March 13, 2015

 
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276 ATHLETES GO FOR THE GOLD AT WINTER GAMES  


 

Athletes representing 30 Local Programs competed in Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding and Snowshoeing in Waterville Valley March 1st to 3rd.

 

Click here to see a slide show from the event.

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BASKETBALL ASSESSMENTS THIS WEEKEND

 
Teams from across the state will come together this weekend to compete in either the Unified Basketball Assessment in Keene on Saturday or Traditional Basketball Assessment in Salem on Sunday.  Results from this weekend's competition will be used to determine divisions for the State Basketball Tournament in April.

Good luck to everyone  competing !
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UNIFIED RELAY ACROSS AMERICA

 

For 46 days this summer, all 50 states will come together to celebrate Special Olympics and the Unified movement to take part in the Unified Relay Across America. 


Beginning on May 26, three cross-country routes will begin on the East coast and converge as one in Los Angeles as the hand-off of the Flame of Hope to law enforcement officers takes place for The Final Leg in conjunction with the 2015 World Games. This will be the first time the Flame of Hope has been carried by any volunteer, athlete, volunteer or community group all coming together as one. 

 

The time is NOW to get your team or individual registered to participate in this once in a lifetime event.  
 

Dates for New Hampshire!

  • May 27 - Tilton to Concord
  • May 28 - Concord to Manchester

 

Businesses, school groups, church groups, running and cycling clubs are all encouraged to sign up to run 1/2 mile up to 5 mile segments.  Athletes and volunteers are also included making this a true Unified event.  


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PROJECT UNIFY

 

The article below was written by a parent of two athletes on the Winnisquam Regional High School's Unified Basketball Team: 


 
As a parent of more than one special needs child, I have had the opportunity to experience the benefits of Winnisquam Regional High School's Unified Sports program through the eyes of my two daughters. 


My oldest child, Caitlynn, had always enjoyed sports, but because her high-functioning Autism affects her language skills and coordination, she never felt confident enough to try out for a team. I'll never forget the day in the Winter of 2013 when she came home from school, beaming with happiness. She was so excited that she visibly shook as she said: "I've been asked to play basketball, Mom. They actually want me and recruited me!" Her joy (and therefore mine!) carried over into every practice and every game - from basketball, to soccer, to volleyball - because her coaches and teammates made her feel like a vital part of the team. Caitlynn also got to experience several 'firsts' this past year thanks to Unified Sports. Two of the biggest were being a part of a state championship team and my formerly shy child volunteering to be interviewed by NESN when they did a piece on Winnisquam's Unified Basketball team.

My second child, Samantha, is much more affected by Autism and has severe anxiety, as well. Because she is a perfectionist and failure greatly worries her, she used to be fearful of sports. However, watching her older sister flourish and shine in Winnisquam's Unified Program peaked her interest. She especially liked how when we were at her sister's games, everyone on the Unified team was visibly encouraging and friendly to each other, regardless of skill level. For the first time, Sammy thought sports looked like fun and decided that she wanted to try Unified Sports like her 'big sis'. While still a bit nervous, Sammy joined Winnisquam's Unified Soccer team this year. Her coaches and teammates this fall were amazing. Everyone was extremely positive, supported Sammy through her emotional ups and downs, and helped her feel like an important member of the team. 

I am extremely grateful to Winnisquam Regional High School for its fantastic Unified program. My two girls couldn't be any more different, but each of them has made their own incredible progress both on and off the field. Thanks to Unified Sports, they are both thriving from the new-found social support of a team and I am thrilled with their success. 

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TAKE THE DIP TO SUPPORT SONH

 

Winni Dip Weekend is here...and you're invited! Join us at the Margate Resort in Laconia for the 7th Annual Winni Dip on Saturday followed by the 3rd Annual High School Dip on Sunday. Law Enforcement personnel and community members alike are invited to show their commitment to the mission of Special Olympics New Hampshire by jumping into the icy water of Lake Winnipesaukee! Sports programs provided by SONH open a gateway for our athletes to achieve empowerment and acceptance. You can help support nearly 3,000 SONH athletes by taking the Dip! 

 

Last year's Winni Dip Weekend was a tremendous success and raised over $80,000 for SONH. This year's event will feature the same fun with some new surprises...like our themes! On Saturday, we will celebrate the wonderful world of DISNEY while Sunday will center around THE WIZARD OF OZ. We're certain that we will see many creative and colorful costumes thanks to this year's theme selections!

 

You only need to raise $250 to experience the Dip!  The fastest and easiest way to raise funds is to create a personalized webpage through our fundraising platform, Firstgiving. You can then ask family, friends and colleagues to contribute to the cause! Friendly reminder e-mails and fundraising updates help keep people informed of your progress. It is also helpful to remind people of the event date and when you need to collect all donations.

 

For the required minimum, Dippers receive the Basic Dip Package which includes two wristbands to the post Dip lunch and celebration and a choice of a Winni Dip backpack or sweatshirt.  Raise $1000 or more and become a POLAR BEAR! Polar Bears will receive a bonus item with the Winni Dip logo and be one of the highest fundraisers (in the top 10% of all Dippers)! Dippers who raise more than the minimum amount will receive a gift card of their choice from Applebee's, Circle K, Five Guys or Dick's Sporting Goods!

 

If jumping into cold water is not for you, you can still partake in the Dip! Register as a SUNBATHING BEAR and receive the same benefits as a Dipper, without getting wet!


 
To join the fun and register for the Dip, visit sonh.org!

 

Thank you to our dip sponsors, WOKQ, Marshall's Tent and Event Rental, Coca Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England and Meredith Village Savings Bank.

  


   

 

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CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS


The Winni Dip, held at The Margate Resort in Laconia, is this weekend and we are looking for volunteers to help on Sunday!  If you are interested in joining in on the fun, please email Melissa Drew and Chelsea Gill.   

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MEET AL DUHAIME

Al Duhaime has been connected with Special Olympics since he was a child, having grown up with a cousin who benefited from the services and sporting events offered by the organization. 

 

When asked to join the SONH Board of Directors, Duhaime was happy to accept.  "I see all the benefits it provides to the athletes who directly participate and also the goodwill ambassadorship, like at the schools where athletes are involved," Duhaime said. 

 

As a CPA with a background in accounting and finance, Duhaime said where he can bring assistance to the board is in the areas of financial oversight and guidance.  He has been involved with various boards over the years, and each faces different challenges.  "Special Olympics has a great management team and good structure in place, so it is not as much the day to day processing of information.  They have good people doing that work.  My role is more advisory and oversight type functions," Duhaime said.

 

SONH is looking forward to welcoming Duhaime's energy and enthusiasm to the Board!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

 

March 14
Unified Basketball Assessment
Keene
March 14
Winni Dip
Laconia
March 15
Traditional Basketball Assessment
Salem
March 15
High School Dip
Laconia
April 10 - 11
Derry & Londonderry

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MISSION PARTNERS

 

Special Olympics New Hampshire is grateful for the annual support of our Mission Partners who help bring our programs to life.