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| | Summer Sports Conference | |
THIS SATURDAY - THERE'S STILL TIME TO REGISTER!
Click here to register!
PLEASE reserve March 28, 2009 for the Special Olympics New York City Region Coaches' Conference! This conference is a great, easy way to start the certification process for new coaches and will hold invaluable information for veteran coaches. The conference will be held at:
Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Service Office
888 Fountain Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11208
For new coaches, this conference is the jumping off point for you to join the exciting and rewarding experience of training Special Olympics athletes! Individuals over the age of sixteen may become certified. The time commitment involved after you are certified is about one to two hours per week, per sport season. In order to become a certified coach, you must attend a General Orientation, complete a volunteer application, attend a sport-specific training and a 10-hour practicum. This conference combines the first three steps into one simple process and leaves you ready to start your 10-hour practicum. We are offering sports-specific training in athletics and basketball skills. You should still attend this conference even if you are interested in coaching a sport other than those offered, as the initial certification steps are uniform. The conference should last from about 9am to 2pm for new coaches. We will have free giveaways and provide lunch.
For veteran coaches, The time requirement for veteran coaches is only 9am to 11:30am (lunch begins at 11:30am, which you may choose to stay for or not) and we will have free giveaways! Please attend!
Click here to view the agenda for the day
Click here to register!
Or RSVP to Colleen Everett at ceverett@nyso.org
or call (212) 661-3963
| | A Note on Upcoming Competitions | |
The 2009 Metro Tournament
will be held at Queens College on
June 6, 2009
Sports offered: athletics, powerlifting and volleyball
(team and skills)
NYC Spring Games South
(Wingate Park)
May 9th, 2009
Registrations and more information to follow.
| | A Message from the President and CEO | | | Dear Athletes, Families, Volunteers, and Friends:
We have had an amazing start to 2009. On January 15th, Special Olympics New York served as host of the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run as it made its way from Athens, Greece to Poland, South Africa, and China on its way to Idaho. Over 350 members of Law Enforcement participated with World Games Athletes in a ceremonial Torch Run from City Hall in Manhattan past the World Trade Center and Police Memorials on its way to a moving ceremony at the Winter Garden Atrium at the World Financial Center.
On Saturday, February 7th, more than 900 athletes and coaches came together in Rochester to celebrate and compete in Special Olympics New York's 2009 State Winter Games. Athletes demonstrated their outstanding abilities in several competitive sports, including Nordic and Alpine Skiing, Snowshoeing, Floor Hockey, and Floor Hockey Skills. On Sunday, our "Winter Weekend" concluded with the 9th Annual Rochester Polar Plunge. More than 1,500 enthusiastic Special Olympics New York supporters jumped into the frigid waters of Lake Ontario and raised just over $200,000 in support of our athletes. Another 1,000 Plungers jumped in at events held in Fishkill and on Long Island, for our athletes.
Later in February, our ten World Games athletes did New York proud, winning several medals in Boise, Idaho and gaining new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Just this past week, we participated in the Fourth Annual Hill Day in Washington where New York athlete Kassie Glover of Syracuse stole the hearts of our federal legislators from New York, encouraging them to do all they can to support us.
We again, are incredibly grateful for your amazing dedication, spirit, and support in making these and our other successes a reality.
Outside the realm of our control, we continue to face the most challenging economic period that most of us have ever witnessed. We completed our 2009 plan in the dawning of the uncertainty this past summer/early fall. Once it appeared that the situation wasn't getting better, we made the difficult choices to reduce our expenses, and only invest in core mission activities and budget expenses to match the very conservative development outlook.
There is no blame for the difficult economic environment in which we live. These times don't fit the standard mold. ALL of us, however, must invest in moving forward with our mission. I hope that each of you can appreciate the need to plan conservatively and that you do whatever you can to help us to generate the funds needed to sustain our programs. Now, more than ever, we need your help by identifying potential sponsors, joining in our local and statewide initiatives, and even simply making a direct donation.
Despite all the doom and gloom, we are still 365 days a year, still free to our athletes and their families, and 47,654 strong with 3,500 competitions statewide. We are Special Olympics NEW YORK!
With Warmest Regards,
Neal J. Johnson
President & CEO | | SUMMER GAMES QUOTA SURVEY | | Head coaches:
The quota surveys for the 2009 State Summer Games have been distributed to NYC coaches via email. Please return this form to the NYC office no later than April 6th (fax, email, or mail).
Please contact Colleen Everett at ceverett@nyso.org with questions.
Thanks! | | Coach Responsibilities Overview | | SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW YORK
COACH/CHAPERONE RESPONSIBILITIES
I will place the health and safety of Special Olympians, myself and other participants ABOVE ALL, on my way to, during and returning from Special Olympics events;
I agree to be responsible for the athlete(s) assigned to me during travel to, from and while at the Special
Olympics events;
I will follow the SONY Policy on Alcohol and Controlled Substance Use during all SONY events;
While I may not be responsible for the dispensing of medicine, I will become familiar with the medical history of the medications required by the athlete(s) for whom I have responsibility;
I will follow written and oral instructions of event organizers when applicable to me;
I will have the athlete(s) assigned to me at the appropriate events and activities on time;
I will familiarize myself with the fire exit route, first aid stations and emergency procedures;
I will display only the highest level of sportsmanship and moral behavior;
I am 18 years of age or older;
I am familiar with the special needs of the people with mental handicaps and developmental disabilities;
I will conduct myself in a manner commensurate with my role as coach/chaperone;
I will wear my credential (Coaches must wear photo ID card) and understand that it must be visible during events; | | Medical and Consent Policy Overview | | Eligible individuals register for Special Olympics training by completing the Medical Release and Consent form. Forms are available from the Regional Office.
A valid form must be completed in full. The athlete's full name, not a nickname, must be identified. Always be sure to list the Primary Training Club and Agency.
Medical forms are valid for up to three (3) years.
Training Club Head Coaches must review, update, and maintain the Medical and Consent records. A copy must be sent to the Regional Office and a copy must be maintained by the Training Club Head Coach.
Medical and Consent forms must travel with the athletes to alltrainings and competitions. Athletes without Medical and Consent forms will not be permitted to train or compete. | | General Information Session | |
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A COACH AND CAN'T ATTEND THE COACHES' CONFERENCE?
We will be holding a General Information Session, the first step in the Coaches' Certification process, on
Thursday, April 23rd
from 6:30 -7:30pm at our office
211 East 43rd St., Suite 1205, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Colleen Everett at ceverett@nyso.org or (212) 661-3963.
Thanks!
| | Future Dates for State Games | | | Summer 2009 June 11-14 Binghamton
Summer 2010 TBD
Summer 2011 TBD
Fall Games 2009 Oct 2-4 Seneca Falls
Fall Games 2010 Oct 1-3 Seneca Falls
Winter Games 2010 TBD
Winter Games 2011 TBD | | VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! | | | April 18, 2009
NYC Regional Basketball and Aquatics, Fordham University
9am - 3pm
May 9, 2009
NYC Spring Games South, Wingate Park, Brooklyn
9am - 3pm
May 17, 2009
Riverside Park Spring Games, Riverside Park, Manhattan
9am - 1pm
AND MANY MORE!
Please contact Colleen Everett at ceverett@nyso.org or (212) 661-3963 if you are interested! | | REMINDERS | | Training Schedules Needed!
COACHES: Please submit your training schedules to Colleen Everett at ceverett@nyso.org as soon as possible. We are compiling a list of trainings to distribute to other coaches, families, and athletes.
Thanks!
| | Criteria for Advancement | |
Criteria for Advancement
The Criteria for Advancement in accordance with SO General Rules (and Regional Policy) are as follows:
* Travel Ability - can both athletes and coaches alike tolerate and benefit from the experience
* Demand Survey - training club interest and availability
If the number of eligible athletes exceeds the quota, we must then implement a systematic criteria for advancement:
"Advancement begins with the distribution of a quota for a limited number of allocations to each accredited program. The program is then charged with the responsibility to select athletes in accordance with formalized Criteria for Advancement as defined by the Special Olympics General Rules, Article 7, section 7.08(e) and the Sports Rules Article 1, Section (k). To be considered eligible, athletes must have participated at the previous level of competition prior to advancing to the next higher level." (for example, a local bowling tournament)
"Priority is given to all first place finishers from all divisions of the specific sport/event in consideration.We are required to do the same with second, then third place finishers and so on until we have filled our allocation."
Athlete Selection and Competition on the Center Stage
A group of very fortunate athletes has recently returned to New York having challenged competitors from around the world as members of Special Olympics Team USA. Throughout our history as an organization, athletes representing New York have participated in numerous Invitational, National and World Games. These privileged athletes have experienced a life changing opportunity for which there is no comparison.
Have you ever wondered; "How is it that a Special Olympics athlete earns the opportunity to compete at World Games?" The honest answer is through hard work, dedicated training, progressive competition and good fortune. Few realize what is required to make it to this "Center Stage." World Games competition is certainly the highest level of advancement and opportunity that any athlete can hope to attain. Special Olympics has developed a set of guidelines that govern advancement and the selection process. Our General Rules for athlete advancement are grounded in this fundamental principle: Athletes of all ability levels have an equal opportunity to advance to the next higher level of competition. Each program is bound to fulfill these principles.
Advancement begins with the distribution of a quota for a limited number of allocations to each accredited program. The program is then charged with the responsibility to select athletes in accordance with formalized Criteria for Advancement as defined by the Special Olympics General Rules, Article 7, section 7.08(e) and the Sports Rules Article 1, Section (k). To be considered eligible, athletes must have participated at the previous level of competition prior to advancing to the next higher level. If the number of eligible athletes and or teams exceeds the quota, athletes and teams are selected by random draw. Priority is given to all first place finishers from all divisions of the specific sport/event in consideration. We are required to do the same with second, then third place finishers and so on until we have filled our allocation. The program may also evaluate criteria based on medical, behavior or judicial consideration. The objective of this additional evaluation is to assure that the selected athletes will tolerate the experience and benefit from the opportunity. Finally, an athlete or team may not be barred from advancement or omitted from the draw based on prior competition or advancement experience.
Your next question might be; "If only medal winners are eligible, how is it that each athlete has an equitable chance to advance to the next level of competition?" The answer to this question is at the heart of our organization's credibility. Special Olympics Divisioning Rules provide for equitable competition for all athletes at all skill levels. At each competition athletes are separated into heats of three to eight competitors, having been divided by gender, age and ability; ability being the most important consideration. All athletes are evaluated through preliminary rounds and are paired in a division of equally skilled and capable opponents. All medal wining athletes from all divisions have an equal chance of selection for advancement.
Imagine for a moment that Special Olympics New York was granted a quota of one powerlifting athlete to join Team USA for the upcoming World Games. First we need to determine our eligible athletes. These eligible athletes will have competed in the previous State Summer Games for powerlifting and have placed first in their divisions. This imaginary pool may contain 25 powerlifters of varying skill and strength depending upon their divisions. The selection from this pool is drawn from a hat with oversight from the Games Organizing Committee. The selected athlete is evaluated by a team of coaches, family and committee members. Upon confirmation our lucky athlete is recognized and advances to World Games.
The opportunity to travel to a far reaching land, immersion in an unfamiliar culture and bonding with people regardless of language or belief in the pursuit of sport in its purest form seems to exemplify the core principles of our Special Olympics movement. These experiences stretch far beyond the athletes who have had the privilege of selection. Each of us involved in the movement is touched by this exchange.
Please be encouraged to read and learn more about Special Olympics. Additional educational material and the General Rules can be found at: www.specialolympics.org
| | Upcoming Events in the NYC Region | | |
Date TBA
Medfest, Long Island University Wellness Center
The first Brooklyn Medfest is a partnership between Brooklyn Hospital and Long Island University. Roughly 100 athletes from the NYC Dept. of Education are expected to participate. Medfest is part of the Healthy Athletes program, in which athletes are examined by health practitioners and trained medical students at no cost to them or their families. The objective is to ensure that athletes are medically certified and able to participate in year-round Special Olympics sports and training athletic competitions.
March TBD, 2009
APE Bowling Tournament
Athletes from NYC DOE gather to compete in a day of bowling fun! Athletes will compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.
March 26, 2009
NYC DOE Volleyball Tournament, PS104Q
Athletes from the NYC DOE gather to compete in a day of volleyball fun! Athletes will compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.
March 28, 2009
Summer Coaches' Conference, Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Services Office
Coaches and volunteers gather to have a conference to train, certify, and recertify coaches. This conference will be held at the Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Services Office. A general Special Olympics information session is held, along with a class teaching protective behaviors and sport-specific trainings. The conference should last from about 9am - 2pm.
March 31, 2009
NYC DOE Volleyball Tournament, PS104Q
Athletes from the NYC DOE gather to compete in a day of volleyball fun! Athletes will compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.
April TBD, 2009
APE Bowling Tournament
Athletes from NYC DOE gather to compete in a day of bowling fun! Athletes will compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.
April 5, 2009
NYC Regional Basketball Tournament, New York University
This is a full day of Olympic-style basketball competition at New York University. The tournament is run completely by a student committee at NYU. Athletes from the five boroughs compete.
April 18, 2009
NYC Regional Basketball and Aquatics, Fordham University
Featured at the event will be over 400 athletes competing for gold, silver and bronze medals in two Special Olympics sports; aquatics and basketball (team and skills competitions). Joining the athletes will be family members, game volunteers, cheering spectators and corporate sponsors. Opening Ceremonies will begin at 10:00am. The Medal Rounds of Competition are from 11:00am to 3:30pm.
April 20, 2009
District 75 Bowling Tournament, Whitestone Lanes, Queens
Athletes from P176X gather to compete in a day of bowling fun! Athletes will compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.
April 23, 2009
General Information Session, Special Olympics NYC Region Office, Manhattan
Volunteers interested in becoming coaches gather to learn general information about Special Olympics, history, mission, and the coaching certification process. This is the first step in the requirement to become certified.
April 24, 2009
District 75 Bowling Tournament, Whitestone Lanes, Queens
Athletes from P176X gather to compete in a day of bowling fun! Athletes will compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.
April 29, 2009
District 75 Citywide Bowling Tournament, Jib Lanes, Queens
Athletes from District 75 schools across the city gather to compete in a day of bowling fun! Athletes will compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.
May TBD, 2009
NYC Regional Volleyball and Powerlifting Competition, Manhattan
Featured at the event will be athletes competing for gold, silver and bronze medals in two Special Olympics sports; powerlifting and volleyball (team and skills competitions). Joining the athletes will be family members, game volunteers, cheering spectators and corporate sponsors.
May 9, 2009
NYC Spring Games South, Wingate Park, Brooklyn
Featured at the event will be athletes competing for gold, silver and bronze medals in athletics. Joining the athletes will be family members, game volunteers, cheering spectators and corporate sponsors.
May 11, 2009
District 75 Citywide Bowling Tournament, Jib Lanes, Queens
Athletes from District 75 schools across the city gather to compete in a day of bowling fun! Athletes will compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.
May 18, 2009
District 75 Bowling Tournament, Whitestone Lanes, Queens
Athletes from P176X gather to compete in a day of bowling fun! Athletes will compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.
May 20, 2009
District 75 Bowling Tournament, Whitestone Lanes, Queens
Athletes from P176X gather to compete in a day of bowling fun! Athletes will compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.
June 6, 2009
Metro Tournament, Queens College
Featured at the event will be athletes competing for gold, silver and bronze in athletics (track and field), volleyball and powerlifting. Joining the athletes will be professional sports stars, local dignitaries, family members, game volunteers, cheering spectators and corporate sponsors. The entire event will be conducted in a tradition of Olympic-style pageantry, ceremonies and participation. The Special Olympics athletes will welcome and share with all who attend the excitement of sports competition and the sheer joy of the human spirit.
June 8, 2009
District 75 Bowling Tournament, Whitestone Lanes, Queens
Athletes from P176X gather to compete in a day of bowling fun! Athletes will compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.
June 10, 2009
District 75 Bowling Tournament, Whitestone Lanes, Queens
Athletes from P176X gather to compete in a day of bowling fun! Athletes will compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.
June 11-14, 2009
Special Olympics New York State Summer Games, Binghamton, NY
Featured at this state-wide event will be over 3,000 athletes, from all over New York State, competing for gold, silver and bronze in multiple Special Olympics summer sports including: aquatics, basketball, athletics (track and field), volleyball, tennis, gymnastics, bowling and power lifting. Joining the athletes will be professional sports stars, local dignitaries, several thousand family members, game volunteers, cheering spectators and corporate sponsors. The entire 2 and a half day event will be conducted in a tradition of Olympic-style pageantry, ceremonies and participation. The Special Olympics athletes will welcome and share with all who attend the excitement of sports competition and the sheer joy of the human spirit.
August 8, 2009
Fall Coaches' Conference, Brooklyn Development Disabilities Services Office
Coaches and volunteers gather to have an all day conference to train, certify, and recertify coaches. A general Special Olympics information session is held, along with a class teaching protective behaviors. Professional athletic trainers teach coaching tactics of basketball and floor hockey.
September 19, 2009
New York City Regional Softball Tournament, Cunningham Park, Queens
Special Olympics softball teams from the five boroughs and Long Island will compete in games throughout the day. Athletes will compete for Bronze, Silver and Gold medal.
October 2009
Special Olympics New York State Fall Games, Rochester, NY
Featured at this state-wide event will be over 2,000 athletes, from all over New York State, competing for gold, silver and bronze in multiple Special Olympics Fall sports including: softball, bicycling, equestrian, bocce, cross country running, cycling, roller skating and soccer. Joining the athletes will be professional sports stars, local dignitaries, several thousand family members, game volunteers, cheering spectators and corporate sponsors. The entire day and a half day event will be conducted in a tradition of Olympic-style pageantry, ceremonies and participation. The Special Olympics athletes will welcome and share with all who attend the excitement of sports competition and the sheer joy of the human spirit.
November 14, 2009
Winter Coaches' Conference, Brooklyn Development Disabilities Services Office
Coaches and volunteers gather to have an all day conference to train, certify, and recertify coaches. A general Special Olympics information session is held, along with a class teaching protective behaviors. Professional athletic trainers teach coaching tactics of basketball and floor hockey.
December 5, 2009
New York City Regional Bowling Tournament, AMF, 39th Avenue, Queens
More than 200 athletes from the five boroughs and NYC Department of Education gather to compete in a day full of bowling fun! Athletes will compete for Bronze, Silver and Gold medals. |
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