Georgia's Champions
April 2019's Triumphs On and Off the Field
Our Athlete of the Month:
Will Gillis : Will gives 100% on and off the field, in his classrooms, his school, and his community. His infectious smile, sense of humor, loving personality, and willingness to do anything to help out encourages and motivates others to reach their full potential. Will trains and competes throughout the year in Special Olympics and competes at the State Level in a number of sports including golf, bowling, flag football, and volleyball. In addition, Will plays Miracle League Baseball, Special Forces Basketball League, coaches, and manages school team games. Keeping his family busy is an understatement because he loves all sports and being a team player.

Special Olympics Georgia has helped to build character and confidence in Will and he’s ready to compete in any/all sporting events made available to him. Will doesn’t see limitations, only opportunities. He trains and competes in area games and at the state level throughout the year.
Our Volunteer of the Month:
The Gillis Family : The Gillis’ have supported their son, Will, in all his endeavors and have poured their hearts into Georgia Special Olympics and much more as a family for the past 16 years. The Gillis’ have not only been great supporters at each Special Olympics event, they’ve taken on active roles throughout the years including coaching, chaperoning, and even competing as a unified partner at the State Level. Pap and Will golf together and enjoy competing in State Fall Games. Lisa, the biggest cheerleader ever for all Special Olympians, chaperones athletes at State Winter and Summer Games. In addition to Special Olympics Georgia, Pap umpires for Miracle League Softball and Lisa takes on the mic as announcer. Lisa says the joy they get from assisting is immeasurable and they learn so much more from these special athletes than they’ll ever be able to teach.

The Gillis’ stay busy with Special Olympics Georgia because Will loves all sports. They’ve stepped up to help our athletes grow physically, emotionally, and socially in Special Olympics and have encouraged them to participate in other sporting events.
Our Sponsor of the Month: UPS
Premier Sponsor of Special Olympics Georgia
UPS has a long-standing commitment to Special Olympics Georgia's 26,841 athletes. UPS has been actively volunteering at the Special Olympics State Games since the 1990’s and the athletes look forward to seeing their UPS friends cheer them on before, during and after their competitions. UPS employees have established friendships with coaches and athletes and are always there to celebrate their successes. We can always count on UPS to enhance the experience for our athletes. SOGA places a very high value on the relationship we have with UPS and the hundreds of volunteers that assist us organizing and serving meals as well as assisting at sports venues.

Thank you UPS for your continued support of Special Olympics Georgia!
See How You Made 2018 a Year to Remember

2018 was a great year for Special Olympics Georgia athletes, families, fans and many others. None of this would have been possible without the support and friendship of you. We invite you to join us as we celebrate our victories, reflect on our competitions and show gratitude towards our community in the 2018 Annual Report.
 
SOGA took Abu Dhabi for 2019 World Games
On March 6 th , Special Olympics Georgia athletes set off to Abu Dhabi to compete in the 2019 World Games! SOGA was represented by two Unified Table Tennis Teams: Garrett Ardizone & Wayne Hancock from Forsyth County, and Jay Flythe & Kevin Enright from Augusta Stars. Karen Cimo joined them as their head coach, along with Todd Youngblood, Mark Keesee, Lynnette Swanson, Jim Hamm, and Karen Carter attending as coaches in various sports. Special Olympics USA had over 300 delegates attend World Games. Opening Ceremonies kicked off on March 14 th , followed by Jay and Garrett competing in Singles and Doubles Table Tennis. Jay received 5 th place, and Garrett a Bronze for Singles. Together in Doubles, they achieved 4 th place. The Unified teams did well, as Jay and Kevin received 5 th place and Garrett and Wayne received 4 th place.

They had amazing experiences while in Abu Dhabi, a trip they will never forget! Wayne Hancock, Unified Partner, said “We had a visit to a school during the “Host Town” that was awesome. The school is called GEMS Metropole School. It is a K thru 12 school in which 50% of the student population impacted with intellectual challenges. What they call “determined”. It was awesome!! Words could not convey the experience I (we) had there. They had an elementary age group that sang us the National Anthem. This was one of the best memories I have ever had in my life. It was an honor to be part of USA delegation team and proud to be an American.”
 
Congratulations on all of your accomplishments!
Final Leg Torch Run
SOGA was represented by three LETR members: Maj. John Clifton, Cpl. Jimmy Marshall, and Officer Allen Jones. They, along with other state LETR members and Special Olympics athletes, participated in carrying the Flame of Hope in the 2019 World Games Final Leg Torch Run. Over 100 law enforcement officers carried the Flame of Hope to all seven of the United Arab Emirates. They delivered the Flame of Hope to Abu Dhabi, as they ended their journey and kicked off Opening Ceremonies on March 14th. The flame symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity, uniting communities throughout the world.
Thank you, Met Life, for your support as Presenting Sponsor of 2019 World Games! Our SOGA Delegation was grateful to have you as their Training Sponsor.
Spread the Word: Inclusion!
We encourage everyone to go online and take the pledge! By pledging, individuals can commit to spreading inclusion in whatever way is most important and urgent in their community. Social inclusion, joining a Unified Sports team or club, etc. will activate for respect, dignity, and inclusion for all.

2019 State Summer Games are right around the corner!
May 17-19, Emory University
Throughout the weekend, close to 3,000 athletes, coaches, and unified partners will travel from across the state to compete in high quality Olympic-type competitions in eight sports! We hope that you can come out to cheer on athletes and show your support!
For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact Miranda Moore , or to sponsor please contact Thomas Ritch .
The 2019 State Summer Games t-shirts are here and available for order!

Order your 2019 State Summer Games T-shirt today by filling out the order form and returning it to Kate Hamilton .


Order forms and payments are due by April 22, 2019. SOGA no longer accepts cash payment, but accepts credit cards or checks. Checks can be made payable to Special Olympics Georgia and mailed to 6046 Financial Drive, Norcross, GA 30071. SOGA is not able to mail shirts. All pre-ordered shirts can be picked up at housing check-in on Friday, May 17 at Emory University.
SOGA Events
Over the Edge
Saturday, May 11th

Be brave like SOGA athletes, face your fears & Rappel down a 20-story building in Atlanta to help support our 26,841 Athletes compete at State Games. This is a Peer to Peer fundraising event where you, your boss, or friends can go Over the Edge on Saturday, May 11 th . No age to young or old to Be Brave and take fundraising to New Heights! It’ll be a day you’ll never forget.  

Rappel spots are limited, click here to register !

For more information or to register, please contact Alyssa Wolfson at (770) 414-9390 ext. 1105.
Support an Athlete, Adopt a Duck Today!
Duck Pluck
Friday, August 9th

Special Olympics Georgia presents the 14th Annual Duck Pluck! Adopt your rubber ducks today and help provide meals, housing and medals for our 26,841 athletes at State Games. With just a $5 donation, you will be entered in the pluck to win some awesome prizes including Southwest Airlines Tickets, a Dell Laptop, and various gift cards ! Ducks will be plucked on August 9th!

Click here to learn more about how your adoptions benefit SOGA athletes and to adopt your ducks today!

For more information or to register, please contact Ally Jordan at (770) 414-9390 ext. 1118.
Johns Creek's Finest 5k
Saturday, April 13th

CALLING ALL RUNNERS: come on out and join the Johns Creek Police Department and other SOGA supporters at the Johns Creek's Finest 5k benefitting Special Olympics Georgia next Saturday!

This race is an Official Qualifying event for the AJC Peachtree Road Race. It is a dog, stroller, wheel chair, and walker friendly event. Prior to the 5k, there will also be a Kid Fun Run.

Race day registration will be available!

To register, click here .
Saturday, April 27, 2019 9am
Shotgun Start
Griffin City Course/Griffin, GA

Join Accessory Aero Group as they host their First Annual Golf Tournament to benefit Special Olympics Georgia. This will be a 4 Man Ft. Lauderdale Scramble. Sponsorship opportunities, as well as foursomes still available.

Please contact Ron Byrd (770)480-4285/ Ryan Edge (770)468-6768 for more information.
2019 Police Week Bass Tournament Tuesday, May 14th
Lake Sinclair Little River Park
Milledgeville, GA

Join Warner Robins Police Department as they host their 4th annual Police Week Bass Tournament! Open to all public safety personnel (active or retired). All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Georgia.

Please email or call Officer Greg Martin at (478) 256-9546 for further information and to get registration packets.
Super Hero Torch Run
Sunday, May 5th

JOIN the Kennesaw Police Department for the sixth Annual Kennesaw Super Hero 5K/1Mile!! Dressing up as your favorite Super Hero is strongly encouraged! Start and finish on 1300 Cobb International Parkway located off of Hwy 41 in Kennesaw, GA. The course is USATF Certified and a Peachtree Road Race qualifier and the race will chip timed!  

This event is a fundraiser for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympic Athletes. 

To register, click here .
Shoot for Champions
Friday, September 6th

Please join us for our 6th Annual Shoot for Champions sporting clays tournament benefiting Special Olympics Georgia. Held at the beautiful Garland Mountain Sporting Clays, this event will feature a round of clays at 15 picturesque stations, breakfast, a lunch reception, the opportunity to participate in games, a raffle, and a silent auction featuring many unique items.

For more information click here , or to register or sponsor, please or contact Thomas Ritch at (770) 414-9390 ext. 1121.
Get Involved With SOGA's Young Professionals Group
Calling all Young Professionals! We are looking for leaders ages 21 - 35 to come be part of our inaugural Young Professionals Group (YPG)! This is a volunteer group that benefits you and the Special Olympics Georgia athletes that we all serve. Join our YPG team to create memories and moments of impact that will be cherished and last a lifetime.

Membership includes:
  • Leadership opportunities
  • Networking opportunities
  • Volunteer opportunities at Fundraising events and competitions
  • Social Outings
  • And much more!

If you are interested, or for more information, contact Alyssa Wolfson at 770-414-9390 ext. 1105.
Supporting SOGA's $50 for 50 Campaign
Every day we empower athletes to shatter stereotypes and exceed their personal bests on the playing field and in life. But for every inspiring Special Olympics athlete in Georgia there are 10 more people waiting for their chance - and so many more around the world.
Help us celebrate 50 years of creating a more inclusive, welcoming world for all. Click here to make a donation of $50 in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics, and get your choice of a limited-edition commemorative 50th Anniversary Gold Pin or Gold Coin! 
Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in joining the SOGA community? Click below to see all the great ways you can give your time to SOGA events, competitions and athletes, or contact Nick Priolo or Miranda Moore :
Help Athletes While You Work
Did you know that during your work hours, you can still help out Special Olympics Georgia? Through workplace giving campaigns, you can help athletes like Julian & Michael (pictured) and so many others. Here are a few ways you can make an impact through your workplace giving program:

Matching Gifts . Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions or volunteer hours made by their employees, and some companies even match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses. Find out if your company will match your donation to Special Olympics with our custom search engine or by visiting your personnel office. If your company does match gifts, please provide SOGA with the necessary paperwork. What a great way to double or triple your financial support of the athletes with no additional cost to you!

Community Health Charities . SOGA is a member of Community Health Charities, the largest workplace giving collaborative with a focus on health issues. If Community Health Charities is a part of your workplace giving program, you can direct donations to SOGA.

Combined Federal Campaign . Employees in the federal, civilian, postal or military workforce can designate SOGA for pledge contributions during the campaign season. Our designated code is 91290.
SOGA Promotions
There are currently several great ways to earn free money for SOGA athletes. If you have questions on any of these promotions, please contact Thomas Ritch at (770) 414-9390 ext. 1121.
Did you know that every time you shop at Amazon you can support SOGA athletes? Thanks to the AmazonSmile program, 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases will be donated to SOGA. Instead of going to Amazon's main home page, go to AmazonSmile . AmazonSmile is the same Amazon that you know - same products, same prices, same service. If you click the link above, Special Olympics Georgia automatically will be selected as your charity. If it isn't, select it from the list. Now, every time you make a purchase from Amazon through smile.amazon.com you'll be supporting SOGA athletes!
Kroger Community Rewards makes supporting SOGA super easy... all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card! Sign up with your 12 digit Kroger Plus Card number at  www.kroger.com/communityrewards  and in the Community Rewards section, select Special Olympics Georgia (code SH080) as the organization you wish to support. Once you're enrolled, you'll earn rewards for SOGA every time you shop with your Plus Card, while earning rewards/fuel points for yourself.  Enroll now for the Kroger Community Rewards Program. If your Kroger Plus Card is not registered, you will need to create an account and register.
DialAmerica  will donate 10% of your paid magazine subscription to SOGA. To subscribe to a magazine, call (877) 872-2362 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. or  click here .
Spread the Word

We're fortunate enough to have you as part of the Special Olympics Georgia family. Our goal is to reach as many potential sponsors, volunteers, and athletes as possible; so, please help us grow the family even more. Please forward this e-newsletter to your friends and family so they can sign up to also receive the monthly e-newsletter!
Tell Us Your Story

We want to tell your stories! Email Ally Jordan with a story about a Special Olympics event or person who has brought out the champion in you!
Thinking of selling or trading in that old car, boat or RV? Donate it instead! SOGA has partnered with CARS to turn your old vehicle, whether it's running or not, into much needed funds for our programs. CARS accepts most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RV's, motorcycles, off road vehicles, heavy equipment, and most other motorized vehicles. CARS will make all the arrangements at no cost to you. They handle the title transfer requirements and will provide you with a written acknowledgement of your donation and tax deduction information. Click here for more information or to donate your vehicle. A helpful representative will contact you within 24 hours to schedule a pickup, or call CARS seven days a week at 1-844-404-SOGA (7642) to speak with a representative.
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