Giving Thanks

Special Olympics / April 15, 2022

Meet Novie – who found her

life-changing interest and passion
with Special Olympics
The Special Olympics Polar Plunge event features a Spe- “I attended the
cial Olympic athlete in Washington. She is an aspiring Polar Plunge in
bocce ball player, teammate and adopted daughter. DC last year and
  it was great to
Meet Novie Craven, who is about to finish her 10th year see how many
as a Special Olympics bocce ball player. She is a dedi- people were there
cated hard-worker who would love to compete with her to have fun for a
teammates again for the 12th year in a row. The upcoming good cause. I am
Special Olympics Polar Plunge events around the world beyond thankful
will help Novie achieve her goal. for the partici-
pants each year
Novie was premature and drug-exposed at birth. “The hos- and I hope that
pital said my right side was hemiplegic and I have Cerebral the event will
Palsy,” stated Novie. Her birth mother abandoned her at the get more publi-
hospital where she had to stay alone for almost two years. cized so me and
Her adoptive mother met her at the hospital when volun- my teammates
teering and has been with her ever since. can continue to
  compete,” said
Born and raised in Washington, with her adoptive mother, Novie.
Novie, now 33, grew up with no solid interests and felt    Novie’s Special Olympics DC bocce ball team wins gold at
very lonely. It was not until she graduated high school, “I still compete the USA Games in Seattle, Washington in 2018.
that a friend of hers suggested they join Special Olympics. and play bocce
Novie’s mother signed her up and the one sport she played with Special Olympics, but I now also have a job here as a
was bocce. coordinator on the Marketing Development Team,” stated
  Novie. She has also started a podcast called “Inclusion
“I was very nervous and didn’t know anything about bocce. Revolution Radio,” hosting weekly podcast episodes giv-
However, the Special Olympics staff and athletes wel- ing advice to young athletes. 
comed me with open arms,” said Novie.  
  “This is a dream come true and I would love for others
Since Special Olympics started to hold events such as the who feel lonely and with no interests like I did to become
Polar Plunge, thousands of athletes with intellectual dis- a part of Special Olympics. I feel like I am at home with
abilities have been able to compete in year-round sports my teammates and coworkers, and it has changed my life
training. forever,” said Novie.
   
“When I joined the Special Olympics bocce team, I had no Becoming a member of Special Olympics allowed Novie
idea how much it would benefit me, my teammates and my to find a sport and people that make her feel less lonely.
family,” said Novie, who never thought she would have a Special Olympics brought her a job opportunity and in-
chance to compete. She explains how the events, such as spired her to start her own podcast. She encourages any-
the Polar Plunge, have drastically helped her to be able to one who has gone through something like her to look into
continue bocce for 11 years with Special Olympics. joining Special Olympics.
 
 Be Bold and Get Cold!

The Special Olympics invites volunteers from the Effingham community to the Polar Plunge event. Anyone

with a warm heart and bold personality is welcome to attend. Previous participants have been friends and

families, sororities and fraternities, mayors, high school clubs and police officers. All volunteer proceeds

benefit the Special Olympics athletes…and the partic-

ipants! Participants are rewarded prizes throughout

the event and get the chance to take home a shirt or

sweatshirt of their choice. Registration is on February

26 at the Effingham Water Authority. Gather up your

friends, coworkers, family and whoever else you can

Last year’s Effingham Polar Plunge event shows to be bold and get cold!
participants running into the icy waters.

Special Olympics Athlete Tania Wright Select-

ed for USA Games in First Year Competing

Last year’s Special Olympics Polar Plunge event helped raise money to allow powerlifter Tania Wright

and her teammates to be able to compete throughout the year. It was Tania’s first year participating in

sports training and competing with the Special Olympics. With only one year of experience, Tania has been

chosen to represent Colorado at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida. Events, such

as the Polar Plunge, help provide Special Olympics athletes

year-round training and competition. Tania said she is very

thankful for last year’s participants in the Polar Plunge and

encourages everyone to participate this year if possible.

Tania has found a home with Special Olym-

pics.