| Special Olympics New York Western Region Volunteer Newsletter | November, 2009 |
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Greetings from Special Olympics New York! You are receiving this email because you have expressed interest in learning more about volunteering and other opportunities with Special Olympics New York. This newsletter serves to provide information on the latest volunteer opportunities, upcoming events or any other announcements. On behalf of the 40,000 athletes in New York; THANK YOU for your interest, involvement and support. | | Calling all Volunteers | Many people have been asking about training and certification opportunities. This is a one stop shop! At the beginning of each of our 3 seasons we host a seasonal conference to kick of the season. At these conferences we hold a few sessions that help new volunteers start their involvement and also veteran volunteers the opportunity to attend an educational seminar we hold for everyone to attend (which also counts as a coach's re-certification) Our winter conference is scheduled for: Location: Fredonia Intermediate School At this conference we will be holding a general session (volunteer orientation) for new volunteers. This is a requirement for the certification process. It is a one time requirement. We will also be holding a floor hockey sport training. You will also have the opportunity to meet other new volunteers along with veteran volunteers who can provide a lot of valuable information and tips. Registration can be found online here: | | Floor Hockey Training | Attention everyone interested in floor hockey~ A floor hockey training will be held at the upcoming winter conference. Here you will receive the sport training to get involved with a current team or start your own team. For more details regarding location and time go to the registration page HERE *There is a new floor hockey team being formed this year that will practice in the Cheektowaga area. If you are interested in getting involved please contact me. | | | The athletes of Special Olympics New York are very busy getting out in the community to thank the many people who support Special Olympics. Here are some examples of upcoming and past events:  Come out to cheer on Special Olympics athletes as they play a basketball game during the halftime of a UB Men's basketball game on Tuesday, November 24th at 7:00 PM.
_____________________________________________  Special Olympics athlete Bill (center, gray shirt) poses with Law Enforcement Officials at our recent Law & Orders fundraiser held at several Applebees Restaurants.
This event is one of many initiatives that are part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. | | Polar Plunge | | It's not too late to sign up!!! The Western Region is gearing up for its 3rd annual Polar Plunge - This is our BIGGEST fundraiser! Get your friends and family together to form a team to jump into Lake Erie in December! Your team can create a website to post on your facebook and twitter accounts to help fundraise. There are prizes for different fundraising levels. Start thinking of your team theme and costumes (the wackier the better!). Check out some video of the Polar Plunge in Rochester this past February: Polar Plunge Video | | Thank you to all Bowling Volunteers | A HUGE thank you to the outpouring of volunteers who participated in the recent bowling competition. It was our largest volunteer turnout yet for this competition! If you missed out- keep an eye on the event calendar for upcoming events. Opportunities will also be listed in this newsletter as they become available. | | Volunteer Opportunities | Our competition event schedule is a bit light right now, however it will pick up very quickly come the new year. Check out the Western Region Calendar for updates Sunday, January 24th - bowling competition, Thruway Lanes Sunday, January 31st - bowling competition, Thruway Lanes Sunday, January 31st - Upstate Winter Classic, Amherst Pepsi Center | Steps to become a Volunteer | There are 3 main types of volunteers. 1. Day of volunteers: this is pretty self explanatory. You would volunteer the day of an event helping in some of the many opportunities available that day. There is no formal certification process for this type of volunteer. 2. *Type A volunteer. A Type A volunteer is defined as having regular contact with an athlete/athletes. This is required if you are working with any team, even as a "helper". This process would only involve the first 3 steps of the coach certification listed in the next section. 3. **Coach. Becoming a certified coach opens the most doors for a volunteer. The certification process is laid out below in the next section. ** Certifications for Type A volunteers are valid for 3 years. We always offer a re-certification class at every conference. | | How to become a Coach | | I have been receiving A LOT of interest from people interested in coaching. As the number of athletes participating in Special Olympics grows, we are in need of more coaches to either help out established teams or even start new teams. I have spoken to many of you regarding this great opportunity. Below is some basic information regarding the coaching certification process. 1. Attend a general session ("Special Olympics 101") 2. Complete a volunteer application 3. Complete a protective behaviors online quiz 4. Attend a Special Olympics approved sport training in the sport you want to coach* 5. Complete 10 practicum hours working with another team 6. Turn in a coach certification application If you are interested in becoming a coach please contact me. Thank you to those who have contacted me already! *If you have extensive experience and knowledge in a particular sport, there is a process to become certified w/o attending the sport training. This is on a case by case basis. Please contact me to see what teams/sports may be in your area | | Sports Offered | Sports Offered through Special Olympics New York: Fall - Golf, Bocce, Roller Skating, Cycling, Softball, Equestrian, Soccer. Season runs from July-October. Winter - Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowshoe. Season runs from November to February. Summer - Aquatics, Track and Field, Basketball, Powerlifting, Bowling, Tennis, Volleyball, Gymnastics. Season runs from March to June. | | Athlete's Oath | | Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. |
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Shelby Baker
Director of Program
Special Olympics New York |
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| | | Where are the teams? | We have been working hard to create a comprehensive sport/team directory for the Western Region. Please contact the Western Region Office to learn about what teams/sports are training in your area! |
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