at Schuylkill Banks Palapa. It was a chilly morning – starting around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, making it feel like a winter day rather than an almost-spring day. Over 700 participants participated in either the Lucky 7-Mile Race, Classic 5-Mile Race, or 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk. The event opened with welcoming remarks from the co-emcees athlete, Emmett Abdo and Today’s 96.5 host, Bennett, along with a performance by Celtic Flame School of Irish Dance. Before the race kicked off, Abdo led the crowd in the athlete oath of, “Let me win. If I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Participants were then on their way to complete one of the first races of the season. As participants finished, they munched on snacks and waited for the results.
Before the event, the Young Professionals Committee (YPC) hosted their annual Pre-Leprechaun Run Happy Hour on Thursday, March 8th at Fette Sau in Fishtown. The warm and welcoming atmosphere inside was the perfect contrast to the chilly March evening outside, which attracted a large number of Fishtown Runners as well as the general public. In no time, the restaurant was a full house. During the event, participants/ enjoyed extended happy hour specials ranging from a variety of craft beers and hard cider to smoked chicken legs and brisket sandwiches. Guests had the opportunity to enter some exciting raffles, including an autographed Nick Foles framed photograph, and try their luck at the inaugural “Beer Toss” thanks to donations from local vendors and YPC members! As conversation centered on weekend plans and the upcoming Leprechaun Run, the attention was brought to the center of the bar when raffles were pulled. Overall, the event was a great success for YPC and Special Olympics Philadelphia. Thank you to all participants and donors!
Join the social conversation on Facebook and Twitter, and don’t forget to use #LeprechaunRun
Click here to view results. Please note, the link takes you to the Lucky 7-Mile Race results.
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Special Olympics PA – Philadelphia partnered with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) to host the first Med Buddies on Friday, March 9th! More than 50 Special Olympics Unified teammates were invited to spend the day at PCOM. Students in PCOM’s Advocate for Individuals with Disabilities (AID) class and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Special Olympics committee opened their campus to elementary school students from Juniata Park Academy, Universal Daroff Charter, and William H. Loesche, working alongside them in a morning filled with physical fitness, arts and crafts, and health and wellness activities.
MedBuddies paired two Unified teammates with a PCOM student which allowed the teammates to learn from their ‘medbuddy,’ while the students got to get a glimpse into what it is like to work with individuals with intellectual disabilities that Special Olympics serves in Philadelphia. They got to play basketball, run a relay race, make x-rays with construction paper and cotton swabs, and listen to one another’s hearts with a stethoscope.
PCOM was an incredible host. The Special Olympics teammates were treated incredibly well. Special Olympics Philadelphia hopes to continue this event in the future as we continue to look to better serve the K to 5 population of the city. Click here to see the awesome video recap PCOM made!
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.
Philadelphia – Freedom Valley YMCA Locations
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1073 Old York Road |
1400 N. Broad St |
400 E. Pothouse Road |
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1325 McKean Road |
144 Holly Road |
1299 West Baltimore Pike |
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2460 Blvd of the Generals |
440 S. York Road |
7201 Ridge Ave |
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301 West Spring Street |
891 N. Eagle Road |
19 W. Linfield-Trappe Road |
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302 Commerce Square Blvd. Phone: 856.231.9622 |
59 Centerton Road Phone: 856.231.9622 |
2144 Cecil B. Moore Avenue |
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143 Nichecronk Road |
11088 Knights Road |
1399 Quakertown Road |
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1724 Christian Street |
400 E. Pothouse Road |
5120 Chestnut Street |
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.
Sr. Vice President Programming, Special Olympics Pennsylvania
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
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!
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 on our Facebook Page
GIF Photos provided by PhotoboothProfessional
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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.
For photos of the event by Dane Hildebrand, click this link.
| Bocce Team 1 | Kirstyn Cantres & Eddie Glover | 4th Place |
| Bocce Team 2 | Sharon Quarles & John Kulpa | 2nd Place |
| Bocce Team 3 | Pam Galone & Kevin Karcher | 2nd Place |
Individual Skills Michael Younkers – Anthony Silverstra – Dante Rodgers – Coach: Stacy Plumbo
| Team Name | Athletes | Coach | Place |
| Philly Stars & Strips (5v5) | Ian Capacio, Allison Davidson, Danny Amrik, Jackie Lutts, Emmett Abdo, Lisa Barbour, Kristie Walls, Michael Weinberg, David Brent Williams | Charles Abdo | Place |
| Philly Strykers (7v7) | Joseph Rynkiowicz, Mathew Grabowski, Ryan Bogan, Brian Stulz, Angel Rodriguez, Charles Zisette, Daniel Charlton, Ronald Atkins, Samuel Fioravanti Jr, Jason Bixby, Jesse Rose, Matthew Beckman | Coach | Place |
Individual Skills
Joseph Barut – 1st Place
Cyla Bradshaw – 3rd Place
Coach: Monica Bradshaw
| Team | Players | Coach | Place |
| Philly Special Stars | Mitchell Stahl, Derrick Jackson, Stanley Dluzniewski, Raymond Anderson, Kelly Dluzniewski, James Shelton, Allison Rutizer, Francis Bradshaw, Jason Sorrino, Carlyn Robinson | Rosemary Duffy | 3rd Place |
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.
For all photos, please see our Facebook Page
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.
To view all of our photos, please visit our Facebook Album
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