Sidelines - VIRTUAL POLAR BEAR PLUNGE 30th ANNIVERSARY - Special Olympics Delaware
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Winter 2021
Sidelines
Join
us!
30th ANNIVERSARY
VIRTUAL POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
BRING THE BEACH TO YOUR BACKYARD!
Follow us! @sodelaware Read more on page 5
SPORTS INFORMATION SPORTS INFORMATION
BASKETBALL SEASON NATIONAL GAMES
SEASONED POSTPONED - START FEB. 1 ORLANDO 2022
Special Olympics Delaware is excited to return to the court for the 2021 WHAT SPORTS WILL TEAM DELAWARE COMPETE IN?
Basketball Season!* HEALTHY ATHLETES • Aquatics - Males and Females
• Basketball - Traditional Male Team
We know our athletes are excited to return to the court and we are just as Virtual Fitness Challenges • Bocce - Males and Females
excited to see their progression throughout the season. Numerous teams • Bowling - Males and Females
across the state will kick off their training season in early February and it Thank you to everyone who participated
• Powerlifting - Male
will conclude at the end of March. in the Gold Medal Step Challenge! What
• Tennis - Male and Female
a fun and successful adventure we had
*SODE reserves the right to adjust based on the pandemic situation, safety protocols established and/ • Track & Field - Males and Females
together travelling around the world. This
#Shine
or approval by SOI and Delaware Department of Public Health.
** The photos shown below were taken prior to March 2020, pre-pandemic. All Special Olympics Delaware events
challenge also gave us an opportunity Each sport has 1 coach spot available with the exception of Team
are now held to new safety protocols requiring facemasks and social distancing. to look back and remember the National Basketball, which has 2 spots.
and World Games which brought pride,
laughter, and fun memories for so many of SELECTION PROCESS
AsOne
our fellow athletes!
Special Olympics Delaware is encouraging current athletes (16+ years
Together we took the world by storm for a old) of ALL abilities to apply. All Gold Medalists from identified State
total of 144,788 steps or 1890 minutes Competitions* will be included in the randomized draw for selections.
In order to be considered for selection, athletes must meet all of the
Whats New and On-Going?
following criteria:
• Complete the pre-selection questionnaire
Dance Fitness is back and better than • Meet minimum standards for National Games
ever! Have you registered yet? If not there • Receive support by their Area Director
is still time to sign up and get groovin’!
Dance Fitness will be Monday nights at Detailed information on minimum standards, link to pre-selection
6:30pm, once you register at www.sode. questionnaire and coaches application can be found at www.sode.org
org, you will be given the zoom link to join!
Athletes and Coaches who are selected will be notified by Fall 2021.
SPRING SPORTS SEASON Are you signed up yet for Active Movement
- Virtual Fitness Plan? This weekly/
*Most recent competition that meets quality standards as outlined by SOI
** The photos shown to the right were taken prior to March 2020, pre-pandemic. All Special Olympics Delaware
REGISTRATION OPENS SOON - SEASON START: APRIL bi-weekly virtual fitness opportunity for events are now held to new safety protocols requiring facemasks and social distancing.
SODE athletes supplements the in-person
Join us in April as we hop into the Spring Sport Season. Registration for basketball practices in an effort to improve
all participants will be opening soon. We still need coaches, practice
volunteers and safety volunteers - if you are interested please go to our
conditioning and health. While basketball
athletes are the primary focus, this virtual
SUMMER CAMP COMING IN AUGUST!
website for more information www.sode.org. Special Olympics Delaware’s Overnight Sports Camp is a three-day, two-night camp
opportunity is open to ALL athletes!
Sports Offered*: featuring sports training, traditional camp activities and socialization held at Camp
TUESDAYS THURSDAYS Barnes, located near Bethany Beach in southern Delaware. Camp is offered to all
Bocce (2-person teams), Powerlifting, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Jan. 5 -March 23 Jan. 7 -March 25 qualified Special Olympics Delaware athletes.
Field (Areas and Interscholastic) 6:00pm - 6:45pm 6:30pm - 7:15pm
*SODE reserves the right to adjust based on the pandemic situation, safety protocols established and/ This year Special Olympics Delaware is again offering two overnight sessions. Athletes
or approval by SOI and Delaware Department of Public Health. Join us! may apply for acceptance into ONLY 1 of the 2 following camps:
WWW.SODE.ORG
SESSION 1: Saturday, August 7 – Monday, August 9
SPORT PHYSICAL UPDATES
SESSION 2: Sunday, August 15 – Tuesday, August 17
The recommended minimum age for attending camp is 13 years old. Applications are being considered now for both camps. Space
COVID-19 PHYSICAL UPDATE at both camps is limited and a completed application does not mean acceptance into camp.
If you were diagnosed as COVID-positive and/or have had any changes in cardiac, neurological, or respiratory conditions Visit www.sode.org to download an application or call 302-831-4653 to have an application mailed to your home.
since your last Special Olympics physical, you must submit a new updated Special Olympics medical form to the office Interested in being a camp counselor? We are looking for volunteers to join our athletes at camp as counselors. You must be willing
before returning to SODE sports training and competitions. to participate in all camp activities alongside the athletes, happy to unplug from the internet for a few hours and have fun!
Email Louise.doe@sode.org or call 302- 831-3479 for more details.
2 VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.SODE.ORG JOIN US AND BE THE DIFFERENCE! 3
WHAT DOES VIRTUAL MEAN?
Simply, make YOUR Plunge, YOUR way, including the temperature of the water!
Get creative and get your pack of Bears together (safely socially distanced and/or with masks,
PLUNGE HAS GONE of course) or Plunge yourself – however and wherever you choose. Think kiddie pool, sprinkler,
Brrrr - tual
cold shower…the options are endless! It’s all the fun of jumping into the cold ocean without, you
know, jumping into the cold ocean.
HOW DO I ENTER THE
PLUNGE CONTEST?
PRESENTED BY We’re kicking things up a level with a Virtual
Plunge Contest!
Think your Plunge has what it takes to be the
best? Send in a video or photo of your amazing,
over-the-top Plunge during the 30 Days of
“Since taking the plunge for the first time in 2013, it has become a tradition for me Plunge - from Jan. 8 to Feb. 7. The top Plunges
to participate and my husband as my official towel holder. This year I am excited the will then be voted on by the public until Feb.
plunge has gone virtual as I can plunge with family from around the world.” 14, with the winner(s) being announced on TOGETHER
Louise Doe
Feb. 15. We have some awesome prizes lined
WE C A N
Donate spare change to Wawa’s
Director of Volunteers and Athlete Engagement / Polar Bear Plunge Veteran up that we think you will be excited about... So, coin canisters or round-up to the
(The photo to the left was taken prior to March 2020)
plan your Plunge (including social distance and/ nearest dollar at the register now
or masks) and promote your towel holder to a MAKE A until Feb. 21 to help support Special
Olympics Delaware athletes!
photographer!
DI FF ER EN C E
HOW DO I GET MY SWEATSHIRT? WHAT ABOUT SOUVENIRS? READY TO SUBMIT?
The Plunge may be different, but we know the The Plunge wouldn’t be the same without some We can’t wait to see your Plunge, so make sure you check out all
sweatshirt is still as important as ever! iconic souvenirs, and we’ve got you covered! the how’s, where’s and what’s to make the most of your Plunge!
Don’t fret, your Official 2021 Plunge Hoodie will Visit www.plungede.org for the 2021 souvenirs Visit our website for complete details on how to submit your
be mailed. Please note you must raise a minimum we have available for purchase. They will be Plunge. Feeling camera shy, or not in the competitive spirit?
of $75 to earn the sweatshirt. You will receive a shipped directly to you, no sand included. That’s okay too - submitting photos and videos for the Virtual
notification when your sweatshirt has shipped. Plunge Contest is not a requirement to be an Official Bear or to
Additional fundraising incentives earned will be have a growling good time.
mailed after February 7.
4 REGISTER FOR THE PLUNGE AT WWW.PLUNGEDE.ORG JOIN US AND BE THE DIFFERENCE! 5
SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISERS! SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISERS!
STRONGER TOGETHER 2021 RIDE TO THE TIDE
Presented by Delmarva Power
2020 VIRTUAL RUN Join hundreds of motorcycles in a police-escorted ride from Smyrna
to Rehoboth Beach, in support of Special Olympics Delaware.
A LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN® EVENT
DATE, TIME AND LOCATION
THANK YOU FOR BEING THE DIFFERENCE! Sunday, April 18, 2021 (raindate: Sunday, April 25)
Rommel Harley-Davidson in Smyrna
TOGETHER - 983 PEOPLE RAN, WALKED, BIKED AND ROLLED DEPARTURE TIME 11:30 AM (check-in opens at 9:30 a.m.)
MORE THAN 6,500 MILES AND RAISED MORE THAN $65,500! For more information, please visit our website at WWW.SODE.ORG
There’s never been a more important time Among the participants, over 60 law
for our community to come TOGETHER. enforcement agencies were represented,
with many organizing a group Torch Run
With the cancellation of the 2020 Summer
in their own town.
Games due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
the traditional Law Enforcement Torch We invited all participants to get active YOUR SUPPORT MEANS MORE
Run did not take place. and log their miles to help reach our
This fall, we invited our community to help
goal of 5,050 miles and $50,500 raised NOW THAN EVER BEFORE.
together as a community, in celebration
celebrate the partnership between Law
of Special Olympics Delaware’s 50th
Enforcement and Special Olympics with a
virtual event.
Anniversary. Together, we’ve given thousands of men,
AND WE DID IT - TOGETHER! women, and children across Delaware the
support they need to chase their dreams.
Amy Spencer was a passionate supporter of Special Imagine what we can do for the next 50 years.
Olympics - especially through volunteering her time Thank you for being part of our community.
as a nurse. Sadly, Amy recently passed away Without you, none of it is possible.
after being involved in an automobile accident. In (The photo to the left was taken prior to March 2020)
celebration of her life and her passion for Special
Olympics, Amy’s colleagues, friends, and family
GO OVER THE EDGE FOR
joined together to create the “Stronger Together for
Amy” team, gathering nearly 100 team members,
and raising over $8,600 in Amy’s memory.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS!
“Exelon employees, family, and friends came together to support [this WHEN: THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021
event] to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. With the WHERE: 300 DELAWARE AVE., WILMINGTON
restrictions in place for gatherings, Exelon employees have been missing
their usual forums to volunteer and give back to their community. Exelon’s Do something extraordinary that will make your heart soar.
employee Resource Group ENABLED had participants from as far away
as Texas and Illinois for this event and we hope to continue to support Special Olympics athletes show us daily, the courage We are looking for more brave souls to fill the ropes at the
needed to face extraordinary circumstances on and off the 2021 Over the Edge event. If you are an OTE Alumni, we
Special Olympics in 2021.”
- Leah Ritz playing field. Now they challenge you to face your fears, want you to hang out with us again. And if you’ve never
Nuclear East Chair of Employee Resource Group ENABLED catch your breath, step up to the edge and rappel from the done anything like this before, we are inviting you to take
(Exelon Network for Awareness Benefitting Leaders & Employees about Disabilities)
top floor of a city building. your support of Special Olympics Delaware to new heights.
Over the Edge is a unique event - and the only one of its Learn more, or register now, at www.sode.org.
Thank you to our PRESENTING SPONSORS for helping make this event a success! kind in Delaware - allowing participants the opportunity to
fundraise for the once in a lifetime experience of rappelling
down a 17-story building.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.SODE.ORG JOIN US AND BE THE DIFFERENCE! 7
UNIFIED CHAMPION SCHOOLS UNIFIED CHAMPION SCHOOLS
F. NEIL POSTLETHWAIT MIDDLE SCHOOL
NAMED ESPN TOP 5 UNIFIED CHAMPION SCHOOL
In just two short years, Caesar Rodney next level by providing the opportunity
School District’s F. Neil Postlethwait to ensure that each and every member
Middle School went from beginning the of our community knows that they
planning process of incorporating the belong and are valued.”
Special Olympics Unified Champion
Schools (UCS) program into the core Postlethwait earned its National Banner
values of its school, to receiving the award – one of eight Delaware schools
program’s highest honor. Postlethwait to do so since 2018 – by completing a
has been named a Top 5 Unified rigorous application process last spring.
The national campaign Champion School by ESPN and The school, which includes grades
six through eight, demonstrated its
Special Olympics as chosen by a
is fast approaching. “National Certifying Body” made up of commitment to student-led inclusion
by meeting 10 standards of excellence
Raise your hands if key educational leaders.
in the components of Unified sports,
you are excited! “For the last several years, Postlethwait
Middle School has embraced the vision
inclusive youth leadership and whole-
school engagement.
that care, kindness, and respect are
essential components of every thriving Postlethwait is the only middle school Top 5 honoree for 2020. The other four
SAVE THE DATE! community,” Postlethwait Principal Dr.
Kristina Failing said. “Special Olympics
schools – three high schools and a university – receiving the honor are located
in Iowa, Minnesota, New Mexico and Vermont.
WEDNESDAY has allowed us to take our vision to the
MARCH 3, 2021
The Special Olympics national campaign, Spread the Word- DOVER H.S. VS CAESAR RODNEY H.S.
Inclusion, will be taking place on Wednesday, March 3rd. FLAG FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Schools across the state of Delaware will be showing their
support by holding banner signings, assemblies and other
Dover High School captured the 2020 Delaware Interscholastic
various inclusion awareness activities. T-shirts will also be on
Athletic Association Unified Flag Football state championship with
sale, so students and faculty can promote respect and show
a 60-45 win over Caesar Rodney High School on Dec. 18 at Dover
their support of acceptance for all abilities.
High School. With the victory, the Senators captured the school’s
second consecutive state title under head coach Gavin Schukoske.
Congratulations to all 8 high school teams on a great season and
thank you to all the athletes, team members, coaches, families, and
friends that made this season possible.
VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES
ESCAPE ROOMS AND MORE...
With schools offering instruction in a variety of formats, the Unified
Champion Schools program created ways to keep athletes, Unified
partners, coaches and teachers engaged in the fall by offering several
interactive virtual activities with plans to introduce the sport of bocce in
If you’re not involved with a school program and interested in
the spring.
purchasing T-shirts, please visit www.sode.org and click the
link for the shirts! (This photo was taken prior to March 2020) For more information or to get involved please visit www.sode.org.
8 VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.SODE.ORG JOIN US AND BE THE DIFFERENCE! 9
WELCOME!
WELCOME NEW STAFF MEMBERS
Main Office: WE ARE EXCITED FOR YOU TO JOIN OUR TEAM
619 S. College Ave.
Newark, DE 19716-1901 Please join us in welcoming our three new staff members – Jean Beck (Donor Relations
Phone: 302.831.4653 Specialist) and Louise Doe (Director of Volunteers and Athlete Initiatives) and Connie
Fax: 302.831.3483 Callahan (Newark Area Director).
Email: info@sode.org
www.sode.org Jean is a SODE parent, coach and committee member with the MOT Tigers. She also
www.plungede.org oversees the registration process of the Polar Bear Plunge. She brings a wealth of
experience in donor relations to the newly created position.
Ann Grunert
Executive Director
302-831-3480
Louise has served as a head and assistant coach for the Newark Dragons with their
ann.grunert@sode.org Young Athletes and aquatics programs. Her previous work experiences have included
managing volunteers and overseeing programming for people with disabilities.
STAFF
Jean Beck We also would like to welcome Connie Callahan as the new Area Director for the Newark
Donor Relations Specialist Dragons. Connie has been involved as a family member and volunteer for more than 20
302-312-9392 years in a variety of roles.
jean.beck@sode.org
Jon Buzby
Director of Unified Champion Schools
302-831-3484
STAY CONNECTED
jon.buzby@sode.org
Special Olympics Wilmington
Louise Doe Ed Capodanno & Joanne Cunningham,
Director of Volunteers and
Athlete Initiatives Area Directors
302-831-3479 302-383-3249 DON’T MISS OUT
louise.doe@sode.org Email: wilmington.wizards@sode.org
Kylie Frazer
For additional area updates please
visit www.wilmington.sode.org
STAY CONNECTED
Director of Sports
302-831-8582
kylie.frazer@sode.org Special Olympics Newark
Connie Callahan, Area Director Visit www.sode.org
Jennifer Paige
Director of Graphic Design and 302-438-2097
and click on the E-News
Communications Email: newark.dragons@sode.org
302-831-4048 For additional area updates please visit button at the top to
jennifer.paige@sode.org www.newark.sode.org
subscribe for updates.
Corinne Plummer
Director of Special Events Special Olympics MOT
302-831-4796 Mary Ward Hutchison, Area Director All athletes and families
corinne.plummer@sode.org 302-540-2863 should be receiving
Email: mot.tigers@sode.org
Lisa Smith Area Sport updates
Director of Marketing and Development For additional area updates please visit
302-831-3482 www.mot.sode.org with seasonal Special
lisa.smith@sode.org
Special Olympics Kent County Olympics Delaware sports
Cheryl Talmo
Director of Sports Training and Health
Dave Manwiller, Area Director
information. If you are not
302-831-3223 302-233-8018
cheryl.talmo@sode.org Email: kent.wildkats@sode.org receiving these updates,
For additional area updates please visit
Nate Threatts please contact our main
Manager of Unified Champion Schools www.kent.sode.org
302-831-4669 office at 302-831-4653 to
nate.threatts@sode.org Special Olympics Sussex County
Rob Bailey, Area Director verify your mailing address.
Kate White 302-690-0254
Bookkeeper Email: sussex.riptide@sode.org Thank you!
302-831-3481
kate.white@sode.org For additional area updates please visit
www.sussex.sode.org
Sue Zebley
Administrative Specialist
10 302-831-4653 VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.SODE.ORG JOIN US AND BE THE DIFFERENCE! 11
sue.zebley@sode.org
619 S. College Avenue
Newark, DE 19716-1901
Phone: 302-831-4653
FAX: 302-831-3483
www.sode.org DONATE
www.plungede.org
@sodelaware
@plungeDE
2020-21 Special Olympics Delaware Calendar of Events
For the most up to date calendar information please check out our website www.sode.org
SPECIAL OLYMPICS EVENT DATE LOCATION
Virtual Dance Fitness Monday nights Virtual
Active Movement Tuesdays /Thursdays Virtual
VIRTUAL PLUNGE Jan 8 - Feb 7 Virtual
Basketball Sport Season Feb 1 All Areas
Spring Sport Season April 1 All Areas
Ride to the Tide April 18 Rommel Harley-Davidson, Smyrna
Over the Edge May 13 300 Delaware Ave., Wilmington
Camp Session 1 Aug 7-9 Bethany Beach
Camp Session 2 Aug 15-17 Bethany Beach
We are so exited to see you in
Until then, be happy, be healthy!
THANK YOU TO OUR YEAR-ROUND SPONSORS:
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