November 6, 2014

Maple Lanes: Meet Jackie

Jackie Parker, 24, has been a Special Olympics athlete since she was eligible for competition at eight-years-old and is a member of the Claremont Cool Cats Local Program.  In addition to bowling, she competes in aquatics, basketball and snowshoeing.  Her mother, Ginny, has seen Jackie's skills improve significantly over the years.  Watching Jackie compete during the 2014 State Bowling Tournament, it is clear that she is a dedicated, enthusiastic young woman. Her smile is contagious, whether she was jumping and cheering after a strike or yelling "Noooooo!" after a gutter ball.  Carol Gibson, volunteer and parent, describes Jackie as cheerful, encouraging and persistent.  "Jackie is bound and determined to keep having fun and to make sure her teammates do the same!" said Gibson.  Jackie certainly had fun on Saturday!  She competed with her new Hello Kitty themed bowling ball, which, apparently, brought good luck as Jackie took home a gold in her division of tenpin singles competition!

Spare Time: Meet  Ray

Ray Kearns, an athlete with Manchester Alley Cats, has been bowling for 29 years.  Ray lives in Raymond and when his guardian is unable to get him to the team's practices, Ray will practice on his own and email his scores to his coach, Shari Marston.  Ray is pictured here during Saturday's tournament with a ball he won during one of the many tournaments he has competed in!  Ray earned a fourth place award during Saturday's tournament. 

Park Place Lanes: Meet Jimmy 

Jimmy Dorr is a member of the Salem Olympic Devils Local Program and a very personable young man.  He is always smiling and saying nice things to people.  Jimmy said what he likes most about the bowling tournament is seeing his friends and being able to cheer for them when they bowl.  He also likes when others cheer for him.  In addition to bowling, Jimmy loves skiing, swimming in a pool and making new friends through his Local Program.  "It makes my heart feel better," he said about participating.  Jimmy had a great time in Windham where members of the Salem High School cheerleading squad cheering him on.  Jimmy took home a bronze medal. 

Leda Lanes: Meet  Joseph and Cody  

Joseph Ranieri, 16, (right in photo) and Cody Sexton, 14, have been participating in Special Olympics together since they were eight-years-old.   Cody is a Special Olympics athlete, and Joseph is his Unified Partner with the Merrimack Tigers Local Program.  The two young men currently compete in Unified Doubles bowling and play Unified basketball with the Tigers.  Cody also participates in athletics and Joseph attends practices and competitions to cheer Cody on.   

Over the years, Cody and Joseph have become very good friends.  They enjoy riding bikes, playing video games, and teasing each other.  During Saturday's tournament Joseph said he "always wins" to which Cody quickly replied, "uhh look at the scoreboard!"  It is clear they have a strong relationship and push each other to be the best they can be.  On Saturday, they took home gold demonstrating how their hard work pays off!  

Cheryl Anderson, Local Program Coordinator for the Merrimack Tigers, said that Cody can be quiet but has really blossomed. She thinks the friendship between Cody and Joseph is the reason for this.  The two share a strong bond and said they plan on participating in Special Olympics together for many years to come! 

Boutwell's: Meet Becca  

Bowl-A-Rama: Meet Kaylee   

FunSpot: Meet David   

Save the Date!
Martial Arts Train-A-Thon - THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY!

Martial artists from around New England will offer 24 hours of non-stop training and seminars during the 2nd annual Martial Arts Train-A-Thon hosted by Checkmate Martial Arts.

The event begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 7 and continues through 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 8 at Checkmate Martial Arts located at 250 Commercial Street, Suite 1017A on the first floor of the Waumbec Mill building in Manchester.  Participants can come and go as they please during the 24 hours for a $40 donation or choose to participate in the full 24 hours. All proceeds generated from this event will benefit the athletes of Special Olympics New Hampshire.  No experience is necessary to participate and participants are encouraged to wear what is comfortable.

Can't make the event?  Check out the incredible online auction that accompanies it.  Items include a South Africa photo safari for two, gift certificates to area restaurants, Reiki and massage sessions and much, much more!  The auction is open NOW online.  Visit the auction site to see all of the items and to bid. The auction will close at 5 p.m. on November 8. 

A full event program is available by clicking here.  Training sessions and seminars will be led by New England's leading Masters featuring styles including Small Circle Juijitsu, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, Kenpo, Arnis, Aikido and Boxing.  A variety of non-martial arts classes will be offered through the 24-hour time block as well making this event appealing to all fitness lovers! 

More information is available by visiting www.checkmateselfdefense.com