Athlete Highlight: Joe Maki
My name is Joe Maki and I’ve been a SOMN athlete for twelve years. My first sports were golf and bowling. Since then, I have participated in many other sports including volleyball, flag football, bocce and track & field. My favorite is bowling. I also bowl on a Men’s USBC League Bowling team. I was recently involved in filming a scene playing bocce ball with the next Lions Clubs International President Brian Sheehan and his wife Lion Lori which will be shown at the International Convention the end of June in Toronto, Canada.
My first Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs) class was Beginner Global Messenger and it really helped me grow the confidence to speak to groups. I am also an Athlete as a Volunteer, Athlete as a Coach, Athlete as Ambassador and a Health Ambassador and have enjoyed many other ALPs classes.
I’ve gotten to make friends and am accepted for who I am through Special Olympics. If you asked me 15 years ago to speak before a group of 500 people, I would have never believed I could do that! My Global Messenger training helped me accomplish that feat several times speaking at multiple Lions conventions.
I have also been involved in LETR activities. I’ve done the Polar Plunge three times a year and also volunteered serving hot dogs with the Lions in the VIP tent. I’ve gotten up early to get to the Dunkin' store by 6:30 AM for Cop-On-Top which is 30 miles away from my home. I’ve also gotten to participate in a Torch Run Final Run one year.
I think my favorite LETR activity is the Polar Plunge, knowing that I’m helping raise money for all the Special Olympics Minnesota athletes. Most recently, I was asked to deliver donuts to a Jersey Mike’s store for them getting the most donations in a week and also had the privilege of delivering shirts to two locations for Jersey Mike's Day of Giving.

I have to give my mom credit as she has encouraged me and supported me in the many activities I participate in.
Event Spotlight: Polar Plunge

A big thank you again to everyone who participated in the 2022 Plunge season! This great event brings together many of our law enforcement partners, Special Olympics Minnesota athletes and our communities. Because of your generous involvement, we raised $4M with over 10,000 participants. We are still continuing Cool School Plunges using the Plungester, our mobile trailer.

Is there a Cool School event near you? If so, please come out and support our incredible students.
Allie Henley is one of our awesome Special Olympics Minnesota athletes. She asked if she could Plunge with our LETR officers at this year’s Law Enforcement Challenge. Before the Plunge, Allie gave a spectacular speech that was a big hit! Listen to Allie's message
Final Leg Torch Run - SAVE THE DATE!
We are busy planning this year’s Final leg Torch Run. There will be legs throughout the state during June 20-26, ending at Summer Games at Stillwater High School.
 
The T-shirts are currently being designed through an athlete contest and will be available for purchase throughout the month of May and June. We will be contacting all agencies who have participated in the past.

If you want more information, email Emma Fiedler at emma.fiedler@somn.org.
LETR Highlight: Kate Deering
I first became involved with Special Olympics Minnesota while volunteering at an event over twelve years ago. Throughout the twelve years, I have had the opportunity to interact with athletes at several different events. Volunteering with Special Olympics to me is not about the services you give, but the impact and message behind the services, that make it truly inspiring.
Whether raising funds and awareness during a Torch Run event or Polar Plunge, or handing out medals at the State Bowling tournament, you can see the lasting impression you have on athletes and their wellbeing. The athletes I have had the privilege of meeting have taught me much about humility and courage and have had a great impact on my life. 
Help spread the word!

We’re constantly updating our database so we can stay connected with all law enforcement partners. Our goal is to have a law enforcement representative at every agency within the state. This person would help spread information through our LETR newsletters and other emails. Please follow up with Kean Corkery at kean.corkery@somn.org to confirm that your agency has a liaison and help us spread the word in your area.
Community Engagement: Attend a SOMN competition or Cool School Plunge near you

We always enjoy seeing our Law Enforcement officers at our events and activities. Whether you’re stopping by to watch and cheer on our athletes or Plungers, bringing guests to introduce them to SOMN or picking up a volunteer shift, your engagement in our mission is always appreciated!

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s coming in April and May. Feel free to pick up a volunteer shift or just stop by! Contact Lou Ann at louann.kelly@somn.org if you want to sign up for a volunteer shift or if you have any questions.

April 2022
April 10 - Regional Metro Swimming (Edina)
April 13 - Athlete Leadership Council (virtual)
April 23 - Regional Metro Basketball (Rogers)
April 24 - Regional Metro Swimming (St. Paul)

May 2022
May 1 - Regional Metro Basketball (Hastings)
May 7 - Roseau Plunge
May 8 - Regional South Track & Field (Rochester)
May 14 - Regional Metro Track & Field (Apple Valley)
May 21 - Regional Metro Track & Field (Minneapolis)
Check out our LETR website! We have information on all our LETR events, new recruitment presentations and handouts, information about open positions on our Executive Council and much more.

To get further involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, visit our website or contact Kean Corkery at kean.corkery@somn.org.
Thank you for your commitment and support!