Area26 news & updates
March 2021 | Issue 19
Let me win, but if I cannot win,
Let me be brave in the attempt.
From the Editor...
Face Mask 1
OK. Coming up on one year into shutdown. The vaccines are being circulated (PLEASE SIGN UP AS SOON AS YOU CAN!!). Virginia has both a Statewide registration and Fairfax County also has its own. The sooner we all get the shots, the sooner we can get back to sports!!
Having Fun...

Here are more in our series of pictures illustrating how we are passing the time away from regular activities while staying safe from the virus...
Wii-Master Jeyoon Cho
Athlete Rep Chef Jeff at Chowtime
Kyler Reese and Sam Selnick in the cold by the fire
Kyler, Jeyoon and Zach Fowler at the GMU Game
Jeff, Kyler and Jeyoon at the GMU Mens Game
Chris Robinson ready for an interview
Valentines Surprise
This year, several of our Area athletes got a special surprise from students at local schools. The Middle and High School Students of FCPS handmade valentines working with the Fairfax Emergency Response organization. Here are some pictures....
Tejas Patel, Volunteer Fairfax Manager of Emergency Response (and Area volunteer) delivering valentines and masks for athletes to Area Chair Elaine Tilton
We hope that everyone in the Area had a great Valentines Day!!
Virtual Activities Update...
Hi Athletes,

BASH Boxing started yesterday, and will be happening every Sunday this season. Join the fun and get a GREAT workout. Family, friends and teammates are all welcome to sign up - the more the merrier!!

Don't miss the fun next Sunday...
Also still going...

1. You can find your practice time and location on the web at the button below including the schedule for 3x week class with Youniquely Fit for those that want some extra fitness, or don't already have a team to practice with

2. We still have Yoga, Bootcamp, Dance Party Fridays- you can find that info at button 2 below...
We're working to make sure to communicate out MORE via Facebook and we also want to see what you all are doing to stay FIT. Make sure to follow our Area 26 Group on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/groups/193179457441
YOUniquely Fit is continuing to run their excellent program into the new year. There is room for several more athletes if you are looking for a great way to get in some exercise with some top-notch SO Coaches on days you don't have team practice. You can join at the button, Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday from 6 to 7pm!
Keep up the energy everybody! 
Fit-5 Fitness Pals Monthly Update...
The Fit5-Five...Chris, Tom, Dave, Max and Kyler are at it as always...
Pushup master Tom Merz is back at it...
Golden Boot David Kellet-Forsyth
SuperBaller Chris Robinson
Max Hershberger - all season superstar
Middleweight Powerhouse Kyler Reese BASH Boxing
You can check out their Workout Video on our YouTube Site by clicking the button.
Athletes Corner
  • by Jeff Cogswell
Hello ….
 
I hope everyone is doing well and staying active during the pandemic.
 
I have been keeping active with my roommates and friends in my bubble by watching George Mason’s men and women’s basketball games, watching the Washington Wizards basketball games, playing board games, PS4 games, and shoveling snow all the while maintaining social distancing. I realize how difficult it can be to stay active during this pandemic when you have to keep your distance from your peers, but my roommates and friends have managed to do things together and remain at a safe distance from one another. Keeping active physically and mentally during this trying time is important. I encourage everyone to do their best in getting outdoors and getting some fresh air when possible, and interact with roommates and closest peers at a safe distance wearing your mask. We can and will get through this pandemic with each other’s support.
 
Until next time – stay safe and healthy, and most importantly WEAR YOUR MASK !


-Talk to you all next month,
Jeff
Staying Active is the key for now - more pics...
Jay Choi training for speed skating
Eve Lotterer Sledding on Valentines Day
Joe Lower and Velma the pooch enjoying the snow
Max Hershberger rolling the tire - sideways...
Steelers Soccer Superstars Zooming...
Eric and the Latcheran clan celebrated Plunge at their favorite bistro, Pietro's Corner,
then had a chill with the penguin!
The Legends Basketball Team and GMU Scrimmage Squad
Take some screenshots and get your team in the spotlight at the button...
We love to have your pictures - so keep busy and...
2021 Polar Plunge - VIRTUAL THIS YEAR...

The Virtual Plunge was a huge success, raising nearly $3400 for Special Olympics programs so far. You can still donate at the link below. ,
Congratulations to Team Captain David Updike (of the Condors...) for a top notch effort!
IMPORTANT: When you donate, make sure to either do so under our team or make sure to indicate that you are Area 26. The area receives 50% of the proceeds, but ONLY for those that indicate their Area directly in the submission. The remainder of the funds go to operating such events as the State Games.

You can also make direct donations to Area 26 by check (payable to Special Olympics Virginia Area 26) and send to
P.O. Box 645, Dunn Loring, VA 22027.
Knights of Columbus Sponsored a Polar Peddle in support of the Plunge
The Family of Man Council of the KoC took a "frozen bike ride" during plunge weekend, alternating miles with stops at affiliated Pubs along the way that served ICE COLD beverages to the riders.

The group raised over $1000 for SO Area 26. Area members Mark and Jeff Emery were ride sponsors helping their fellow Council members on the cold road to victory.
Job Opportunities for our athletes...
The Company Didlake is looking for workers from our community. Here is some information from the company and about them and their service:
All people have the right to work and contribute to their community in meaningful ways. Our mission is to create opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities. It drives everything we do.
Our programs and services help people find competitive employment and get engaged with their community. We collaborate with community members and local businesses to further our mission and successfully effect change.

We believe in empowering individuals to realize their full potential so they may lead more satisfying and meaningful lives that include employment and relationships. Our mission, creating opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities, opens the door to innovative thinking and creative approaches to challenges. Opportunity creates choice and choice empowers people.

At Didlake, we create opportunities to empower people every day.

You can learn more about the company at this button.
If you are interested in applying for the open jobs you can contact Ace Barbari, Field Recruiter at phone number 703-361-4195 x 1404 (o) or abarbari@didlake.org
Stay Healthy, Stay Active!!
Revealing the Champion in all of us...
Please continue to share information about this newsletter and website with those you know in the community so that we can better share the wonder of our special athletes and volunteers. To sign up to receive the newsletter, go to our webform Newsletter Subscription
Area 26 Points of Contact
Area 26 Council

Chair
Elaine Tilton

Chuck Adkins-Blanch
Jeff Cogswell
Patrick DeLapp
Barb DeLisa
Bruce Fingerhut
Jay Hoffmeier
Veronica Jennings
Nancy Julia
Abby Lacy
Katherine Martin
Jeff McGiboney
Nancy Robbins
Bernie Woolfley
Area 26 Special Olympics | novasova.org
Season Directors
Elaine Tilton, Fall/Winter

Nancy Julia, Spring/Summer

Webmaster
Barry Tilton

Volunteer Coordinator
Bruce Fingerhut

Athlete Representative
Jeff Cogswell

Medical Coordinator
Barb DeLisa

Senior Director, Potomac Region
Veronica Jennings
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