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Press Release: SONM Announces Team New Mexico Delegation for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games
Special Olympics New Mexico Announces Delegation for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games
20 Special Olympics Athletes and Unified Partners from New Mexico to Compete in Orlando, Florida
March 10, 2022 – Albuquerque, New Mexico: Special Olympics New Mexico is proud to announce that it will send a 36-member delegation, including 20 Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners, to represent New Mexico at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, held June 5–12, 2022, in Orlando, Florida.
Team New Mexico is comprised of 18 athletes, 2 Unified partners, 5 coaches, 1 Athlete Input Council member, 2 Unified Champion Schools® students, and 8 staff. The delegation will compete in 5 of the 19 Olympic-type sports offered at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, including: Track & Field, Bocce, Bowling, Golf, and Swimming.
Note: The full roster for Team Special Olympics New Mexico is available on our website: https://sonm.org/about/2022usagames/
“It is such an honor and privilege to represent New Mexico at USA Games,” said Abe Assaad, Special Olympics athlete competing in Track & Field at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. “I love to meet a lot of people and make new friends and my goal is to win a medal and represent New Mexico and Special Olympics athletes in the best way.”
The Special Olympics USA Games, which is hosted every four years, will mark the largest humanitarian event in Florida’s history. The event will unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean. Over 10,000 volunteers will fill more than 20,000 volunteer shifts during the week. It is anticipated over 125,000 families, friends and spectators will witness the inspiring athletic accomplishments in 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports and more than 30 events at world-class venues across Orlando, centered at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort.
Attending the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is extra special for Special Olympics New Mexico as New Mexico was the only state unable to attend the 2018 USA Games due to a loss in funding. Special Olympics New Mexico has not sent a team to USA Games since 2014.
Athletes, Unified partners, and coaches were selected for Team New Mexico based on their event scores from previous competitions.
“Sending Special Olympics athletes from New Mexico to the USA Games will be one of the greatest sports experiences of their lives,” said Special Olympics New Mexico Executive Director Randy Mascorella. “They will get to the Games well-trained and prepared to do their very best. They will march into Opening Ceremonies representing all New Mexicans, and they will accept the medals they win with pride. Let’s celebrate not only their accomplishments but also celebrate who they are and the value they bring to us every day.”
About the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games
The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is scheduled for June 5-12, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. Jersey Mike’s Subs is the Presenting Partner, and the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is hosted by Disney. During this magical week, more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean will travel to Florida to unite in one of the country’s most cherished sporting events. The USA Games is hosted once every four years and showcases 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports and 30 events throughout the week including forums and VIP receptions. Website: www.2022usagames.org
About Special Olympics New Mexico
Special Olympics New Mexico provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Today, Special Olympics New Mexico serves more than 3,700 athletes, offering training and competition in 12 sports. Special Olympics New Mexico is sponsored year-round and state-wide by New Mexico True, Law Enforcement Torch Run, Chick-fil-A, Legacy Church, Chevrolet, BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico, Rudy’s “Country Store and Bar-B-Q”, and Delta Dental. Learn more about Special Olympics New Mexico at: https://sonm.org
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Press Release: Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving
For graphics or to arrange interviews contact Kyle Potvin, kpotvin@splashllc.com, 917-838-4500. View/download b-roll.
Give to Give: Help Send Special Olympics New Mexico Athletes to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games
Jersey Mike’s 12th Annual “Month of Giving” Celebrates Special Olympics Athletes Nationwide
Albuquerque, Feb. 28, 2022 – The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is joining forces with Jersey Mike’s Subs locations throughout New Mexico for its 12th Annual “Month of Giving” campaign. During the month of March, customers can make a donation at any Jersey Mike’s restaurant to help local Team New Mexico athletes and support the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, held June 5-12, in Orlando, Fla. Athletes from across the United States will compete in 19 sports including athletics, bowling, swimming, golf, bocce, and many more.
The Month of Giving campaign will culminate with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 30, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games and the local state Programs attending the USA Games.
For the first time in the 12-year history of Month of Giving, Jersey Mike’s owners and operators nationwide will support a single cause. The company hopes to surpass last year’s record-breaking $15 million raised for charity. Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving has raised more than $47 million for local charities since it began in 2011.
“We’ve been involved with Special Olympics since 1975, and it is an honor for Jersey Mike’s to be the presenting partner of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO. “We support the organization’s mission to foster inclusivity, and help its athletes shine on and off the field. I invite everyone to join us and celebrate our country’s Special Olympics athletes during Month of Giving.”
Every four years, more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states unite to compete in one of the most beloved and inspiring sporting events in the US – the Special Olympics USA Games. It is all part of a global movement using sports to end discrimination and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Jersey Mike’s is the presenting sponsor of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
Throughout March, customers can make donations through the Jersey Mike’s mobile app or in-store. On Day of Giving, Jersey Mike’s restaurants will donate their resources and every single dollar that comes in – whether in-store, on-line or through the app – to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games and the local Special Olympics State Programs attending the USA Games.
For a list of participating restaurants in your area please visit our location listing by state.
About Jersey Mike’s
Jersey Mike’s Subs, with more than 2,000 locations nationwide, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflected in its mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/jerseymikes), Instagram (instagram.com/jerseymikes), and Twitter (twitter.com/jerseymikes.com).
About Special Olympics USA Games
The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is scheduled for June 5-12, 2022, in Orlando, Fla.
Jersey Mike’s Subs is the Presenting Partner, and the event is hosted by Disney. During this magical week, more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean will travel to Florida to unite in one of the country’s most cherished sporting events. The USA Games is hosted once every four years and showcases 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports and 30 events throughout the week including forums and VIP receptions. For more information, please visit www.2022USAGames.org or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsUSAGames), Instagram (instagram.com/specialolympicsusagames), and Twitter (twitter.com/2022USAGames).
Fitness Challenges
Fitness Challenges Overview
Special Olympics New Mexico creates Fitness Challenges throughout the year to promote health, wellness, and general fitness of all Special Olympics athletes. Keep reading to learn more and participate in current fitness challenges.
Group Waiver
- The Group Waiver is for groups participating in fitness programming, with individuals (participants) who do not have active medical forms on file with Special Olympics New Mexico.
- Group Waiver Fillable
2023 Fit 5 & Strong Minds Challenge:
Join our Fit 5 & Strong Minds Challenge! This 6-week challenge is completed using the Special Olympics SOFit app. The challenge is active now through December 24.
Download the SO FitNow app on your smart phone or visit the SO Fit Now Website to access the trackers for the challenge.
If you do not have a smartphone or access to the website, email victoria@sonm.org for printed trackers.
Fit 5 and Strong Minds Getting Started Guide
Fit 5 and Strong Minds Challenge Printed Guide
Fit 5 and Strong Minds Weekly Introductions
Join the SONM Health and Wellness Facebook Group: Stay motivated by connecting with other Special Olympics athletes! Join the Facebook Group
2022 Fall Fitness Challenge (6-week challenge):
This fitness challenge has ended but you are free to complete the challenge for fun and fitness using the PDFs below anytime!
- Fall Fitness Challenge Week 1 PDF
- Fall Fitness Challenge Week 2 PDF
- Fall Fitness Challenge Week 3 PDF
- Fall Fitness Challenge Week 4 PDF
- Fall Fitness Challenge Week 5 PDF
- Fall Fitness Challenge Week 6 PDF
- Fall Fitness Challenge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) PDF
- Fall Fitness Challenge Details and why you should participate!
- Register for the Fall Fitness Challenge
- 2022 Fall Fitness Challenge NEW start date October 24
- 2022 Fall Fitness Challenge Flyer
Join us for the 2021 Posole Olé Virtual Fun Walk
We have officially kicked off the Posole Olé Virtual Fun Walk! Please register and complete your Fun Walk any time between now and December 4, 2021. Join us in celebrating the beginning of the holiday season, New Mexico style! This is a great team fundraiser as 50% of your team’s revenue is shared back to your local program. See below for registration details and deadlines!
The 2021 Posole Olé Virtual Fun Walk is presented by: The Smile Generation
REGISTER:
VIRTUAL POSOLE OLE FUN WALK:
Complete your walk any time the weekend of December 4!
T-shirts are available to those who fundraise $50 or more!
**CASH RAISED IS DUE TO THE STATE OFFICE BY MONDAY, DECEMBER 6**
T-SHIRT DEADLINE:
Wednesday, November 24 (sizes will not be guaranteed after this date!)
PRIZES:
We will be offering prizes to the top three individual fundraisers, team fundraisers, as well as offering additional raffle items to athletes who fundraise.
QUESTIONS/INFO:
Reach out to Brittany Scanlon at brittany@sonm.org with any questions!
2021 Golf Classic Recap
THANK YOU
On behalf of the 3,700 Special Olympics New Mexico athletes and their families, the Special Olympics New Mexico Golf Classic Committee want to thank you personally for your support and participation in our 2021 Special Olympics New Mexico Golf Classic held at Santa Ana Golf Club. Your support will go a long way in helping us keep our athletes engaged during a time that they have not been able to “return to play” because of the COVID virus. It was optimistic at the time, but GAME ON was the theme Special Olympics New Mexico chose for 2021. Thankfully, it became a reality and we in fact PLAYED ON and were able to be together again for this year’s Golf Classic. I want to thank you for standing with us. Your support means so much to our athletes. The chance to be on a team, feel accepted for who you are and simply have something in life to look forward to can make all the difference in the world. Our athletes need all of us now more than ever, and your participation is helping us fill the gap with moments of joy and celebration that no one else can provide.
Because you played in our Golf Classic we are proud to report that we raised a net total of $63,000, which is a reason for celebration.
Here is the 2021 SONM Golf Classic Photos link:
https://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsNM/photos/
Congratulations to this year’s winners:
Tamaya/Cheena
- 2nd Place with a score of 56
- Mass Mutual: Warren Ellis, Mike Ellis, Shak Bani, Dee Dennis III
- 1st Place with a score of 56
- Colliers International: Tim With, Phil With, Greg With and Jim Altamirano
- Closest to the Pin Awards
- Men: Justin Baird
- Women: Karen Scanlon
Cheena/Star
- 2nd Place with a score of 55
- Team With: Jerry With, Ernie Henson, Matt Love & Spencer Feix
- 1st Place with a score of 53
- New Mexico Automotive Dealers Association: Hud Romero, Walter Viera, Ed Manzanares & Goose Morantes
- Closest to the Pin Awards
- Men: Harvey Hill
- Women: Jen Robins
Star/Tamaya
- 2nd Place with a score of 57
- Team Hidalgo: Freddie Hidalgo, Richie Tabet, Pat Gonzales & John Crawford
- 1st Place with a score of 56
- Bank of the West: Cory Miller, Leslie Chant, Erick Pena, Josh Howe
- Closest to the Pin Awards
- Men: John Mercer
- Women: D’Ette Wiggins
Thank you for your support of Special Olympics New Mexico athletes and programs. We look forward to being together again in 2022!
LETR Sponsors and Vendors
Interested in becoming a LETR Sponsor? LETR Annual Partnerships Benefits Package 2025
Thank you to our New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Albertson’s
Chili’s
N2MIS
Bernalillo County
Latitudes
Silver Sponsors
Texas Roadhouse
Bronze Sponsors
Brycon Construction
Chavez-Grieves Consulting Engineers
Advance Auto Parts
Preferred Vendors
Graphic Design
Shirts & Screen Printing
Health – Focus on Fitness Challenge
Abe’s Focus On Fitness Challenge
SONM athlete & Health Messenger Abe Assaad has created a fitness challenge for all Special Olympics athletes to focus on and improve their fitness. The official April-June 2021 challenge has ended but we will keep the resources below so you can continue to use the resources and create workouts!
How to participate:
1. Download and complete the Fitness Assessment PDF and then download and use the Focus on Fitness Pick 8 Workout Builder PDF to create customized workouts throughout the week. Use the Focus on Fitness Tracker to track how many workouts you complete throughout the challenge. The Focus on Fitness Videos will demonstrate exercises as well as discuss proper form.
2. Connect with other Special Olympics athletes during the challenge by joining the SONMFit Facebook Group.
Focus on Fitness Forms, PDFs and Video links:
- Focus on Fitness Challenge Sign-up Form
- Fitness Assessment
- Focus on Fitness Pick 8 Workout Builder
- Focus on Fitness Tracker
- Focus on Fitness Videos (YouTube)
- SONMFit Facebook Group
La Cueva HS Virtual Unified Schools Program
KRQE News 13 spoke with representatives of the Special Olympics New Mexico Unified Champion Schools program at La Cueva H.S. along with SONM Unified Champion Schools Manager, Rebecca Whitlock. They discussed virtual fitness programming throughout 2020 and the outlook for 2021.
Special Olympics New Mexico will hold its Winter Virtual Games Drive-thru Awards on Saturday, March 27
Special Olympics New Mexico will hold its Winter Virtual Games Drive-thru Awards on Saturday, March 27
Special Olympics New Mexico celebrates the 199 Special Olympics athletes across the state who trained and competed during the 2021 Winter Virtual Games season
Who: Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) Area 5 athletes who competed in the Winter Virtual Games will pick up their awards packets at the SONM State Office on Saturday, March 27. SONM Area 5 includes Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and surrounding cities. SONM athletes in Areas 1-4 will be receiving their awards at other locations per their Area Director’s direction.
What: The SONM Winter Virtual Games season was held January 18 through March 15, 2021. SONM athletes who registered for the competition season were eligible to compete in up to four events out of fifteen events. Some events were geared towards poly hockey skills and other events focused on general fitness. A total of 199 Special Olympics athletes across New Mexico trained and competed. SONM Athletes who competed in the Winter Virtual Games will receive an awards packet that includes a certificate, medal, and Winter Virtual Games t-shirt.
When: The Area 5 Drive-thru Awards will be held on Saturday, March 27, between 9 AM and 11 AM.
Where: The SONM State Office/NMAA Building parking lot, located at 6600 Palomas Ave. NE, Albuquerque NM 87109. Please see the attached map for information on the flow of traffic through the parking lot during the Drive-thru awards.
Why: It is time to celebrate the accomplishments of Special Olympics New Mexico athletes who have been training since January 18 for the SONM Winter Virtual Games!
Additional Information & Disclaimer: Each person who attends the SONM Winter Virtual Games Drive-thru Awards must adhere to the current New Mexico Public Health Order including wearing a face covering over nose and mouth and practicing social distancing. If you are experiencing symptoms including fever, chills, shortness of breath, or coughing, please stay at home.
