Summer Newsletter

June 2013
Area 34

Monroe County Special Olympics Area 34

101
Athletes, Coaches, and Volunteers attended State Summer Games

300
Athletes participated at the annual Track and Field event at Jefferson High School

14
Athletes will compete in Softball Nationals in New Jersey

Athletes prepare to carry and light the torch at Opening Ceremonies. The athletes from left to right are as follows: Paul Weaber, Andy Gonzales, Steven Doederlein, Cari Baney, and David Kostoff.

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Monroe had a delegation of 101 people, the largest ever, traveled to Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant on May 30th to compete at Summer State Games. Athletes competed in the following sports: Bowling, Aquatics, Athletics, Volleyball, Powerlifting, Weightlifting, Gymnastics, and Bocce Ball. This year was extremely unique for Monroe since Steven Doederlein was selected as Inspirational Athlete of the Year for Special Olympics in 2012. With Steven being the previous Athlete of the Year Monroe was able to select four athletes to run with the torch followed by Steven lighting the torch during Opening Ceremonies to officially start the games! The athletes selected for this honor were: Andy Gonzales, Cari Baney, David Kostoff, Paul Weaber, and Steven Doederlein. Special Olympics Michigan hosted a pizza party for Monroe on Friday night and the athletes concluded the day with an ice cream social provided by the local area. This was the first year that athletics athletes received all medals.

Spotlight
2013 Awards Banquet
The state awards banquet was held Wednesday night before State Summer Games with Mikki and Andrea Eastman and Shirley and Karly Kodelman receiving "Volunteers of the Year" for Monroe. Tim McCart was selected as Coach of the Year for Monroe. Thank you to all of our volunteers and coaches who make our program what it is! Our program would not be what it is without you and your support!

Annual Portofino Boat Ride

The annual boat ride will take place on July 19th at Portofino in Wyandotte with an 11:00 am departure time. Lunch will be provided after. Spots are limited so please be sure to reserve yours by contacting Barb Jenkins at clydejenkins@att.net.

Spotlight
Left: Steven Doederlein with the Law Enforcement Torch Run Officers after the Lighting of the Torch during Opening Ceremonies.

Above: Ashley Fuson and Chris Gelster receive their bronze medals after their Bocce Ball Doubles match. Left: Cole Fields, Zach Fields, and Terry Semones receive medals after their Weightlifting competition.

Interested in playing a Summer Sport?

Softball is underway and golf and cycling will be beginning soon. We are happy to announce that our Softball Team was selected to represent Special Olympics Michigan in New Jersey for a National Invitational in August. If you are interested in any of these be sure to get your sports registration form turned into Kerry Simmons.
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Upcoming Events
First Annual Golf Outing
Monroe County Special Olympics is a Community Reward partner with Kroger. You can help contribute to our program by linking your Kroger Plus Card. Its simple to do! All you have to do is follow the following steps: 1. Go to krogercommunityrewards.com 2. Click on sign in/register or sign up today if you are a new online customer 3. Sign up for a rewards account 4. Click on edit Kroger Community Rewards input your Kroger card number 5. Select NPO number 90799 or search for Monroe County Special Olympics Area 34 will be holding their First Annual Golf Outing on July 29, 2013. The event will take place at Carrington Golf Course. Registration begins at 8am with a shotgun start at 9am. The cost of the event is $75 which will include: 18 holes with cart, free range before start, lunch at turn, door prizes, and dinner at Ruby Tuesday. All proceeds benefit Monroe County Special Olympics. For questions or information please contact James at (734) 2160881.

Calendar of Events:
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Late June-Early July Golf and cycling will begin (coaches will be contacting those who are registered) July 8 Southeast Regional Golf Tournament July 18 Pine View Golf Course in Ypsilanti July 19 Portofino Boat Ride July 29 First Annual Golf Outing Mid-August Soccer begins (coaches will be contacting those who are registered)

All events will be posted on our website and Facebook page. Please visit them for more details! www.somi.org/area34 or www.facebook.com/Monroe34