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NMLETR delegates return from 2012 International Torch Run Conference informed, educated, and inspired

NMLETR delegates return from 2012 International Torch Run Conference informed, educated, and inspired

November 28, 2012
By Oscar Solis

 

[Indianapolis, IN] – On Nov. 7 – 10, New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run selected 13 delegates to attend the 2012 International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference, themed “Raising The Game,” in Indianapolis, IN.

 

Among the many highlights, the biggest came in the announcement that Law Enforcement Torch Run efforts worldwide raised a total of more than $42 million for Special Olympics—a huge achievement that drew loud applause of appreciation and accomplishment from LETR officers and Special Olympics athletes.

While the conference succeeded in offering many educational and informative sessions for officers to apply back in their state programs, attendees were also treated to an equal amount of inspirational and entertaining presentations by honored guests such as SO Chairman Tim Shriver, Former Professional Baseball Pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers Carl Erksine, and Bobby Plump—the inspiration behind the hit movie “Hoosiers.” However, the real show-stoppers came in the form of the conference’s many remarkable Global Messengers from Indiana: Allison Werne, Brent Bowgren, Heather Himes, Jason Plante, Samuel Fawley, Paul Philhower, and Ken Melvin—who dazzled the hundreds of officers with their passionate and touching presentations.

New Mexico delegates included: NMLETR State Director Michelle Ugalde and Assistant State Director Shawn Archuleta; LETR officers Jenny Dennis (Farmington PD), Misha Montoya (Las Cruces PD), Aaron Glymph (Las Cruces PD), Robert Ochoa (Otero County Prison Facility), Doyle Syling (Alamogordo Public Safety Department, Retired), Gerald Sandoval (Albuquerque PD), Lana Elder (Rio Rancho PD), SONM Athlete Representative Van Pexa and SONM staff members Randy Mascorella, Oscar Solis and Heather Scott.

To learn more about Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, visit your New Mexico chapter website at www.sonm.org.

SONM Area Summer Games starts the excitement of our 2012 State Summer Games this weekend

SONM Area Summer Games starts the excitement of our 2012 State Summer Games this weekend

SONM Area Summer Games starts the excitement of our 2012 State Summer Games this weekend

May 16, 2012
By Erin Gallegos

The 2012 State Summer Games are quickly approaching and SONM athletes participated in the 2012 Area 5 Summer Games last month in order to qualify to compete in the State Games. SONM’s Area Games take place all over the state and athletes from all six New Mexico areas participated.

  • Area 1 Summer Games took place on April 27th and 28th in Farmington
  • Area 2 Summer Games took place on April 22nd and 28th in Taos and Santa Fe
  • Area 3 Summer Games took place on April 21st in Alamogordo
  • Area 4 Summer Games also took place on April 21st in Carlsbad
  • Area 5 Summer Games took place on April 14th, 21st, 22nd, and 28th  in Rio Rancho
  • Area 6 Summer Games took place on April 21st and April 27th in Gallup

All of the area games consisted of Athletics, Bocce, and Unified Volleyball and only Area 5 hosted a gymnastics competition.

“All the area qualifying rounds went well,” said Theresa Priest, coach of the Sandia Prep delegation. “From the rhythmic gymnastics, where the athletes participated in unified events to unified volleyball, the quality of play with unified events is much higher because the players learn to play together. To mentor and teach the athletes how to play a true game of volleyball with a strategy behind it is great to experience.”

The 2012 State Summer Games will take place on May 18th – 20th at the UNM Track and Field Stadium and at Sandia Preparatory School. For more information about this year’s Qualifying Games and the State Summer Games please visit www.sonm.org or call 505-856-0342.

SONM celebrates Family and Friendship Tree Endowment with a look back at its roots

SONM celebrates Family and Friendship Tree Endowment with a look back of its roots

SONM celebrates Family and Friendship Tree Endowment with a look back of its roots
May 2, 2012

Mary Jean Owen is the kind of person we might all strive to be. She’s kind, considerate, loving, and joyful. But combine those traits with “courageous, spirited, dedicated, and persistent,” and you have a person whose athletic abilities have waged war on negative perceptions and have crushed barriers. Consequently, in this Roswell resident you see a typical member of our Special Olympics family.

In 1970, Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) opened its doors to spread the mission of Special Olympics and serve individuals with intellectual disabilities, their family members and the community at large. For over 40 years, thousands of Special Olympics athletes like Mary Jean have benefited physically and emotionally from the accomplishments achieved by training and competing in sport.

In 1998, retired Major General Francis Nye, whose own daughter Cynthia competed in Special Olympics, saw the direct impact on the health and wellness of those with intellectual disabilities and their family members, and the immediate need for a sustainable Special Olympics program in New Mexico. Nye thus helped create what is now SONM’s endowment fund called “The Family Tree.”

“It was always a thrill to watch Cindy compete, and to see how happy a person can be by participating and winning,” said Nye. “Thus, it was obvious at the time that the Special Olympics [New Mexico] office needed help. They were doing a wonderful job, but needed help.”

Nye not only helped establish the endowment fund, but also served as its lead donor—purchasing the Family Tree in honor of his daughter Cynthia J. Nye, which to this day is proudly displayed at the chapter office in Albuquerque. Since its inception, the Family Tree Endowment has grown to over $60,000.

For Mary Jean’s sister, Lizzy, SONM’s Family Tree was a perfect place to honor not only Mary Jean’s achievements, but also their late mother.

“Mama loved our Special Olympics events,” said Lizzy. “She came to practices, competitions, fundraisers—anything just to be with our athletes. When she passed away we thought buying a stone to place under the branches of the tree was an awesome way to honor her, as well as give something back that would help sustain the future of Special Olympics New Mexico.”

To extend the opportunity to honor and celebrate those we love with a contribution to the endowment fund, in 2004 SONM also created a “Friendship Tree” to establish and sustain the framework for future SONM athletes and families through the Albuquerque Community Foundation.

“For the past twenty years we have worked hard to build a Special Olympics New Mexico that will thrive long after all of us are gone,” said SONM Executive Director Randy Mascorella. “Because the thought of our athletes and families not having Special Olympics as part of their lives is simply unacceptable, endowing our future is imperative. There are many people who love our mission and have been changed by it – people who don’t have a Special Olympics athlete in their family. Thus, the creation of our Friendship Tree – a wonderful way to honor any volunteer, coach, local coordinator, or friend of Special Olympics New Mexico and invest in our future.”

The amount of the gift is distinguished by a gold, silver or bronze leaf and can be purchased with an investment as low as $250. These gifts are then pooled together to build and endowment that has the strength of a large financial investment while maintaining the donor’s individuality while creating a very special way to honor a family member, friend, or loved one.

The Friendship Tree, which follows the same philosophy as “The Family Tree” now allows SONM friends to become an even more integral part of the SONM family. With a gift of $250 (Giver of Courage), $500 (Giver of Joy), $1,000 (Giver of Hope), or $2,500 (Giver of Life) our friends will join the ranks of a very special group of people. SONM Friendship Tree contributors embody the spirit of sport and truly inspire greatness among our athletes.

For more information about our Family Tree and/or Friendship Tree, contact Christine Sandoval at (505) 856-0342.

Special Olympics New Mexico and the Society for Human Resource Management team up for 2012 conference

Special Olympics New Mexico and the Society for Human Resource Management team up to for 2012 conference

April 4, 2012
By Erin Gallegos

On March 26 – 27, Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) partnered with the Society for Human Resource Management – New Mexico (SHRM-NM) for their annual state conference at the Sandia Resort and Casino in Albuquerque.

On Monday, March 26, SONM Athlete Tim Harris and Executive Director Randy Mascorella gave an inspirational presentation to a room of more than 300 attendees about the impact the Special Olympics movement has had on their individual lives and the growing Special Olympics community.  SONM Athletes Marla Gavurnik, Phil With, and Ken Patton also attended as award presenters  to the conference’s additional presenters over the two days. Throughout the conference, the athletes also greeted hundreds of conference attendees at the Special Olympics information booth.

“It went awesome,” said Harris when asked about his speech. “After I spoke everyone wanted to tell me ‘Oh yeah.’ My favorite part about it was to inspire everyone.”

To add to the feeling of a true Special Olympics experience, LETR officer Gerald Sandoval and SONM Athlete Van Pexa joined Special Olympics Manzano’s cheer squad in a lighting presentation of the “Flame of Hope” to conclude the conference, while SO Manzano riled the crowd with a one-of-a-kind performance.

The conference included exhibitors from local and national businesses, and keynote speakers that included: Stuart Crabb, Head of Learning and Development for Facebook; Mike Jones, President of Discover Leadership Training, Inc; and Pamela Green, Vice President of U.S. Membership of SHRM.

SONM’s Young Athletes Program receives grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico

SONM’s Young Athletes Program receives grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
January 25, 2012
By Erin Gallegos

On Wednesday January 18, Special Olympics Ne

w Mexico (SONM) was awarded a grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico to support its Young Athletes Program.

SONM’s Young Athletes Program teaches fundamental sports skills to children ages two to seven with developmental disabilities. The program also creates partnerships between developmental preschool programs and fourth and fifth grade APS classes. The APS students act as mentors and coaches to the preschool athletes.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico’s generous support of our Young Athletes Program helps us expand the program in our state and advocate healthy practices for young New Mexicans with disabilities,” said Young Athletes Program Director Victoria Gonzales.”

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico awarded the grant to SONM as part of its initiative, Healthy Kids, Healthy Families, which seeks to improve the health of children in New Mexico through nutrition education, physical activity, disease prevention, and creation of safe environments. SONM’s Young Athletes Program emulates many characteristics that Healthy Kids, Healthy Families advocates by seeking to educate and improve the health of young athletes with developmental disabilities.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico has been a longtime supporter of Special Olympics New Mexico through the Healthy Athletes Program,” said Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico Spokeswoman Becky Kenny. “Our employees volunteer every year during the Summer Games to help complete health screenings onsite for interested athletes and family members. We are excited to expand our relationship with SONM through our Healthy Kids Healthy Families initiative by sponsoring the school-based mentor program, Young Athletes, this year.”

For more information about SONM’s Young Athlete Program, please contact Young Athletes Program Director Victoria Gonzales at victoriagonzales@sonm.org.

BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico donates to SONM in honor of 2012 Volunteer of the Year

Every year, BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) recognizes an employee who exemplifies BCBSNM’s goal of giving back as their Volunteer of the Year. This year BCBSNM recognized David Rodriguez, a seven-year employee, as the 2012 Volunteer of the Year. In honor of the award, BCBSNM donated $1,000 to Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) on David’s behalf.

“First of all, in my opinion, any company that honors their employees for giving back to their community by volunteering sends a powerful message about the corporate culture and core values they have established,” said SONM Executive Director Randy Mascorella. “On the other hand those employees who care about others and selflessly give their time are worth their weight in gold. I would bet David Rodriguez goes through life with a positive attitude, is a great team player, and more than likely is well-organized and understands how to manage his time. Employees like David help to make our community a better place to work, play, and live.”

For four years, David Rodriguez has volunteered for a variety of charitable causes. He volunteers at Atrisco Heritage High School as a member of the coaching staff for their Cross Country Track and Softball teams, as well as a tutor for students in need. David is a member of the Blue Bear Club, bringing BCBSNM’s Blue Bear mascot to life at events throughout the year. David has also volunteered for BCBSNM’s Operation Back to School program and the holiday Adopt-A-Family event.

Special Olympics New Mexico is proud to be honored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico with this generous donation. We would like to thank both BCBSNM and David Rodriguez for their on-going service in the New Mexico community.

Philanthropy project leads to first Special Olympics New Mexico cheerleading squad in twenty years

November 30, 2011
By Erin Gallegos

Last Monday, a small group of Special Olympics Manzano athletes participated in a different kind of practice than the local program normally runs. Instead of working on relays, three-pointers, or slap shots these eager and excited athletes worked on routines, stunts and dance.

Earlier this year, Special Olympics Manzano participated in a philanthropy project that introduced the first Special Olympics cheerleading squad in New Mexico in twenty years. Currently, there are ten Special Olympics athletes on the squad: Alexis, Jordan, Tommy, Taylor, Kayla, Angel, Deborah, Deanna, Gia, and Jade. Jaimee Parea and Amie Sims, two UNM students, started the Special Olympics cheerleading squad philanthropy project and decided to continue with the squad after the project ended.

“Although cheerleading is not an official SONM sport, SONM supports our athletes taking advantage of any and all athletic opportunities presented to them,” said SONM Director of Sports and Competition Chris Page.

Jaimee and Amie are now the coaches for the squad. Mariana Flores and Bryanna Boughter, two Manzano students, also help to coach the squad. Led by Christine Castillo, the local program coordinator of Special Olympics Manzano, and Vanessa Whitaker, the spirit coordinator at Manzano High School, the squad has improved noticeably since their start in September.

The squad practices basic skills, arm movements, jumps, tumbling, chants, stunts, and dance routines. They practice three days per week and they vary between dance-oriented practices and cheer-oriented practices. The athletes know seven chants. The coaches see significant improvement in the athletes’ movement, memory, and confidence since they started the squad.

“It’s awesome,” said athlete Alexis Sena, “We dance and cheer and I love the friends I have made.

The squad participated in Manzano’s Fall Spirit Assembly this year, which is one of the biggest assemblies of the fall semester. Vanessa Whitaker hopes to secure a performance spot for the squad at the Metro Spirit Competition. The squad also may start cheering at the Special Olympics basketball games.

For more information about the squad and the Special Olympics Manzano programs, please contact Cris Castillo at (505)459-5367 or 900castillo@msn.com.

Special Olympics Area 1 Hosts 1st Annual Oktoberfest Golf Tournament

October 31, 2011
By Erin Gallegos

On Saturday, October 15, The NM Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) presented the 1st Annual Oktoberfest Golf Tournament to benefit Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) Area 1.

The fundraiser was hosted at the Hidden Valley Golf Course between Farmington and Aztec, New Mexico. Six teams, composed of Special Olympics athletes, law enforcement officers and public participants, participated in the event. During the celebratory BBQ lunch following the event, LETR also held a raffle at the event with prizes donated by families of the athletes.

“For our first run, I am pretty pleased with it,” stated LETR officer Jenny Dennis.

The event raised some $1,000. Area 1 Coordinator Debra Lisenbee hopes that with more planning, next year’s event will be even more successful.

“The golf tournament was amazing and fun because I get to play with my golf partner,” said SONM Area 1 athlete Ashley Thompson, “We won first place.”

The event was a great success for Area 1 and for all of the participants. This annual event is open to all who want to participate, so keep your ears open for information about next year’s event.

Thanks to everyone who participated and supported the event. For more information about the event and Special Olympics Area 1, please contact Debra Lisenbee at {505} 860-4693 ordebra@fisi.net.

Area Games give communities an opportunity to bond, grow

Area Games give communities an opportunity to bond, grow
May 4, 2011

On Saturday, April 16 dozens of SONM athletes, coaches, volunteers and family members from within Special Olympics New Mexico’s Area 2 region gathered at Taos High School to compete in the 2011 Area 2 Games.

Athletes representing numerous delegations from Santa Fe to Las Vegas arrived sporting shirts and signs the honored the town from which they came.  Local program newbie, Penasco, made the most of their SONM debut, arriving in matching uniforms and with many supporters.

“The importance of Area Games is that it gives us all the opportunity to spend time getting to know our other athletes and families from neighboring towns,” said SO Santa Fe Local Program Coordinator Donna Lopez-Rios. “It’s a more intimate setting, which helps prepare us for when we come down for the State Games.  Once there, we’re not just rooting for our own delegation anymore.  We’re rooting for every athlete who represents Area 2.”

Underneath early morning blue skies and sunshine, volunteers worked fast to set up and organize themselves for what would bring a series of nail-biting races and joyous celebrations.

The Games went off without a hitch, as the Area 2 athletes competed in Track and Field and Bocce. The Law Enforcement Torch Run was also represented as local officers were on hand to award athletes as they completed their races.

Aside from competition, one of the main highlights of the day was the announcement of the Area 2 Athlete of the Year.  Athlete Chris Valerio from the Santa Fe delegation received the honor amid plenty of hoots and hollering from his teammates and fellow Area 2 fans.

“I was so proud of Chris when he won that award,” said Lopez-Rios. “We have so many wonderful athletes that deserve Area 2 Athlete of the Year that I’m sure it was a tough decision to make.”

Successes all around for 2011 Coach of the Year

Successes all around for 2011 Coach of the Year

By Erin Gallegos
February 8, 2012

Linda Charzuk is the local program coordinator for the SONM’s Albuquerque Gymnastics School (AGS) delegation and is the SONM Coach of the Year for 2011. When asked what makes her a successful Special Olympics coach she says, “I am not just a coach, but a friend.”

Linda was named Coach of the Year in August of 2011 at the Four Corners Invitational. As a coach for the AGS delegation, she coaches gymnastics, bowling, and bocce. Her delegation has between 50 and 75 athletes and most of the athletes play more then one sport.

When asked about her coaching style, Linda says that she is not a “hard-nosed” coach, but likes to inspire athletes through positive feedback. Because she coaches three very different sports, she adjusts her coaching style for each sport.

“I have to be more hands-on when coaching gymnastics,” Linda says, “but when I coach bocce, I usually just organize the athletes.”

Linda and the AGS delegation just participated in the 2012 NMAA Bowlathon at the end of January, an event in which they have been a part of for a few years now. Linda enjoys this tournament because bowling is a team sport rather than an individual sport, like gymnastics. This also provides an opportunity for her athletes to compete with other peers outside of Special Olympics.

“I like the team aspect of bowling,” Linda states, “I like all-for-one dynamic.”

Currently, Linda is preparing her athletes for the SONM Summer Games in mid-May. They have started practicing for the rhythmic program, which consists of dance routines on the floor. They will soon start practicing for bocce and for the artistic program, which consists of gymnastics competitions on equipment. About 50 athletes from the AGS delegation will participate in the Summer Games and Linda hopes that the games are a success for her athletes.

For more information about the Albuquerque Gymnastics School delegation and their upcoming events, please contact Linda Charzuk at (505) 293-9570 or charzuk51@hotmail.com

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