Fall Newsletter

November 2012
Area 34

Monroe County Special Olympics Area 34

500 Athletes in the Area 38

Athletes participated in Soccer and Cycling State Finals

$10,000
Raised at the Annual Bowling Fundraiser

Area 34s 2012 Cycling Team at State Finals at Chelsea Proving Grounds, Chelsea, MI on Saturday, September 8, 2012.

Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/ Monroe34

Monroe County Special Olympics started a Cycling team for the first time. They participated at state cycling finals in Chelsea by bringing up a delegation of 23 people. Athletes from Monroe competed in a variety of events including time trials in a 250m, 500m, 1k, 3k, and 5k race in single, tandem, and unified. Our unified team had a total of 30 people, split between 15 athletes and 15 unified partners. The local cycling team applied for and received a grant from the DALMAC Fund and the Tri-County Bicycle Association, and held two local fundraisers. The funds added up to more than $1200, allowing the team the opportunity to send all eligible athletes/unified partners to state competition, and buy helmets and repair kits. Total Store Services in Toledo bought the team new uniforms as a donation. Cycling is a growing sport, if you are interested in more information or signing up as an athlete or unified partner please contact us at area34@somi.org.

Did you know that you can visit our Facebook page without being a Facebook user? Try it!

Spotlight
Soccer 2012
This year Monroe County had three soccer teams due to the growth in the sport. The Eagles, Hawks, and Falcons spent the season practicing on fields in Monroe to prepare for their games. The local teams participated in the Farmington Tournament where the teams were able to work on their skills in a game setting. The Eagles and Hawks traveled to Warren for State Finals on October 19-20. Both teams did an awesome job and proved that practice really does pay off! The Eagles received silver in their competition and the Hawks received bronze. Way to go Monroe! If youre interested in playing soccer next year, be sure you sign up by July 1st.

Thank you to our supporters!!

Monroe County Special Olympics is very grateful for our volunteers and supporters. Area Director, Stacie Ourlian, knows that our program would not be successful without them. The area nominated several people and organizations for recognition awards at the state level and the following were chosen: Lauren Rhoades Educator of the Year, Kiwanis Club of Monroe Civic Organization of the year, Powerhouse Gym Corporation of the Year.

Spotlight
Left: Some of our athletes enjoying a nice boat ride at Portofinos Annual Boat Ride.

This year Monroe County Special Olympics created a float for the Monroe County Fair Parade. Recreating Summer Games was a blast for the athletes, coaches, and families and we also received Fourth Place in the float contest!

Interested in playing a Winter Sport?

Winter Sports will begin in mid-December. If you or your athlete are interested in participating in Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, or Figure Skating/Speed Skating be sure to sign up by December 1st to ensure your spot.
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Upcoming Events
Monroe Countys 2nd Annual Polar Plunge
Join us on January 20, 2013 for Area 34s 2nd Annual Polar Plunge at the Clamdigger and Riverfront Marina located on East Elm Avenue. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Clamdigger. The parade of costumes will start at 12:45 p.m. with the first plunge beginning at 1:00 p.m. The Awards and Post Plunge Party will be at Clamdigger immediately following the last plunger. Use the direct link to register and start raising funds right away! http:// www.firstgiving.com/polarplunge/monroe2013 If you have any questions please contact Stacie Ourlian at (734) 242-5799 ext. 4227 or stacieourlian@gmail.com.

Calendar of Events:
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November 17-18 State Poly Hockey Finals November 28 First Basketball Practice (coaches will be contacting those who are signed up) December 2 Recognition Banquet/Spaghetti Dinner at Grace Lutheran Church 4-8 p.m. December 17 Winter Sports begin January 20 2nd Annual Monroe Polar Plunge February 5-8 State Winter Games

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