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Dear Special Olympics Oregon family,
This past weekend, I found myself feeling overwhelmed with everything happening in Oregon; it started to feel like too much. It’s one thing to be dealing with a global pandemic going on seven months and the emotion that comes with a social justice movement – but now wildfires that are ravaging our state? I asked myself how much our communities and families can handle. I wondered if and when we will be able to rebuild and return to “normal”.
I then started to ponder the word “normal”.
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2020 Special Olympics Oregon Fall Virtual Games
presented by Providence Health & Services
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During a time when Special Olympics Oregon is not able to offer in-person sports training or competition opportunities due to COVID-19 safety concerns (SOOR COVID-19 Related Updates), we want to ensure that athletes, Unified partners, volunteers, supporters and their families still have a variety of opportunities to engage in meaningful healthy, active and social activities. That is why we are excited to announce the launch of the 2020 Special Olympics Fall Virtual Games presented by Providence Health & Services, as part of our first-ever fully remote sports training and competition season.
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The 2020 Fall Virtual Sports Season will ensure our athletes and Unified partners get to experience the transformative power and sheer joy of athletic competition, good health and friendship, while being confident that their health and safety is carefully considered during this global crisis.
Sports offered this season include athletics (track & field), fitness as sport, golf and soccer. Events can be completed safely and easily by participants with a wide range of skill levels and with little or no equipment. Many events can be adapted and done in a variety of settings (backyard, driveway, in your neighborhood, at a local park or school), family members can join in, and modifications are permitted.
Though we cannot gather in person, SOOR is still taking an interactive approach to the upcoming season. Each participant will be assigned a coach or mentor who will work directly with athletes and care providers to help with remote practice plans, training and competition.
So that all our athletes, family members, volunteers, and sponsors still feel the social connection that makes Special Olympics so impactful, we’re reaching out and keeping people connected through direct mail, email and social media.
Participants and supporters will be encouraged to use social media to join in on-line training opportunities through our SOOR Active Facebook Group and to share their pictures, videos and stories and to encourage each other throughout the season. Be sure to post! Who knows? You may even end up on one of our highlight reels during Opening or Closing Ceremonies. see full schedule and register >>>>
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Ben Korson from Klamath Falls has been an athlete with Special Olympics Oregon for 9 years, participating in basketball, golf and bowling. His favorite sport is competing with his unified partner in golf.
Ben’s been working as a landscaper at a sawmill for 12 years. One day when the weather was nice, he decided to ride his bike to work. He liked it and has continued to ride back and forth to work when the weather is nice. Adding this activity to his routine has been a game changer for Ben.
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Over the course of 4 years, he lost 65 pounds! He has maintained that weight loss and says, “I feel so much better. It was hard but worth it in the end.” Ben has a lot more energy now and plans to continue riding his bike and participating in SOOR sports. Ben misses participating in SOOR traditional sports and training with his coaches and teammates. He hopes we’ll be able to meet in person soon. Meanwhile, he spends more time riding his bike and participates in some of the virtual activities on SOOR Active. |
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Jill Simmons runs a successful payroll business in Bend Oregon. Her life was full, but she wanted more so she decided to go back to school and become a paramedic. Not a career switch, a double career. For the past 20 years, Jill has successfully operated her payroll business and volunteered as a medic. She teaches classes through the fire department, volunteers for missions, and various events in the area. Jill has a lot of energy and gifts to share! In 2010 she attended a Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) orientation session and our mission spoke to her. |
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Jill began coaching athletics and administering medical screenings. Today, Jill continues her leadership as a Local Program Coordinator (LPC) for the High Desert area.
As the LPC, Jill understands the importance of getting things done. She likes working with the management team, getting to know the athletes all while coaching athletes. “It feels good to watch the sports season come together, going to competitions and being with the athletes as they compete” Jill laughs as she says, “It’s such a joy to watch the athletes sleep on the way home from the competition because they’re exhausted from having such a good time.”
Being a top-notch coach and excellent coordinator has led to many amazing opportunities with Special Olympics. Jill has been assistant staff, sports manager, and competition director for 3 national games – New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Seattle - and 2 international games – Austria and Abu Dhabi. She’ll be traveling to Russia in 2022 as the Assistant Sports Manager for alpine and snowboarding. Jill loves traveling with the teams and watching the athletes compete. Every competition – local, state, national, and international – is amazing! The energy and excitement always make it feel like the first competition she watched.
Like everyone, Jill has missed SOOR’s traditional sports training and competitions, but she has found a new way of athlete engagement. Jill is part of the team leading the 2020 Fall Virtual Games! Jill is coordinating virtual training for athletics. She sees this as a good step to get athletes and coaches engaged in the SOOR mission this season; eventually leading back to in-person sports seasons!
Inclusion through sport would not be possible for SOOR athletes if not for the hundreds of volunteers like Jill. Her selfless dedication and volunteerism have a huge impact on our athletes which benefits the whole community! Jill says, “I’m happy with my life – all the things I do and the people I get to be around!” At this challenging time in our world, she shares, “Don’t hold onto hate! Try to be positive!”
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Thank you to the many companies that have made our Fall Virtual Games and
Breakfast with Champions possible.
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Our Mission
Special Olympics Oregon provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children, youth and adults living with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
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