Special Onnouncements Spring 2012

Sports Program Dates:

Basketball Mar. 3 Mar. 7 Mar. 10 Mar. 23-24 Aquatics Jan. March 13 April 9 May 5 May 31-June2 Bowling March 13 April May 9 19 Southwest Regional Basketball District at Caledonia Area Schools Game Scores due for Females and Juniors for State Basketball State Unified Basketball Tournament in Kalamazoo State Basketball Finals at Rockford Public Schools Aquatics training began in Rockford and Grandville Coaches Meeting to distribute State Games slots at A11 office, 5:30pm Spring Sports registration due for Spring Games & State Games Southwest Regional Spring Games at Calvin College, 8:00 a.m. State Summer Games in Mt. Pleasant Coaches Meeting to distribute State Games slots at A11 office, 5:30pm Bowling registration due (minimum of 6 games) for Area Tour ney/State Games Area 11 Bowling Tournament at Park Center Lanes Training began at Grand Rapids Gymnastics on Saturdays from 122pm. Call the office to sign up. Coaches Meeting to distribute State Games slots at A11 office, 5:30pm Spring Sports registration due for Spring Games & State Games Southwest Regional Spring Games at Calvin College, 8:00 a.m. State Summer Games in Mt. Pleasant

Coaches Info:
Training: Visit www.somi.org, click the Get Involved tab, then Coaches for the online General Orientation and Protective Behaviors training. To get certified in a sport, call (616) 583-1202. Athlete forms: Coaches should retain copies of all athlete forms and have them at all Special Olympics activities. Athlete health appraisal and code of conduct forms must be on file in the Area 11 office before training begins. Athlete participation forms are available online at www.somi.org/area11

Gymnastics Feb. 25 March 13 April 9 May 5 May 31-June2

Volunteers
Thank you to the many volunteers who help us provide a quality sports program to over 1,200 athletes in Kent & Barry counties in 2011. We couldnt do it without all the volunteers, coaches, and chaperones. We are always looking for volunteers to help with various one-day events (see the attached 2012 calendar), serve on fundraising committees, or spend a few hours in the Area 11 office to assist with clerical tasks. Please email area11.specialolympics@gmail.com or call the office if you are interested in helping out in 2012!

Spring Sports (Aquatics, Athletics, Gymnastics, Horseshoes) March 1 Call in to sign up for spring sports March 13 Coaches Meeting to distribute State Games slots at A11 office, 5:30pm Mar. 17 Spring sports training begins. See page 3 for schedule. Apr. 9 Spring Sports registration due for Spring Games & State Games May 5 Southwest Regional Spring Games at Calvin College, 8:00 a.m. May 15 Area Spring Games at Northview High School, 9:15 a.m. May 31-June2 State Summer Games in Mt. Pleasant Volleyball March 26 April 18 Golf April May 24 10 Call in to sign up for volleyball Volleyball training begins Call in to sign up for golf Unified Golf begins at Fellowship Greens Call in to sign up for softball Coaches meeting at A11 office, 5:30 p.m. Softball training begins at various locations
Dates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit us on Facebook or the web www.somi.org/area11

Young Athlete Program

The Young Athlete program is an innovative sports play program for children ages 2-7 with intellectual disabilities. We are currently looking for people to help organize and implement this program in Area 11. If you are interested or for more details contact Jaime Gunderson at: 583.1202

Softball April 24 May 8 May 14

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Online Resources
SOMI www.somi.org Learn about Special Olympics Michigan, SOMI Resource Center, tournament dates, coach resources, parent information, and more. AREA 11 www.somi.org/area11 Upcoming Area 11 events & fundraisers, athlete health appraisal and code of conduct forms, volunteer forms, and more. FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/fansofsoarea11 Event information and photos, weekly Meet the Athletes feature, fundraiser info, reminders, helpful links, or just ask a question. Please share your Area 11 event photos on our wall! TWITTER www.twitter.com/fansofsoarea11 Event information, reminders, helpful links, and answers to your questions. FLICKR www.flickr.com/somiarea11 Share your photos with us by tagging them as SOMI Area 11 As always, if you prefer to call, we are generally in the office Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm for assistance. Please help us distribute this newsletter to those who may not use the internet.

MEET THE ATHLETE: Damon Cassese

14 year old Damon attended State Winter Games in Traverse City this past February as part of the Area 11 delegation. He claimed two gold medals in snowboarding making him eligible for the 2013 World Games in Korea! His name is in the athlete drawing to be held March 9 and we wish him luck. Congratulations, Damon!

effective way to fund those. It creates a larger benefit with a Its hard to believe February is smaller, monthly investment. over already. I refer to it as And it accomplishes the goal the Love Month. Life insurwithout having to tap into your ance, in most cases, could be retirement accounts or spendcalled love insurance. If some- ing your assets. one counts on you financially, you love them so much that I heard on the radio the other you make sure they are taken day that the average American care of even after you are spends $37 a week dining out gone. And life insurance acfor lunch. Thats nearly $2,000 complishes that. Life insura year! And doesnt even inance really isnt about you clude the Starbucks runs or its about those you leave beHappy Hour. So when I hear hind. people tell me that they cant afford life insurance, perhaps Last time, I wrote about special you cant afford not to have it. needs trusts and providing Or perhaps you just need to funding for your children, even brown bag your lunch once a after you are gone. In my week. opinion, life insurance is an

Financial Planning Help

Life Insurance is an important area in overall financial planning. If youd like more information or to get quote, please feel free to send me an email at kbolker@sigmarep.com and Im happy to get you some information. You can also visit my blog at www.kimbolker.com for other articles on different types of life insurance and calculators to figure out how much you need. Insure your love.
Kim Bolker, CFP, is a registered representative through Sigma Financial Corporation, Member FINRA/SIPC. 4261 Park Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. 734-6631611. If you would like additional information regarding this topic you can contact Kim at 616-942-8600, kbolker@sigmarep.com, or stop in her

YOU GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?

The Area 11 weekly email newsletter and quarterly "Special 'O'nnouncements" are always looking for a good story, event or program of interest to the special needs community. Please send to hull1jb@cmich.edu and we will include them when space is available.

Easter Ham Sales

Please support our ham sales fundraiser by purchasing one or two hams for your holiday dinner. Were selling hams now through March 16. Pick-up day is Wednesday, March 28. To order, please contact: Pam Owens at p.owens52@gmail.com or call the office at (616) 583-1202.

United Labor Charity Bowl

The 23rd annual United Labor Charity Bowl will be held on Saturday, April 21 at Park Center Lanes on 28th St in Wyoming. Thanks to local unions and the event coordinator Julie Poniatowski, ULCB raised $4,800 for Area 11 in 2011. We invite 10 athletes to participate in this years event. They should raise a minimum of $50 in pledges and receive 3 games of bowling, shoes, pizza, and a t-shirt. Please call the office a.s.a.p. to sign up.

San Chez Bistro Fundraiser

On Friday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m., San Chez Bistro will sponsor Area 11 Special Olympics as host of this event in their third-floor banquet room. Tickets are $40.00 each and may be purchased online at www.area11scb.eventbrite.com We invite you to join us for a seated dinner featuring San Chez Bistros amazing menu. Auction items will be available as well as a cash bar. The evening will feature a sports theme as we prepare to send our Area 11 delegation to State Summer Games at C.M.U. on May 31. More details will be announced. Stay up-to-date on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/fansofsoarea11

Schmohz Achilles 5k
The Achilles Ale 5k will be held Saturday, April 21 at Schmohz Brewery. This event is organized and directed by the Schmohz Running Crew & Brewery Staff and proceeds benefit Area 11. Registration opens March 1 and early registration is recommended due to the race limit cap. For more information & to register: www.schmohz.com/race

2012 Highlands Golf Classic

Were ready for another fantastic year at The Highlands! Get registered now for the 5th Annual Highlands Golf Classic on Friday, June 22 and enjoy challenging golf, delicious food, great prizes, and good friends. Its all for a great causeSpecial Olympics Michigan Area 11. Registration is $125 per person. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available. Please call the Area 11 office for more information or to get registered (616) 583-1202.

Fogt 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament The 7th Annual Fogt Invitational 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will be held at the Fogt House, 1586 Ponstein Dr, Hudsonville, MI on Saturday, June 9.
This tournament is limited to the first 16 teams who register. This is a family-friendly day and lunches are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the 38+ teams in the Area 11 basketball program. More information and registration materials available online www.somi.org/area11 You may also call Matt at (616) 403-6580 for information.

POP CAN DRIVE

Dont let returnables bottle up your house! We are asking each team or sports program to collect pop cans to raise funds for our local Special Olympics program. We have received money from individuals, teams, schools, and businesses and appreciate your efforts. Thank you!

2012 State Winter Games Results: Area 11 competed in alpine skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing Feb 710 in Traverse City. Great job, athletes!
Adam Quinn: Slalom, G. Slalom 3rd (bronze) Alondra Ochoa: Slalom 1st (gold), G. Slalom 2nd (silver) Amanda Lynam: Slalom 1st (gold), G. Slalom 2nd (silver) Andy Swartz: 400m 1st (gold), 200m 1st (gold) Clifton Harris: Slalom 2nd (silver), G. Slalom 3rd (bronze) Dallas Hoffman: 100m 1st (gold), 200m 2nd (silver) Damon Cassese: Slalom 1st (gold), G. Slalom 1st (gold) David Wolven: Slalom 3rd (bronze) G. Slalom 4th Drew Bradbury: Slalom 3rd (bronze), G. Slalom 2nd (silver) Elison Frazine: 200m 3rd (bronze), 100m 1st (gold) Emily Smith: Slalom 2nd (silver), G. Slalom 1st (gold) Estephany PInedo: Slalom 3rd (bronze), G. Slalom 3rd (bronze) George Buckwinkler: 200m 1st (gold), 100m 6th Jacob Sheick: Slalom 4th, G. Slalom 4th Jessica Ayala: Slalom 1st (gold), G. Slalom 1st (gold) Justice Moreno: Slalom 4th, G. Slalom 1st (gold) Kayla Cornell: Slalom 1st (gold), G. Slalom 2nd (silver) Mike Benham: Slalom 2nd (silver), G. Slalom 2nd (silver) Mindy Dunn: 100m 4th, 75m 4th Mindy Friend: 400m 3rd (bronze), 200m 2nd (silver) Missy Beemer: 400m 5th, 200m 3rd (bronze) Nicci Fahling: Slalom 3rd (bronze), G. Slalom 2nd (silver) Richard Ching: Slalom 3rd (bronze), G. Slalom 5th Sammy Owens: 200m 1st (gold), 100m 6th Sean Pennington: Slalom 1st (gold), G. Slalom 3rd (bronze) Sequoia Graves: Slalom, G. Slalom 3rd (bronze) Stephen Schaut: Slalom 4th, G. Slalom 3rd (bronze) Tyler Lawton: Slalom 1st (gold), G. Slalom 2nd (silver)

Spring Sports Practice Information

Track & Field/Bocce.

Saturdays at 10:00 AM at Lincoln School. March 17, 24, 31, April 14, 21, 28, May 12 and 19. Mondays at 6:30 PM at Rockford Middle School. March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14. Mondays at 6:00 PM at Beemers House starting March 26. Saturdays at 11:00 AM at Sparta Middle School starting March 24. Saturdays at 12:00PM at Grand Rapids Gymnastics starting February 25. Bowling tournament is Sat, May 19 at Park Center Lanes. Call the office to submit 6 games scores by April 11. Nametags & schedules will be mailed to coaches and independent athletes. Call the office with questions.

NEAR Track & Field.

NEAR Bocce. Independent Bocce.

Gymnastics.

Bowling.

SW Regional Spring Games at Calvin College will be held Saturday, May 5. Area Spring Games at Northview will be held Tuesday, May 15. State Summer Games at Central Michigan University will be held May 31June 2. See www.somi.org/area11 for more information.

Basketball Tournament Results The Area 11 Unified Basketball Tournament was held February 25 at Cedar Springs Middle School thanks to the efforts of the tournament director Chris Lesley and her committee. Division 3: 1st Cedar Springs Redhawks 3, 1st Caledonia Pipers, 2nd Bees, 2nd Dragons, 3rd Redhawks 4

MASQUERADE PROM The East Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation Department will host the 2nd Annual Special Needs Prom (for ages 14-26) on Saturday, May 19 from 6-10pm in the East Grand Rapids Middle School gym. Tickets are $20 and include dinner, entertainment, and a chance to win door prizes. Formal attire is optional, but bring a decorated mask for the masquerade. Register by May 16 by calling (616)-949-1750

Division 2: 1st Lincoln Lynx, 2nd Tigers, 3rd Caledonia Highlanders, 4th Cedar Springs Redhawks 2 Division 1: 1st Caledonia Sabres, 2nd Mavericks, 3rd Cedar Springs Redhawks 1 March 3 District Basketball Tournament in Caledonia. March 10 State Unified Basketball Tournament in Kalamazoo March 23-24 State Basketball Finals in Rockford

SOMI AREA 11 PROJECTED EVENTS CALENDAR FOR 2012 Local Area 11 Competition Events (***Please note that some of these dates are tentative) Date Event Location January 17 Area 11 Winter Sports Competition Cannonsburg Ski Area January 30 Area 11 Speed Skating Competition Griff's Icehouse February-March February 25 May 15 May 19 July 7 August 25 September 15 October 18 Area 11 Mini-Basketball Tournaments Area 11 Unified Basketball Tournament Area 11 Spring Games (Track/ Field,Bocce) Area 11 Bowling Tournament Area 11 Golf Tournament Area 11 Cycling Competition Area 11 Soccer Tournament Area 11 Poly Hockey Tournament Various locations Cedar Springs Middle School Northview High School Park Center Lanes Fellowship Greens Calvary Church Parking Lot off Bradford NE DNR West River Drive Soccer Fields Sparta High School

December 8 Area 11 Friendship Bowling Tournament Park Center Lanes State and Regional Competition Events (***Please note some of these dates are tentative) Date Event Location January 24 SW Regional Winter Games Timberidge Ski Area, Otsego February 7-10 State Winter Games Grand Traverse Resort March 3 SW Distrct Basketball Caledonia Public Schools March 10 State Unified Basketball Kalamazoo March 23-24 State Basketball Finals Rockford Public Schools May 5 SW Regional Spring Games Calvin College, Grand Rapids May 31-June 2 State Summer Games Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant July 19 State Summer Sports Golf Classic Pine View Golf Course , Ypsilanti July 28 State Regional Softball Tournament Kalamazoo September 8 State Cycling Finals Chelsea September 29 SW Regional Soccer Tournament Duncan Lake Middle School October 19 & 20 State Soccer Finals Halmich Park, Warren October 27 SW Regional Poly Hockey Tournament November 17 & 18 State Poly Hockey Finals Fundraising Events (***Please note some of these dates are tentative) Date Event January 26 Culvers Restaurants February 4 Friends and Family Scooper Bowl February 11 Area 11 Night at the Griffins February 19 Cooley Law School Fundraiser for Area 11 February 25 Polar Plunge February 21,23, 29 Bowling League Scooper Bowl Mar., Nov., & Dec. Ham Sales April 21 Schmohz Achilles 5K April 21 United Labor Charity Bowl May 18 San Chez Bistro Fundraiser June 9 Fogt 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament June 22 Highlands Golf Outing for Area 11 August 11 NEAR Golf Outing for Family and Friends August 14 Siren Chase August 22 Area 11 Night at the Whitecaps Oct 7 Miles for Medals October 26 Let's Toga for SOMI Area 11 November 23-December 24 Gift Wrapping at Breton Village Newaygo High School Eastern High School, Lansing Location 4 Locations in Kent County Northfield Lanes Van Andel Arena Park Center Lanes East Grand Rapids Middle School Park Center Lanes/Northfield Lanes Kent and Barry Counties Grand Rapids / Patterson & 28th Street Park Center Lanes San Chez Bistro The Fogts Home Elks Club, Grand Rapids Gracewil Golf Course Aquinas College Fifth/Third Park Aquinas College The BOB Breton Village