FW: Special Olympics NYC Region Program Report

 

 

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From: Colleen Everett [mailto:ceverett@nyso.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 11:26 AM
To: Darcie Henderson
Subject: Special Olympics NYC Region Program Report

 

Program Report April 9th, 2009 In This Issue A Message from the President & CEO Upcoming Competitions Resources Summer Games Quota Survey Coach Responsibilties Medical and Consent Policy Overview General Information Session Future Dates for State Games Volunteers Needed Reminders Criteria for Advancement Upcoming Events in the NYC Region   Quick Links Register Now News Related Topics More On Us   Join Our List   A Message from the President & CEO   To:                   Athletes, Families, Volunteers, and Friends   From:               Neal J. Johnson, President & CEO   Subject:            2009 Summer Games ____________________________________________________________________   I'm sure you are all aware of the economic challenges we are facing.  As I mentioned in my previous letter, our organization has had to budget expenses to match a very conservative development outlook.  To ensure that we meet our financial needs, unfortunately we have had to change the shape of Summer Games.  This proved to be very difficult, knowing we were going to disappoint a lot of people.    This year's Summer Games 2009 will see a reduction in the total number of athletes by 35% and only one day of competition.  With a smaller time frame for competition, making this reduction evenly across every sport brings a number of events to a level where quality competition will not exist.  To preserve a portion of our larger events, we moved the allocations from some of the low participation sporting events.  We also needed to keep in mind that with one day of competition, our larger events would not be able to sustain full participation while maintaining quality competition.  With that said here is what events will make up the 2009 Summer Games:   Aquatics - 100% participation*                              Basketball Team - 80% participation* Basketball Skills - 100% participation*                 Volleyball Team - 0% participation* Powerlifting - 100% participation*                         Volleyball Skills - 0% participation* Tennis - 100% participation*                                  Gymnastics - 0% participation* Athletics - 85% participation*                                 Bowling - 0% participation*   *based on 2008 Summer Games Participation   I appreciate your understanding during these unprecedented times.  It was with no great ease that these decisions were reached.  The reductions to Summer Games were made very carefully and strategically.  In spite of our economic environment, we look forward to the great competitions we will see all around the state this spring.  It is essential for us all to do what we can to continue moving forward with our mission.    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, Brooklyn) May 9th, 2009   Registrations and more information to follow.     RESOURCES   Please click on the resource links below: (Forms are printable) EXCEL SHEETS FOR REGISTRATION PACKETS and SO Resource Room (click 'xls' next to the sport of your choice download form) REGISTRATIONS 2009 NYC Regional Basketball and Aquatics Tournament Registration Packet (Fordham)  (PAST DUE) Spring Games South Registration Packet Victory Spring Games Registration Packet If you have any questions about using these links or accessing these forms, please contact Colleen Everett at ceverett@nyso.org or (212) 661-3963 for assistance.   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 9, 2009 Victory Spring Games, Victory Field, Queens 9am - 3pm 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. 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 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 9, 2009 Victory Spring Games, Victory Field, Queens 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. May TBD, 2009 Riverside Park Spring Games, Riverside Park, Manhattan Athletes from Manhattan-based training clubs will compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals in athletics. 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 TBD, 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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