Spring 2012

news
Monroe County Special Olympics

Area 34

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Athletes competed in the Track & Field Meet at Jefferson High School on May 11th

$1500
Amount of money brought in by the Dine-To-Donate and Lucky Links fundraisers
Chris Steffes, Fred White, David Kostoff, and Cody Florey compete in the 50 meter dash on May 11th at Jefferson H.S.

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Athletes, coaches, and volunteers represented Monroe County in State Summer Games at Central Michigan University Find us on Facebook:

Track & Field Meet

The 21st annual Monroe County Track & Field Meet was held at Jefferson High School on May 11th from 10:30am-1:30pm. The meet was sponsored as a corporate project by the Kiwanis Club of Monroe. Additional volunteer help was pledged from groups such as the AmVets, Matt Urban American Legion Post #40, 40 et 8 Voiture 1153, Monroe County ISD, Jefferson High School students, and Monroe Bank and Trust ENLIST retirees. Events included the 50m dash, 100m dash, long jump, softball throw, horseshoes, bocce ball, and 4x100 meter relay. Developmental Events and Wheelchair events were held indoors. Athletes were grouped by age and ability level. This event is an annual spring event and part of Monroe County Special Olympics year-round program of training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities. Our county currently has 20 sports that athletes can compete in year-round! For a complete list, visit us at www.somi.org/area34. Don't forget to "like" us on Facebook- Monroe County Special Olympics!

www.facebook.com/ Monroe34

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

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Special Olympics Golf in Monroe

The Monroe County Special Olympics (Area 34) Golf Team began its season on May 7th. The team practices on Mondays and Thursdays from 5-6pm at Old Town Golf & Sportland. The team will be participating in several tournaments this summer including the Area 8 Golf Outing (June 11) and the Monroe County Regional Tournament. (July 2). If you are interested in participating in golf, please sign up online at http://tinyurl.com/Area34register2011 and call Cathy Netter at 419-346-7701.

Aquatics Swim Meet

The Monroe County Special Olympics held their 2nd annual swim meet at Mason High School on May 1st with Jo Brighton and ARC (downriver). The athletes competed in a variety of events including 25m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 25m walking, 25m backstroke, 50m backstroke, 25m breaststroke, and 100m freestyle. The first place medalists included Stephen Tsangaris, Robert Patterson, Cole Fields, Zach Fields, Shawn Holt, Nathan Smallwood, Nate Bless, Andy Gonzales, Whitney Fields, Richard Eadie, Christine Kenney, Mark Harrigan, Diane Be sure to visit our official webpage for updates: Gilbertson, and 2 http://somi.org/area34 and www.facebook.com/Monroe34 Laura Nida.

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Track & Field Meet at Jefferson High School May 11, 2012

Check out the Track & Field video at www.vimeo.com/Monroe34

See more pictures at http://tinyurl.com/TrackPics2012

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Michigan State Summer Games Held May 31stJune2nd in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan at Central Michigan University
The 2012 Summer Games were a great success for Area 34. Monroe County had 89 athletes & coaches attend Mt. Pleasant, which was an increase from previous years. This was the first year Area 34 had a Weightlifting team and all received gold medals. The gymnastics team had young competitors who had never attended the state games and they, too, earned gold medals. Area 34 also congratulates all of the athletes of Volleyball, Bowling, Bocce Ball, Powerlifting, Weightlifting, Gymnastics, Track & Field, and Swimming.

Be sure to check out our Summer Games Videos at

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www.vimeo.com/monroe34

athlete spotlight
Congratulations 2012 Inspirational Athlete of the Year
Steven Doederline of Monroe was named the "Special Olympics Michigan 2012 Inspirational Athlete of the Year" on Friday, June 1, at Closing Ceremonies during the 2012 State Summer Games presented by Spartan Stores. Doederline was overwhelmed with excitement as he received the special award at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant in front of his family, friends and about 2,700 other athletes. Doederline might be the biggest supporter of Special Olympics Michigan in the entire state. He constantly talks about which sports, events and fundraisers are in the near future. A good role model is everything Doederline exemplifies. He spends his time volunteering, supporting Special Olympics Michigan year round and he has a positive attitude every minute of the day. Doederline's ability to inspire and motivate others as well as his dedication to Special Olympics Michigan earned him the title of the 2012 Inspirational Athlete of the Year! When he is not practicing for skiing or bocce, Doederline volunteers at the Monroe County Intermediate School District in a room with students who have severe cognitive disabilities. He also volunteers at a nursing home, Lutheran Home, where he plays bingo with patients and walks them to and from their rooms around the facility. Director of Area 34 (Monroe County) Stacie Ourlain said, "If Steven does not exemplify the motto let me be brave in the attempt,' then I do not know the meaning. Steven understands competition and he understands that a gold medal is good, but it is not the most important thing to him." Ourlain said that Doederline has a deeper understanding for Special Olympics, and he looks forward to every single competition and spending time with the other athletes. Doederline has been involved in Special Olympics for 26 years. He attends every practice offered, always supports the other athletes and talks about how they did, not just about his own experience. It is clear that his friendly personality shines whenever he participates. "I love the people that I get to meet here at the games," said Doederline. Special Olympics Michigan changed Doederline's life. All of his family skis, and Special Olympics Michigan allowed them the opportunity to ski as a family. According to Ourlain, "Being involved in Special Olympics has given Steven confidence, taught him proper socialization skills and improved his behavior because he now has something to look forward to, discuss with people and be proud of his skill level." Doederline's humble, selfless and always positive personality makes his 26 years of involvement with Special Olympics an enjoyable experience for coaches, volunteers, and other athletes around him. Winners of the "Inspirational Athlete" award must exemplify the athlete oath,"Let me win; but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." See the video at www.vimeo.com/monroe34

whats to come

Help support Area 34 Special Olympics. Sign up today at lobstercrawl.weebly.com ! Calendar of Events

June 23 July 20

Lobster Crawl 5k Run/Walk 9am at Munson Park Portofino Boat Ride 10:30am in Wyandotte
You must reserve a spot for the boat ride by contacting Jennifer Musulin at jenny.musulin@gmail.com.

Looking to volunteer? We are looking for committee members for our

Fundraising Team! This committee meets once a month to discuss new fundraising ideas. Interested? Please contact Megan Turner at megan.rabideau@gmail.com

www.somi.org/area34 www.vimeo.com/Monroe34

www.facebook.com/Monroe34 http://lobstercrawl.weebly.com