What's New at SOPA Crawford County

Neil Sneeringer Ralley 2011

2011-09-09T09:16:00.006-04:00

The last weekend in July was a great time for the athletes and participants in the Neil Sneeringer ralley. The event committee donated $2900. to Crawford County Special Olympics. (Photo above) The athletes and management team appreciate the support of the event. Sponsors from Crawford and Venango County were very generous to provide the brochures, flyers, food,and prizes for the event. Thank you to all sponsors, volunteers and participants!

Bowling at Plaza Lanes 2011

2011-09-06T19:52:00.004-04:00

First day of Bowling, Everyone seemed to be happy no matter what the ball did!

Summer/Fall newsletter online

2011-08-17T10:01:00.002-04:00

Watch for your newsletter it was mailed August 16. AND it is posted on this website.
We are still going to have another evening Volleyball practice when the school's schedule is finished so we can have a time.

Track and Field Day May 11, 2011

2011-05-25T11:50:00.005-04:00

We had a wonderful day for our 2011 Track and Field day.
Thanks to the sponsors and volunteers who supported us.
THANK YOU to our sponsors and groups/individuals who volunteered to make Track and Field day a success.

Asper Tool—Jim Kull Cambridge Middle and HS Girl Talk Conneaut Lake HS Students/Key Club Cochranton Girls Softball
Luminous Water Conditioning Grotto Imperial Carbide Inc.—KC Gunn Linesville High School – Student Council McDonald’s Hamburgers Maplewood HS-Student Council MASH Key Club Meadville Ambulance
Meadville Area Federal Credit Union Meadville Auxiliary Police Nutrition Inc. Saegertown HS Nat Honor Society Sertoma Club Kriner Insurance Group -Trevor Kriner Starn Tool—Tim Mullen & Staff The Arc of Crawford County Thurston House and Staff UCIP

We enjoyed the banner contest! Everyone made beautiful banners with the theme "We Are all Winners when we Work Together"

JaDe Concert April 9, 2011

2011-03-28T10:40:00.002-04:00

The Allegheny College Jazz Dance Ensemble is having it's spring concert to benefit Special Olympics of Crawford County. Saturday, April 9, 2011 8pm in Shaffer Auditorium in the Campus Center building on Highland Avenue. (Across from the Wise Center)
There are usually 10-15 acts performed by individuals or groups from the College and the community. It is a fun entertaining event. They have gift baskets from businesses and individuals to auction off. Come support Special Olympics and be entertained!

Schedule of Spring Practices 2011

2011-03-28T10:38:00.000-04:00

Track and Field practice is Wednesdays 5:00 – 6:30pm at The Arc community room

Basketball for the 5 on 5 team is Mondays and Wednesdays - Second District School 4:30 and Thursdays 6-7:30 - First District School

Basketball for the 3 on 3 teams and individual skills is Tuesdays - 1st Presbyterian Church 6-7:30pm

Swimming is 5:45-7:15 at the MARC.

Track and Field meet Spring 2011

2011-03-28T10:24:00.002-04:00

Updated March 28,2011

The 2011 Annual Track and Field Meet will be held Wednesday, May 11 9am-2pm at the Crawford County fairgrounds.

The Parade of Athletes starts at 9am Please be prompt. Line up on the track by your school or agency's name sign.

Make a banner for the event. The theme is "We are all winners when we work together!" The color of the t - shirts this year is a royal blue.

Athletes should be registered by April 13 with Patricia Bellingham, Transition Specialist, CVE, IU#5 Crawford County Career & Technical Center 860 Thurston Road Meadville, PA 16335
814-724-6024 ext 244 (school)
814-333-4698 (Independent Living Residence) email = [Patricia_Bellingham@iu5.org]

Day of the event the Registration table opens and 8:30am either in the home show building or on the track depending on the weather. Schedules and event maps available there.

Any volunteers interested register with Brian Walton wbrianwalton@aol.com or 814-807-1424. Day of the event pick up your name tag and assignment at the volunteer registration booth. It will be in the home show building OR on the track depending on weather. Watch for signs.

Crop 4 A Cause fundraiser

2011-01-07T11:20:00.003-05:00

Special Olympics hosted a scrapbooking day at The Arc of Crawford County Community Room 222 Chestnut Street Meadville.
Saturday February 19, 2011

Thanks to Kristen Snyder at kristen512snyder@yahoo.com the event was held.

All Proceeds benefit Crawford County Special Olympics THIS EVENT RAISED $500. to support Special Olympics Crawford County. That was enough money to pay for registration for 14 athletes at Summer Games.

WE appreciate the support of all those who attended, vendors who sponsored prizes and those who volunteered to work the event.

Winter 2011 sports practices

2010-12-15T13:25:00.003-05:00

Sports Practices are set for Winter 2011 updated 2-1-2011

Floor Hockey will start Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. at First Presbyterian Church 890 Liberty Street, Meadville Pa,

Athletics FIRST DISTRICT SCHOOL 4:30 4:30 Wednesdays -will start Feb 9th 2011.

Basketball 2 days/week Second District School 4:30-5:30 Monday starting FEB 7, 2011
First District School 6:00 7:30 Thursdays starting FEB 10, 2011

Swimming (Aquatics) will be on Fridays, 6:00 -7:30 pm. At the MARC.
Exception is Friday, Feb 11. We will need to change practice for THAT DAY ONLY (Feb 11) to Saturday, Feb 12 at 10:00am. February 18 back to normal Friday practices 6pm-7:30pm

Neil Sneeringer Motorcycle Rally 2011

2010-10-14T13:56:00.004-04:00

The 2011 event will be held July 29,30 and 31, 2011 at the pavilion on Fauncetown Road off route 27 toward between Titusville and Meadville.
Posters are being prepared for the summer 2011 event. More info to follow>

Info on the 2010 event below:
The Neil Sneeringer Memorial Motorcycle Rally was held July 30-August 1, 2010 at the pavilion on Fauncetown Road. Participants enjoyed camping, Yesterdaze - the high energy, classic rock DJ playing all weekend long, karaoke, and at 9 each night bands will played –Friday was Block Apart, Saturday night Midnight Spank. They also participated in a Memorial ride to the cemetery is on Friday and held the Poker run on Saturday. Athletes from Crawford and Venango Counties are pictured at the check presentation. THANK YOU Neil Sneeringer Committee for helping Special Olympics!!

Bill Shaulis at Nationals in Lincoln NE 2010

2010-10-12T15:21:00.004-04:00

Bill (Far right in photo above) and his coach Mike Shea attended the National Games in Lincoln Nebraska summer of 2010.
Bill did very will in the competition.
He received four medals:
Silver in the 3000 M Run
Gold in the 1500 M run
Gold in the 4x400 Relay
Silver in the 5000 M Run.
Crawford County is very proud of his achievements. Bill will be formally honored at the 2010 Bowling Party November 9. Bill continues to train with Mike Shea the running coach. Mike also coaches volleyball, floor hockey softball and 3x3 basketball for Crawford County Special Olympics.

EKS Day September 25, 2010

2010-10-11T15:04:00.003-04:00

The first Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day was beautiful. It was attended by 20 athletes and family members. The group collected two dozen canned goods for The Center for Family Services, walked to fulfill their pledges of close to $300., enjoyed seeing Bill's metals from his competition at National Games in Lincoln NE. The session ended with a picnic lunch. We hope this event will grow each year and become a time for more families to join in the fun.

www.flickr.com

sethmaya's EKS Day 2010 photoset

2010 Pizza party Bowling Banquet

2010-10-11T14:28:00.002-04:00

The fall season of practices will come to an end November 9, 2010 4:00pm At The Arc of Crawford County Community Room with an awards party and time to honor Bill Shaulis National Games participant in Lincoln Nebraska.

Award winners from the Leadership Conference will also be showcased.

See photos on the Leadership Conference 2010 Post.

Crawford County Honered at PA Leadership Conference

2010-10-11T14:11:00.005-04:00

Samantha Wasson, Crawford County's global messenger and athlete was awarded the Athlete Leadership Award at the 2010 Leadership conference. Pictured is Samantha and Matt Aaron at the dinner.

www.flickr.com

sethmaya's Leadership 2010 photoset

Calista Pierce of Calista Cares.com was honored at the event for her role in fundraising for Crawford County over the past three years. Calista has raised over $7,000 for Crawford County Special Olympics over the past three years.

www.flickr.com

sethmaya's Leadership Calista photoset

Meadville Area Federal Credit Union was honored as the Business of the Year for their support of Crawford County through their Caring about our Community Award.

Photos of the Track and Field Day 2010

2010-05-24T09:37:00.003-04:00

Spring Newsletter available.

2010-05-22T16:47:00.002-04:00

Check out the Spring-Summer 2010 Newsletter, available on our Newsletters page. To be placed on our mailing list, contact the SOPA Crawford County office at 814-337-5918 or email us at sopacc@sopacc.org.

2010 Supporters Thank You!

2010-05-22T16:33:00.003-04:00

Crawford County Special Olympics has a great base of support!

THANK YOU

JaDE Dance group from Allegheny College donated $3660.23 for Crawford County Special Olympics. THANK YOU JaDE!

JaDE Jazz dance group is supervised by Betsy Sumerfield our Global Messenger Coach. Samantha Wasson, Global Messenger was also emcee of this year's event in April. What a nice evening of entertainment! We appreciate the relationship!!

Thank you to Meadville Area Credit Union

For "Caring about Our Community" by choosing to spotlight Crawford County Special Olympics for the Month for April.

ALSO Thank you for the Banner Competition Awards!!!

Thank you Sertoma Club for opening your stand for lunch and snacks.

THANK YOU Meadville Rotary Club for the grant to help us go to Western Sectionals in Clarion!

We appreciate all the efforts of Calista Cares. Calista has raised over $7,000. for Crawford County Special Olympics over the past three years. Thank you!!

Visit her website: www.Calistacares.net

Thank you Thurston House for providing the Olympic Village Every year!!!

Thank You Meadville Area Sports Banquet for supporting Special Olympics 2010

Family table at Track and Field

2010-04-27T10:58:00.004-04:00

For the first time we are having a family table beside the registration table and near the Calista Cares table right inside the track.

We will have information and representation from Parent to Parent. A statewide resource for parents to connect with other parents who have children with a similar or the same condition. They can share resources and experiences to hopefully make it easier for everyone.

The Arc of Crawford County is cosponsoring the table by providing a snack to all who register. Special Olympics is giving those who register their email a wrist band and a family ribbon.

We are hoping this will begin to form a strong email communication network when there is a newsletter, event or change in practice schedules it can be quickly communicated to athletes and family members.
UPDATE on the day's events:
Pictured above is Calista at her table.
Calista Cares had a nice bake sale and her crafts for sale.
At the family table 12 people signed up for email notifications of events/practices and newsletters. Nice start for a new communication network. If you would like to be added email Donna Johnson Public Relations for Special Olympics and works at the Arc. dkjohnson222@windstream.net

Bowling Practice changed to Fall

2010-04-27T09:25:00.002-04:00

Please note we have bowling practice again in the fall for the 2010 year. This changes the Pizza party to December. Watch for Fall newsletter.

Newsletters

2010-04-20T11:17:00.002-04:00

The Winter 2009-10 Newsletter is now online. See our newsletters page for a PDF version. The May newsletter is coming soon. To be placed on our mailing list, contact the SOPA Crawford County office at 814-337-5918 or email us at sopacc@sopacc.org.

SPRING TRACK AND FIELD

2010-04-20T10:59:00.001-04:00

Special Olympics Spring Track and Field Event is scheduled for May 12, 2010, at the Crawford County Fairgrounds. Start time is 9 am.

Fall Practice Schedule Announced

2009-07-30T21:41:00.003-04:00

Announced at the July 28 meeting:

Bowling will start in September:
Tuesdays (Sept 1), Cambridge 4-6 pm
Tuesdays (Sept 1), Meadville 3:30-5:30 pm exception
Thursdays (Sept 3), Titusville 5-6:15 pm

Volleyball Tuesdays (starting Aug 4) 6-7:30 pm First Presbyterian Church. Meadville Outside if weather permits. Coaches will tell you.

Bocce Thursdays, 6-7:30 at The Arc. Some practices will be outside but coaches will schedule and weather will be a factor.

Horseshoes Wednesdays (starting August 5) 5:30-6:30pm In Arc Basement likely. Local event is not a sanctioned Special Olympics PA event. No out-of-county competitions.

Long Distance Run /walk Mondays (starting August 3) 6 pm. Meet at Arc, with Coach Gigone. There may be extra practices for running and Coach Shea will tell participants of them.

This information also posted on the Events page.

Spring-Summer 2009 Newsletter available

2009-07-30T12:41:00.002-04:00

Check out the Spring-Summer 2009 newsletter for upcoming dates and thanks to our many sponsors!

Act 48 Coaching Special Olympics Athletes.

2009-07-30T11:52:00.002-04:00

Training Schools for Coaches

Information available on the website www.specialolympicspa.org/events/trainingschools.php

If you have been looking for an opportunity to coach Special Olympics Athletes, start the process by becoming a certified coach. A Training School includes rules updates, organizing an eight week training plan, and best practices in coaching Special Olympics Athletes. Sport Skills Program materials are provided to each participant. Coaches will need to complete at least ten (10) additional hours of training with the athletes in order to be certified.

Act 48 hours: 1 to 14 hours
Teachers: Special Educationand Physical Education –PreK - 12th grade
Description: General Orientation/Protective Behaviors Training. Learn skills to successfully teach and coach Special Olympics athletes; earn practicumhours in providingsafe training andcompetition opportunities.
Contact: Robyn Adams, Training Dir., radams@specialolympicspa.org

UPCOMING EVENTS - Summer 2009

2009-05-28T00:00:00.001-04:00

Upcoming EVENTS To benefit Special Olympics Crawford County

1. Friday, May 29 Bake Sale @ Meadville Area Federal Credit Union-400 Arch St

2. Sunday May 31 Spaghetti dinner fundraiser Memorial for Beth Reichel at Sertoma Club Baldwin St Ext 2-6pm $7.00 per person Organized by Chelsy, a senior at Linesville HS whom volunteered in Beth’s classroom. Please support the event!

3. June 27 & 28 Sertoma Days at the Fairgrounds Special Olympics will have raffles.

4. July 2nd Redneck Olympics Date to be announced by Froggy radio station.

5. September 19 Calender Party fundraiser dinner and raffles Benefit Special Olympics at Sertoma Club tickets $10.00 each bring your friends have a party with no clean up!!

Local Carwashes being scheduled watch for them and support them!!!

All events coordinated by Carol Graber Fundraising Coordinator

Happy Hearts Party and Awards Celebration

2008-10-29T13:21:00.001-04:00

Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Allegheny College is hosting a Happy Hearts Celebration Monday November 17, 2008 7-9pm where Special Olympics athletes, coaches, assistant coaches, and local businesses who have supported Special Olympics this fall will be congratulated and thanked for their dedication to Crawford County Special Olympics. The party will be held at the SAE fraternity house 585 North Main Street Meadville, PA There will be a sign out front welcoming party goers.
Chris Hanson, Sigma Alpha Epsilon coordinator of the Happy Hearts Celebration, hopes this event will continue to be part of the Olympians annual fall awards recognition and so does Crawford County Special Olympics! Members of The Arc and other agencies who support individuals with developmental disabilities are invited. Light refreshments and dancing will round out the evening. Alpha Chi Omega, their sister sorority will be in attendance also to join in the fun.

Those individuals who received metals at Fall Sectionals in Slippery Rock will be introduced at the party by their coaches and Manager Carol Caler.

Floor Hockey

2008-07-24T14:46:00.004-04:00

2008 -2009 Floor Hockey starts November 3 at 7pm at Allegheny College Wise Center. The first night rules, schedules and specifics on places to practice will be discussed. Parents, or support staff are encouraged to attend the first meeting November 3.

REGISTER by calling 337-5918.

SOPA is an Approved Professional Education Provider

2007-10-31T06:44:00.000-04:00

The Pennsylvania Department of Education approved SOPA as an Approved Professional Education Provider. This means Special Education and Physical Education teachers may earn Act 48 Continuing Professional Education hours by attending a Special Olympics Pennsylvania Training School. This Approved Provider flyer provides information to special education and physical education teachers.

Questions? Contact Robyn Adams, at Special Olympics Pennsylvania, radams@specialolympicspa.org or 1-800-288-7276.
(Press release dated October 29, 2007.)

ARC names Pierce Family of the Year

2007-10-13T14:15:00.000-04:00

On September 27, 2007, at the ARC of Crawford County annual banquet, the Pierce family received 2007 Family of the Year award. Calista Pierce was awarded 2007 Humanitarian of the Year at the banquet.

This family has been very involved in Special Olympics with their son Austin participating. Austin has been the largest fundraiser in the Bowl-a-thon for at least 2 years. Calista has been as helpful as an adult volunteer and is a second grader at Maplewood Elementary School.

Carol Caler and Randy Gorske Present the Humanitarian Award:

ARC of Crawford County advocates for the rights of citizens who are mentally challenged, enhanceing their lives by promoting maximum independence and affording them opportunities for enrichment in their communities.. For more information, see their website at http://www.arcofcrawfordcounty.org/

Local Girl Develops Web Site to Honor her Brother

2007-08-17T10:22:00.000-04:00

Austin Pierce is a Special Olympic athlete who won a silver medal in Bowling this year.

Austin's sister Calista, who is Little Miss Canadohta Lake, has been supporting her brother by making and selling crafts at Special Olympics events. So far Calista has donated $400.00 to Crawford County Special Olympics.

This is only the beginning because she also has a web site http://www.calistacares.com/

Reception for Hall of Fame Athletes

2007-08-14T21:52:00.000-04:00

A reception was held for the athletes to honor Cindy Turk (2005) and Danny Zirkle (2004), and to celebrate their induction into the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Hall of Fame.

Pictured left to right: Cindy Turk, Samantha Wasson, Carol Caler