Check out the new blog!
By Field Service @ Feb 15, 2013 | 0 comments
Thanks for staying up to date on our news! Follow this link to find the new Special Olympics Utah blog!
Special Olympics Utah Blog
Summer Games 2012
By @ Jun 20, 2012 | 0 comments
Summer Games is our favorite time of year. Athletes come from across the state to compete, socialize, dance, karaoke, and celebrate! This year’s summer games included roughly 1,000 athletes competing in a variety of athletic events including soccer, softball/t-ball, track and field, and Motor Activities Training Program. Summer Games also provided an opportunity for athletes to receive health check-ups through the Healthy Athletes program including dental checks, hearing exams, and physical fitness tests. In order to ensure safety and health for all our athletes, Special Olympics Utah works to ensure that all athletes, young and "experienced", have access to health screenings.
The festivities kicked off with the annual, much anticipated, Opening Ceremonies. The ceremony began with the traditional “Parade of Athletes” and was followed by the entrance of the Law Enforcement’s Cruiser Convoy. This year’s Opening Ceremonies included a variety of guest presenters including emcee, KSL 5’s Rod Zundel, BYU’s starting football player Austin Holt, Mascot mania featuring the Jazz Bear, Real’s Leo, UofU’s Swoop, and BYU’s Cosmo, and some of Special Olympics favorite community leaders, Bob and Randy Harmon. One of our own athletes, Christy Crowther, recited the athlete oath with retired Real Salt Lake athlete Andy Williams, reminding everyone of their pledge as athletes to always be brave in the attempt. And the athletes embody that message, teaching us all a little something about diligence, persistence, acceptance, and hard work.
The event was a celebration of uniqueness, diversity, and competition. The following days included diverse competitions, many well deserved medals, and thousands of enthusiastic embraces. Thank you to everyone who participated in an unforgettable Summer Games. We love our athletes, coaches, parents, families, volunteers, and supporters.
Leadership Conference 2012!
By @ May 3, 2012 | 0 comments
Who knew an all-day training could be so fun? On Saturday, April 21st, Special Olympics Utah hosted a leadership conference for athletes, coaches, youth leadership, volunteers, and global messengers. We kicked off the day-long event with a message from our keynote speaker, Mike Schlappi, a Gold Medalist, MBA, Author, businessman, husband, and father of five- who also happens to rock a wheelchair.
Mike Schlappi shared his inspirational experience of overcoming the odds after being shot in the chest and encouraged athletes that “Just because you can’t stand up, doesn’t mean you can’t stand out.” His memorable message set the mood for trainings throughout the day and reminded everyone the importance of not giving up.
Following the keynote address, participants headed to breakout sessions where they were able to attend a range of classes and workshops on fundraising, youth involvement, and athlete training. During lunch, CEO Amy Hansen and Board Chair Katina Curtis provided an exciting “State of the Union” address to update athletes and coaches on new efforts to improve Special Olympics Utah.
Sports and leadership training programs are crucial to our efforts to empower athletes with intellectual disabilities. Our leadership programs prepare athletes and coaches, on and off the field, to become respected leaders and spokespeople in their communities.
Thank you to all who participated in Special Olympics Utah’s Leadership Conference 2012. You are all our inspiration, motivation, and enthusiasm. Thanks for your involvement and support!
Winter Games are back!!!
By @ Apr 3, 2012 | 0 comments
Special Olympics Utah’s annual Winter Games is the culmination of the Special Olympics winter season. Hundreds of athletes, coaches, and volunteers participated in a variety of Olympic events including snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing at this year’s Winter Games at Powder Mountain and North Fork Park on Saturday March, 24th. Winter Games is one of Special Olympics Utah’s major events and attracts athletes, volunteers, and observers throughout the state.
Despite the dry winter season and light snowpack, athletes and volunteers were all smiles throughout the day of competitions. Alpine skiing and snowboarding took place at Powder Mountain, while North Fork Park hosted snowshoeing. Opening ceremonies began at 9:30am at each location followed by opening events at 10:00am. The day culminated with closing ceremonies and an exciting “Victory Dance.”
All participants were thrilled with the day’s events which were a celebration of both fitness and diversity. The benefits of 2012 Winter Games stretched beyond the competition itself, empowering individuals with disabilities and increasing acceptance, inclusion, dignity, and respect within our community. Thank you to all the volunteers, coaches, and athletes who participated in the event, making Special Olympic Utah’s 2012 Winter Games a huge success. We look forward to seeing you at future events!
Special Olympics Utah would also like to thank the support and donations of host venues (Powder Mountain and North Fork Park), hotels, and local businesses. Without your generous donations, 2012 Winter Games would not have been possible! Thank you!