Special Olympics New York Western Region

Super Regional Aquatics
Location: University at Buffalo Alumni Arena
Date: Saturday, May 1st
Registration deadline: Monday, April 12th
Link to Event Flyer and Registration Form

Super Regional Volleyball
Location: Buffalo Niagara Court Center, West Seneca
Date: Saturday, May 15th
Registration deadline: April 26th

Protective Behaviors Quiz

Shelby Baker

Director of Program

Special Olympics New York

Western Region

716-580-3346 - office

716-580-3941 - fax

News from Special Olympics New York Western Region has been sent

2010-03-31T12:23:00.001-07:00

Special Olympics New York

Western Region Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE

Are you a Fan?

Medical/Consent Forms

QUICK LINKS

Medical and Consent Forms

Online File Folder

JOIN OUR E-NEWS

Receive periodic emails regarding exciting news and events that are occurring across the state

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Athletes from the Lancaster Cardinals pose for a picture after a successful basketball competition

Do you have pictures of athletes from competitions or practice?

Send them to me and keep an eye out... they might be highlighted one week!

March 31 2010

Welcome back to the Western Region Program Report

April is almost here! Watch out for April fool's jokes tomorrow!

Coming up:

Registrations for the Regional Basketball Competition on April 24th are due THIS MONDAY, the 5th. Registration forms can be found either at the online file folder (link below) or from the Special Olympics New York Western Region calendar of events page. Please contact me ASAP if you will not make this deadline.

Medical/Consent Forms

Please read below in regards to information about medical/consent forms

T-Shirt Contest

Please remind any athletes about the summer games t-shirt contest. Details are below. The flyer can be found on the new online file folder.

Please check out the New Online File Folder!

We have a new online file folder to access documents!

Check out the new site here! (make sure to bookmark it)

This site will be more accessible to those who may have firewalls or blocks on their computers.

Please use this site as a resource to access important information or just check to see what is going on!

*I have been receiving medical/consent forms that are not completely filled out. Incomplete forms are not considered valid. Please review each form received before it is submitted to the regional office. Please review the medical/consent policy:

·                    Eligible individuals register for Special Olympics training by completing the Medical Release and Consent form. Forms are available from the Regional Office.

·                     A valid form must be completed in full. The Athlete's full name, not a Nickname, must be identified. Always be sure to list the Primary Training Club and Agency.

·                     Medical Release and Consent Forms are valid for up to three (3) years from the date of the doctor's signature.

·                     Training Club Head Coaches must review, update and maintain the Medical and Consent records. One copy must be submitted to the Regional Office and a second must be retained by the Training Club Head Coach. It is recommended that the training club retain a Xerox copy of the original primary completed form.

·                     Medical and Consent forms must travel with the athletes to all training practices and competitions. In the event of an injury these records must be made available for Medical Personnel.

·                     Valid Medical Release and Consent forms are required by Special Olympics for all training and competition. Athletes with out valid Medical & Consent forms will not be permitted to train or compete.

Anniversary Art Contest

Celebrating 40 Years!

Open to all Special Olympics New York Athletes

Coaches- please pass this information along to your athletes

Submit your logo design and it could be featured on the 2010 State Summer Games t-shirts sold at the merchandise tent during the Games in June.

The winner will receive a personalized Special Olympics New York jacket!

CONTEST RULES

1. SUBMIT ONE DRAWING

2. DRAWING MUST HAVE THICK LINES AND NO SHADOWS

SUBMIT DRAWINGS TO THE WESTERN REGION OFFICE

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS APRIL 30, 2010

* A flyer for the contest can be foun on the online file folder

Best in the West

Check here for tips, updates and reminders so that every coach, volunteer and fan can be the

***Best in the West***

As you may know, Special Olympics Sport Rules are based off of the governing body of each individual sport. In addition to the Special Olympics sport rules, you can find great information and resources by going to the website of each governing body. You may be asking yourself, there are sometimes several governing bodies to a sport, which one does Special Olympics use?

The following is a list of the organizations that govern

Special Olympics NEW YORK sports:

Athletics USA Track & Field www.usatf.org
Aquatics USA Swimming www.usswim.org
Basketball National Federation of State High School Associations http://www.nfshsa.org/rules-basketball.htm
Bocce World Bocce Association www.worldbocce.org
Bowling USA Bowling www.bowl.com
Cycling USA Cycling www.usacycling.org
Equestrian United States Equestrian Team www.uset.org
Figure Skating United States Figure Skating Association www.usfsa.org
Golf United States Golf Association www.usga.org
Gymnastics USA Gymnastics www.usa-gymnastics.org
Powerlifting USA Powerlifting www.adfpa.com
Roller Skating USA Roller Skating www.rollersports.org
Speed Skating USA Speedskating www.usspeedskating.org
Skiing (Alpine) United States Ski Team www.ussa.org
Soccer USA Soccer www.ussoccer.coc
Softball Amateur Softball Association www.softball.org
Volleyball USA Volleyball www.usavolleyball.org

State Games Advancement Criteria

Reminder...

Teams must participate in the highest level of competition offered for the respective sport and any lower/local competitions as well.

Example: To be eligible to attend Summer Games, a swimmer must have attended the Super Regional Aquatics competition on May 1st at UB.

If a local or regional competition is the highest level of competition available, then these are qualifying competitions for state games.

Accessing Documents/Forms

The online file folder will be discontinued soon as we make all flyers, registration forms and other documents accessible through:

*The Special Olympics New York site HERE

-Here, you will need to click on the individual event to access the forms

*The new online file folder HERE

-Here, you will be able to access many forms outside of event specific documents and keep up to date with announcements, deadlines and other useful information and links.

Upcoming Events

Western Regional Basketball

Location: Buffalo Niagara Court Center, West Seneca

Date: Saturday, April 24th

Registration deadline: Monday, April 5th

Super Regional Aquatics
Location: University at Buffalo Alumni Arena
Date: Saturday, May 1st
Registration deadline: Monday, April 12th
Link to Event Flyer and Registration Form

Western South Local Track and Field

Location: Strider Field, Jamestown

Date: Tuesday, May 11th

Super Regional Volleyball
Location: Buffalo Niagara Court Center, West Seneca
Date: Saturday, May 15th
Registration deadline: April 26th

Link to Event Flyer, Registration form and volunteer registration form

Western South Local Track and Field

Location: SUNY Fredonia

Date: Wednesday, May 19th

Allegany Invitational

Location: Allegany-Limestone school

Date: Friday, May 21st

Western Central Spring Games

Location: Sweet Home High School

Date: Saturday, May 22nd

Registration deadline: Friday, April 30th

Western North Local Track & Field

Location: Emmet Belknap Middle School

Date: Wednesday, May 26th

Western North Local Track & Field

Location: Emmet Belknap Middle School

Date: Thursday, May 27th

Salamanca Area Track & Field

Locations: West Valley

Date: Friday, June 4th

Shelby Baker

Director of Program

Special Olympics New York

Western Region

716-580-3346 - office

716-580-3941 - fax

This email was sent to dhenders@nyso.org by sbaker@nyso.org.

Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy.

Protective Behaviors Quiz

News from Special Olympics New York Western Region has been sent

2010-03-19T14:09:00.001-07:00

Special Olympics New York

Western Region Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE

QUICK LINKS

http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/top_stories/499077/special-olympics-turns-40-

Online File Folder

JOIN OUR E-NEWS

Receive periodic emails regarding exciting news and events that are occurring across the state

ARE YOU A FAN?

March 19 2010

Welcome back to the Western Region Program Report

This week:

Good luck to all athletes participating in the Western Central Local Basketball Competition! Athletes are competing in skills and team.

Coming Up:

State Games Demand Case Surveys are due NO LATER than Monday, March 29th.

Late submissions will not be accepted.

A roster and updated medical/consent forms must be on file.

Although specific athlete names are not being asked, please ensure you will be able to register alternates as well.

Teams will not be allowed to register without alternates

The Demand Case Survey Form can be found at the online file folder

*Please contact me if you have difficulty accessing the form or need the form emailed directly to you

New Online File Folder!

We have a new online file folder to access documents!

Check out the new site here! (make sure to bookmark it)

This site will be more accessible to those who may have firewalls or blocks on their computers.

Special Olympics Storms the Capitol

Not exactly, but this week Special Olympics New York Global Messengers gathered in Albany to celebrate our 40th anniversary and raise awareness of the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign.

Representatives from across the state met to celebrate.

Athlete Jen Yost represented the Western Region and met personally with local representatives.

Anniversary Art Contest

Celebrating 40 Years!

Open to all Special Olympics New York Athletes

Coaches- please pass this information along to your athletes

Submit your logo design and it could be featured on the 2010 State Summer Games t-shirts sold at the merchandise tent during the Games in June.

The winner will receive a personalized Special Olympics New York jacket!

CONTEST RULES

1. SUBMIT ONE DRAWING

2. DRAWING MUST HAVE THICK LINES AND NO SHADOWS

SUBMIT DRAWINGS TO THE WESTERN REGION OFFICE

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS APRIL 30, 2010

* A flyer for the contest can be foun on the online file folder

Best in the West

Check here for tips, updates and reminders so that every coach, volunteer and fan can be the

***Best in the West***

Show your pride and let everyone know where you are from!

Coach short sleeve polos are available for sale

through the Western Region office,

Coach certification must be up to date.

Prices:

S-XL - $15

XXL - $16

XXXL - $17

Please contact the office to order a shirt.

State Games Advancement Criteria

Reminder...

Teams must participate in the highest level of competition offered for the respective sport and any lower/local competitions as well.

Example: To be eligible to attend Summer Games, a swimmer must have attended the Super Regional Aquatics competition on May 1st at UB.

If a local or regional competition is the highest level of competition available, then these are qualifying competitions for state games.

Accessing Documents/Forms

The online file folder will be discontinued soon as we make all flyers, registration forms and other documents accessible through:

*The Special Olympics New York site HERE

-Here, you will need to click on the individual event to access the forms

*The new online file folder HERE

-Here, you will be able to access many forms outside of event specific documents and keep up to date with announcements, deadlines and other useful information and links.

Upcoming Events

Western Central Local Basketball

Location: Clearfield Community Center

Date: Saturday, March 20th
Link to Event Packet

Western Central Local Aquatics

Location: University at Buffalo Natatorium

Date: Saturday, March 27th

Link to Event Packet

Western Regional Basketball

Location: Buffalo Niagara Court Center, West Seneca

Date: Saturday, April 24th

Registration deadline: Monday, April 5th

Super Regional Aquatics
Location: University at Buffalo Alumni Arena
Date: Saturday, May 1st
Registration deadline: Monday, April 12th
Link to Event Flyer and Registration Form

Super Regional Volleyball
Location: Buffalo Niagara Court Center, West Seneca
Date: Saturday, May 15th
Registration deadline: April 26th

Shelby Baker

Director of Program

Special Olympics New York

Western Region

716-580-3346 - office

716-580-3941 - fax

This email was sent to dhenders@nyso.org by sbaker@nyso.org.

Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy.

Special Olympics NY Website

Special Olympics New York Western Region has been sent

2010-03-16T12:17:00.001-07:00

Special Olympics New York

Western Region Volunteer Newsletter

March, 2010

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.

Please check out our new Google site! You can see our calendar, download documents and general information about the Western Region.

Coaches Needed For New Teams!

Right now, there is a very long waiting list for potential athletes that would like to join Special Olympics as many of our current teams are maxed out.

We are in the process of establishing new teams in the Western Region so that we can offer more athletes the opportunity to experience the joy of Special Olympics.

You might be thinking "I would like to coach but I can't do all by myself"

You won't be alone! From inquiries I have received, I am sure there are enough people that together, there will be enough coaches to form a new team(s).

There is interest from athletes in just about every sport. The most popular sports requested are: basketball, bowling, swimming, softball, bocce and soccer.

There are many other sports we offer and if available, there would be no shortage of athletes wanting to join!

There are factors included such as a facility, equipment, uniforms...

These are all things I can help with

Please contact me if you might be interested or would like more information.

Please also include the area you live in and an approximate radius you would be willing to travel for practices.

Jeans Day!

In addition to volunteering, there are other ways to contribute to Special Olympics. We understand that people are very busy these days so volunteering your time may not be an option right now.

What you can do, is coordinate a donation activity that can be used towards the costs of providing the experience of Special Olympics to each athlete. We do not charge the athletes or their families to participate in Special Olympics.

A very popular activity is to set-up a "jeans day" contribution. Employees, who donate a certain dollar amount, can wear jeans on a Friday or other pre-determined day.

Having a March Madness office pool? You can allocate the winnings to Special Olympics.

Get creative!

Volunteer Opportunity

We are always looking for volunteers to work in our local office. Duties would involve assisting with everyday regional management including but not limited to updating our database with athlete, coach and competition information. Please contact me if you would like more information.

This can also be used as an internship, volunteer requirements for a program or just volunteer hours.

If you or know someone that would be interested in an internship in the future please contact me as well.

Volunteer Opportunity

This can also be used as an internship, volunteer requirements for a program or just volunteer hours.

If you or know someone that would be interested in an internship in the future please contact me as well.

Committees

Do you like getting involved in committees or planning groups?

We are always looking for individuals to help in different aspects of the Western Region. Throughout the year there are many tasks that are needed to provided the best experience to the athletes. Some examples may include finding a facility for a seasonal conference, coordinating volunteers for a specific event, or any other task that might be needed at a particular time.

You would not be locked into anything forever as we appreciate any time a volunteer can provide. It is the volunteers that is the foundation of Special Olympics. There are many "behind the scenes" activities that are of great importance to make everything happen.

Please contact me for more information.

Coaching Time Commitments

Many people ask about the time commitment of becoming a coach. There is not one answer, but depends on many factors. I can supply some general information:

-Each season lasts approximately 3-4 months

-Some people coach one season out of the year, some coach year round

-Teams need to train at least 8 weeks out of the season, obviously the more the better

-Most teams practice about once a week for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours

-There are competitions offered for each sport; most are on weekends

-Depending on the sport, the number of competitions offered varies (from 1-3 competitions in a season)

-There are local competitions and competitions within the Western Region. There are also opportunities to travel further to other competitions or even the State Games which involves an overnight stay.

*The more coaches there are for each team, the more flexible everyone's schedule can be.

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. 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. Cross Country Running. 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.

Sincerely,

Shelby Baker
Director of Program

Special Olympics New York

Western Region

sbaker@nyso.org

8207 Main St. Suite 13

Williamsville, NY 14221

716-580-3346 (phone)

716-580-3941 (fax)

Quick Links

Western Region Page

Special Olympics Main Website

Protective Behaviors Online Quiz

Online File Folder

Get involved in other ways

Want to get involved with Special Olympics but don't necessarily have the time to coach?

There are many ways to get involved such as with fundraising, PR, assisting at events, being part of planning committees...

___________

Please contact the Western Region Office to learn how you can bring your talents to Special Olympics!

Athlete Showcase

A Special Olympics athlete shows off his skating skills at the Winter State Games

Event Coordinators

We are currently looking for organized, motivated and enthusiastic people to help coordinate an event or events. This is not a permanent position.

Some examples of what one may do are: securing a facility if needed, working with facility staff or personnel, coordinating the day's schedule, determining volunteer needs and duties.

We would provide training and of course assist you through the process. Depending on the specific event, the time commitment would be 15-30 hours per year.

If you would like to shadow a current event coordinator please contact me.

This email was sent to dhenders@nyso.org by sbaker@nyso.org.

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Protective Behaviors Quiz

Special Olympics New York | 8207 Main Street Suite 13 | Williamsville | NY | 14221

Special Olympics New York Western Region has been sent

2010-03-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

Special Olympics New York

Western Region Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE

Are you a Fan?

World Games Officials

QUICK LINKS

Seeking World Games Technical Officials

JOIN OUR E-NEWS

Receive periodic emails regarding exciting news and events that are occurring across the state

ARE YOU A FAN?

March 4 2010

Welcome back to the Western Region Program Report

Summer Conference

A big thank you to everyone that came out to the Summer Conference this past Saturday! We had a great turnout despite the weather:

26 people attend a sport training

19 people attended the general orientation

42 people attend the Regional Update and Event Coordination Activity!

Not only are conferences very educational and a great way to meet new people and network with other coaches, it is a great opportunity to attend any training/session/activity as part of the required certification process for new volunteers and certification update for current coaches.

Mark your calendars now for the Fall Conference scheduled for

July 10th, 2010. Location TBD

This week:

Good luck to all Chautauqua Lakers bowlers as they participate in their annual local bowling competition!

Special Olympics is requesting nominations for volunteer sport officials for the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, 25 June - 4 July 2011.

A link with details and due dates can be found: HERE

Best in the West

Check here for tips, updates and reminders so that every coach, volunteer and fan can be the

***Best in the West***

Show your pride and let everyone know where you are from!

Coach short sleeve polos are available for sale

through the Western Region office,

Coach certification must be up to date.

Prices:

S-XL - $15

XXL - $16

XXXL - $17

Please contact the office to order a shirt.

EKS Newsletter

The first edition of the new Eunice Kennedy Shriver Newsletter came out in February. The first edition can be found here and the most recent edition here.

The newsletter serves to celebrate Eunice Kennedy Shriver's work and the great work that is yet to come from the foundation she laid.

From the most recent edition:

Special Olympics Chairman and CEO Tim Shriver and Best Buddies Founder and Chairman Anthony Shriver announce an official annual day in honor of their mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, every fourth Saturday in September, starting this year
In conjunction with their efforts on Capitol Hill, Special Olympics Chairman and CEO, Tim Shriver, and Best Buddies Founder and Chairman, Anthony Shriver, have announced an official annual day in honor of their mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, every fourth Saturday in September with the first this September 25, 2010.

Online Forms

Having difficulty accessing documents from the online file folder?

The online file folder will be discontinued soon as we make all flyers, registration forms and other documents accessible through our very own Special Olympics New York website!

We will be unveiling our new website soon so please be patient as we make this tranisition.

As of now, most event flyers and registration documents can be accessed directly through the Western Region calendar of events.

The calendar can be found HERE. Simply click on the individual event you are registering for and you will be able to download the documents right from our site.

Upcoming Events

Western Central Local Basketball

Location: Clearfield Community Center

Date: Saturday, March 20th
Link to Event Packet

Western Central Local Aquatics

Location: University at Buffalo Natatorium

Date: Saturday, March 27th

Registration deadline: Past due!

Link to Event Packet

Western Regional Basketball

Location: Buffalo Niagara Court Center, West Seneca

Date: Saturday, April 24th

Registration deadline: Monday, April 5th

Super Regional Aquatics
Location: University at Buffalo Alumni Arena
Date: Saturday, May 1st
Registration deadline: Monday, April 12th
Link to Event Flyer and Registration Form

Super Regional Volleyball
Location: Buffalo Niagara Court Center, West Seneca
Date: Saturday, May 15th
Registration deadline: April 26th

Shelby Baker

Director of Program

Special Olympics New York

Western Region

716-580-3346 - office

716-580-3941 - fax

This email was sent to dhenders@nyso.org by sbaker@nyso.org.

Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy.