What's New at SOPA Crawford County

Danny Zirklel Spirit Award

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:54:00 +0000

2012 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Crawford County
Danny Zirkle Sprit Award
Nomination Form
Nominee Information
Name: School, Agency, Organization:
Address:
Phone:
Submitted by
Name: School, Agency, Organization:
Address:
Phone:
How do you know the athlete?
1. Award is based on one year participation.
2. Only one nominee per school, agency, organization or family in a year. The previous year’s winner is not eligible.
3. Type in black ink.
4. All nomination should be completed and submitted by a participating school, agency, organization or family.
5. Limit responses to 100 words or less.
6. No video’s will be accepted
7. All nomination should be e-mailed by Wednesday April 25, 2012 to Donna Johnson dkjohnson222@windstream.net
8. Any questions can be directed to Carol Caler cgcaler@zoominternet.net
Who was Danny Zirkle? Danny was one of the very first participants in Special Olympics which began in Crawford County in 1974. During that time, Danny earned more than 100 medals and ribbons in athletics and aquatics. He participated in many local, sectional and State Competitions and looked forward to traveling throughout the state competing. In 2008 while in Philadelphia, he was awarded a special trophy for his sportsmanship, which led to his induction into the Special Olympic Hall of Fame.
Danny had an outgoing personality and made friends very easily. An unselfish person, he would go to great lengths to help anyone. He gave encouragement and helpful hints to all athletes during trainings and competitions. Danny exemplified the ‘spirit’ of Special Olympics. He truly cared about his fellow athletes and winning was second to participation.

Danny Zirkle Spirit Award
This award is presented to a Crawford County Special Olympic Athlete who over the past year demonstrated a willingness to assist his/her fellow athletes in the following areas: standing broad jump, 50 or 100 meter walk or run; softball throw; turbo jav; or wheelchair events. Assistance could mean any or all of the following: giving encouragement, be a partner when participating in any athletic events; and show pride and enthusiasm for participating in the Track and Field meet.
1. A. How has the nominee shown a willingness to participate in the Track and Field Meet? Give a specific example.
B. What events does he/she participate in?
2. How has the nominee shown a willingness to assist fellow athletes during last years Track and Field Meet? Give a specific example.

3. How has the nominee’s actions demonstrated the Special Olympic oath? Give a Specific example. Olympic Oath is “Let me win. But if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Neil Sneeringer Ralley

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:16:00 +0000

The 2012 Neil Sneeringer Memorial rally is being planed now for July 27-29, 2012 This is the information on the 2011 rally. Watch for any new details for 2012
The last weekend in July was a great time for the athletes and participants in the Neil Sneeringer ralley. The event committee donated $2900. to Crawford County Special Olympics. (Photo above) The athletes and management team appreciate the support of the event. Sponsors from Crawford and Venango County were very generous to provide the brochures, flyers, food,and prizes for the event. Thank you to all sponsors, volunteers and participants!

Bowling at Plaza Lanes 2011

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:52:00 +0000

First day of Bowling, Everyone seemed to be happy no matter what the ball did!

Summer/Fall newsletter online

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:01:00 +0000

Watch for your newsletter it was mailed August 16. AND it is posted on this website.
We are still going to have another evening Volleyball practice when the school's schedule is finished so we can have a time.

Track and Field Day May 11, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:50:00 +0000

We had a wonderful day for our 2011 Track and Field day.
Thanks to the sponsors and volunteers who supported us.
THANK YOU to our sponsors and groups/individuals who volunteered to make Track and Field day a success.

Asper Tool—Jim Kull Cambridge Middle and HS Girl Talk Conneaut Lake HS Students/Key Club Cochranton Girls Softball
Luminous Water Conditioning Grotto Imperial Carbide Inc.—KC Gunn Linesville High School – Student Council McDonald’s Hamburgers Maplewood HS-Student Council MASH Key Club Meadville Ambulance
Meadville Area Federal Credit Union Meadville Auxiliary Police Nutrition Inc. Saegertown HS Nat Honor Society Sertoma Club Kriner Insurance Group -Trevor Kriner Starn Tool—Tim Mullen & Staff The Arc of Crawford County Thurston House and Staff UCIP

We enjoyed the banner contest! Everyone made beautiful banners with the theme "We Are all Winners when we Work Together"

JaDe Concert April 9, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:40:00 +0000

The Allegheny College Jazz Dance Ensemble is having it's spring concert to benefit Special Olympics of Crawford County. Saturday, April 9, 2011 8pm in Shaffer Auditorium in the Campus Center building on Highland Avenue. (Across from the Wise Center)
There are usually 10-15 acts performed by individuals or groups from the College and the community. It is a fun entertaining event. They have gift baskets from businesses and individuals to auction off. Come support Special Olympics and be entertained!

Schedule of Spring Practices 2011

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:38:00 +0000

Track and Field practice is Wednesdays 5:00 – 6:30pm at The Arc community room

Basketball for the 5 on 5 team is Mondays and Wednesdays - Second District School 4:30 and Thursdays 6-7:30 - First District School

Basketball for the 3 on 3 teams and individual skills is Tuesdays - 1st Presbyterian Church 6-7:30pm

Swimming is 5:45-7:15 at the MARC.

Track and Field meet Spring 2011

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:24:00 +0000

Updated March 28,2011

The 2011 Annual Track and Field Meet will be held Wednesday, May 11 9am-2pm at the Crawford County fairgrounds.

The Parade of Athletes starts at 9am Please be prompt. Line up on the track by your school or agency's name sign.

Make a banner for the event. The theme is "We are all winners when we work together!" The color of the t - shirts this year is a royal blue.

Athletes should be registered by April 13 with Patricia Bellingham, Transition Specialist, CVE, IU#5 Crawford County Career & Technical Center 860 Thurston Road Meadville, PA 16335
814-724-6024 ext 244 (school)
814-333-4698 (Independent Living Residence) email = [Patricia_Bellingham@iu5.org]

Day of the event the Registration table opens and 8:30am either in the home show building or on the track depending on the weather. Schedules and event maps available there.

Any volunteers interested register with Brian Walton wbrianwalton@aol.com or 814-807-1424. Day of the event pick up your name tag and assignment at the volunteer registration booth. It will be in the home show building OR on the track depending on weather. Watch for signs.

Crop 4 A Cause fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:20:00 +0000

Special Olympics hosted a scrapbooking day at The Arc of Crawford County Community Room 222 Chestnut Street Meadville.
Saturday February 19, 2011

Thanks to Kristen Snyder at kristen512snyder@yahoo.com the event was held.

All Proceeds benefit Crawford County Special Olympics THIS EVENT RAISED $500. to support Special Olympics Crawford County. That was enough money to pay for registration for 14 athletes at Summer Games.

WE appreciate the support of all those who attended, vendors who sponsored prizes and those who volunteered to work the event.

Winter 2011 sports practices

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:25:00 +0000

Sports Practices are set for Winter 2011 updated 2-1-2011

Floor Hockey will start Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. at First Presbyterian Church 890 Liberty Street, Meadville Pa,

Athletics FIRST DISTRICT SCHOOL 4:30 4:30 Wednesdays -will start Feb 9th 2011.

Basketball 2 days/week Second District School 4:30-5:30 Monday starting FEB 7, 2011
First District School 6:00 7:30 Thursdays starting FEB 10, 2011

Swimming (Aquatics) will be on Fridays, 6:00 -7:30 pm. At the MARC.
Exception is Friday, Feb 11. We will need to change practice for THAT DAY ONLY (Feb 11) to Saturday, Feb 12 at 10:00am. February 18 back to normal Friday practices 6pm-7:30pm

Neil Sneeringer Motorcycle Rally 2011

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:56:00 +0000

The 2011 event will be held July 29,30 and 31, 2011 at the pavilion on Fauncetown Road off route 27 toward between Titusville and Meadville.
Posters are being prepared for the summer 2011 event. More info to follow>

Info on the 2010 event below:
The Neil Sneeringer Memorial Motorcycle Rally was held July 30-August 1, 2010 at the pavilion on Fauncetown Road. Participants enjoyed camping, Yesterdaze - the high energy, classic rock DJ playing all weekend long, karaoke, and at 9 each night bands will played –Friday was Block Apart, Saturday night Midnight Spank. They also participated in a Memorial ride to the cemetery is on Friday and held the Poker run on Saturday. Athletes from Crawford and Venango Counties are pictured at the check presentation. THANK YOU Neil Sneeringer Committee for helping Special Olympics!!

Bill Shaulis at Nationals in Lincoln NE 2010

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 19:21:00 +0000

Bill (Far right in photo above) and his coach Mike Shea attended the National Games in Lincoln Nebraska summer of 2010.
Bill did very will in the competition.
He received four medals:
Silver in the 3000 M Run
Gold in the 1500 M run
Gold in the 4x400 Relay
Silver in the 5000 M Run.
Crawford County is very proud of his achievements. Bill will be formally honored at the 2010 Bowling Party November 9. Bill continues to train with Mike Shea the running coach. Mike also coaches volleyball, floor hockey softball and 3x3 basketball for Crawford County Special Olympics.

EKS Day September 25, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 19:04:00 +0000

The first Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day was beautiful. It was attended by 20 athletes and family members. The group collected two dozen canned goods for The Center for Family Services, walked to fulfill their pledges of close to $300., enjoyed seeing Bill's metals from his competition at National Games in Lincoln NE. The session ended with a picnic lunch. We hope this event will grow each year and become a time for more families to join in the fun.

www.flickr.com

sethmaya's EKS Day 2010 photoset

2010 Pizza party Bowling Banquet

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:28:00 +0000

The fall season of practices will come to an end November 9, 2010 4:00pm At The Arc of Crawford County Community Room with an awards party and time to honor Bill Shaulis National Games participant in Lincoln Nebraska.

Award winners from the Leadership Conference will also be showcased.

See photos on the Leadership Conference 2010 Post.

Crawford County Honered at PA Leadership Conference

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:11:00 +0000

Samantha Wasson, Crawford County's global messenger and athlete was awarded the Athlete Leadership Award at the 2010 Leadership conference. Pictured is Samantha and Matt Aaron at the dinner.

www.flickr.com

sethmaya's Leadership 2010 photoset

Calista Pierce of Calista Cares.com was honored at the event for her role in fundraising for Crawford County over the past three years. Calista has raised over $7,000 for Crawford County Special Olympics over the past three years.

www.flickr.com

sethmaya's Leadership Calista photoset

Meadville Area Federal Credit Union was honored as the Business of the Year for their support of Crawford County through their Caring about our Community Award.

Photos of the Track and Field Day 2010

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Mon, 24 May 2010 13:37:00 +0000

Spring Newsletter available.

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Sat, 22 May 2010 20:47:00 +0000

Check out the Spring-Summer 2010 Newsletter, available on our Newsletters page. To be placed on our mailing list, contact the SOPA Crawford County office at 814-337-5918 or email us at sopacc@sopacc.org.

2010 Supporters Thank You!

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Sat, 22 May 2010 20:33:00 +0000

Crawford County Special Olympics has a great base of support!

THANK YOU

JaDE Dance group from Allegheny College donated $3660.23 for Crawford County Special Olympics. THANK YOU JaDE!

JaDE Jazz dance group is supervised by Betsy Sumerfield our Global Messenger Coach. Samantha Wasson, Global Messenger was also emcee of this year's event in April. What a nice evening of entertainment! We appreciate the relationship!!

Thank you to Meadville Area Credit Union

For "Caring about Our Community" by choosing to spotlight Crawford County Special Olympics for the Month for April.

ALSO Thank you for the Banner Competition Awards!!!

Thank you Sertoma Club for opening your stand for lunch and snacks.

THANK YOU Meadville Rotary Club for the grant to help us go to Western Sectionals in Clarion!

We appreciate all the efforts of Calista Cares. Calista has raised over $7,000. for Crawford County Special Olympics over the past three years. Thank you!!

Visit her website: www.Calistacares.net

Thank you Thurston House for providing the Olympic Village Every year!!!

Thank You Meadville Area Sports Banquet for supporting Special Olympics 2010

Family table at Track and Field

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:58:00 +0000

For the first time we are having a family table beside the registration table and near the Calista Cares table right inside the track.

We will have information and representation from Parent to Parent. A statewide resource for parents to connect with other parents who have children with a similar or the same condition. They can share resources and experiences to hopefully make it easier for everyone.

The Arc of Crawford County is cosponsoring the table by providing a snack to all who register. Special Olympics is giving those who register their email a wrist band and a family ribbon.

We are hoping this will begin to form a strong email communication network when there is a newsletter, event or change in practice schedules it can be quickly communicated to athletes and family members.
UPDATE on the day's events:
Pictured above is Calista at her table.
Calista Cares had a nice bake sale and her crafts for sale.
At the family table 12 people signed up for email notifications of events/practices and newsletters. Nice start for a new communication network. If you would like to be added email Donna Johnson Public Relations for Special Olympics and works at the Arc. dkjohnson222@windstream.net

Bowling Practice changed to Fall

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:25:00 +0000

Please note we have bowling practice again in the fall for the 2010 year. This changes the Pizza party to December. Watch for Fall newsletter.

Newsletters

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:17:00 +0000

The Winter 2009-10 Newsletter is now online. See our newsletters page for a PDF version. The May newsletter is coming soon. To be placed on our mailing list, contact the SOPA Crawford County office at 814-337-5918 or email us at sopacc@sopacc.org.

SPRING TRACK AND FIELD

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:59:00 +0000

Special Olympics Spring Track and Field Event is scheduled for May 12, 2010, at the Crawford County Fairgrounds. Start time is 9 am.

Fall Practice Schedule Announced

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:41:00 +0000

Announced at the July 28 meeting:

Bowling will start in September:
Tuesdays (Sept 1), Cambridge 4-6 pm
Tuesdays (Sept 1), Meadville 3:30-5:30 pm exception
Thursdays (Sept 3), Titusville 5-6:15 pm

Volleyball Tuesdays (starting Aug 4) 6-7:30 pm First Presbyterian Church. Meadville Outside if weather permits. Coaches will tell you.

Bocce Thursdays, 6-7:30 at The Arc. Some practices will be outside but coaches will schedule and weather will be a factor.

Horseshoes Wednesdays (starting August 5) 5:30-6:30pm In Arc Basement likely. Local event is not a sanctioned Special Olympics PA event. No out-of-county competitions.

Long Distance Run /walk Mondays (starting August 3) 6 pm. Meet at Arc, with Coach Gigone. There may be extra practices for running and Coach Shea will tell participants of them.

This information also posted on the Events page.

Spring-Summer 2009 Newsletter available

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:41:00 +0000

Check out the Spring-Summer 2009 newsletter for upcoming dates and thanks to our many sponsors!

Act 48 Coaching Special Olympics Athletes.

noreply@blogger.com (sopacc.org) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:52:00 +0000

Training Schools for Coaches

Information available on the website www.specialolympicspa.org/events/trainingschools.php

If you have been looking for an opportunity to coach Special Olympics Athletes, start the process by becoming a certified coach. A Training School includes rules updates, organizing an eight week training plan, and best practices in coaching Special Olympics Athletes. Sport Skills Program materials are provided to each participant. Coaches will need to complete at least ten (10) additional hours of training with the athletes in order to be certified.

Act 48 hours: 1 to 14 hours
Teachers: Special Educationand Physical Education –PreK - 12th grade
Description: General Orientation/Protective Behaviors Training. Learn skills to successfully teach and coach Special Olympics athletes; earn practicumhours in providingsafe training andcompetition opportunities.
Contact: Robyn Adams, Training Dir., radams@specialolympicspa.org