Welcome to the chairman

We are pleased to announce that our new Chairman is Mr Tom Maitland (sports coach) and general all round nice guy. I feel sure that Special Olympics will go forward with not only a new chairman but also some new ideas.

We hope to get a more varied selection of sports on offer in the sports hall soon hopefully there is money in the pipe line to help finance this. The main problem for this is getting qualified coaches but as we have gained two more potential coaches this week this should take some of the pressure off further down the line.

You will find Tom’s contact details on our “contact us” page.

I am very pleased to announce that Linda Brewis, our crazy marathon lady, has completed her first run in aid of "Special olympics sunderland"... 

Even though she had to battle through snow just to get to the start line.  Well done Linda and a big thank you also goes to Lisa and Kerry, who were linda's support runners.  Kerry said "they enjoyed it" (now that I find difficult to understand!). 

If you would like to donate click on Linda's just giving page .

Linda’s MaraMonthAthon
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LindaBrewis

Linda Brewis a friend of our’s and supporter of Special Olympics Sunderland. She has challenged herself, to run a marathon a month in 2013. The money raised will be donated to Special Olympics Sunderland, and will help us in our work.

All workers are volunteers so not one penny is taken out for anything not connected to the youngsters.  Local money, spent locally, for local people.

If you would like to donate to Linda’s challenge click on her just giving page uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LindaBrewis and make your donation. 

If you would rather not do this then I can do it for you.  Just let me know how much and give me your money.  Kath

Christmas Presentation and Celebration

1st December 2012

Thank you to every one that attended our Presentation Ceremony. I hope you all had a good time I know I did.
It was wonderful to see so many friends and family there.

We were happy to present Heather Smith with our Turning Point trophy, As we are all aware this next year will be a big turning point for her lets hope she comes through it well. Unfortunately Heather was taken into hospital earlier in the day but the trophy was presented to her sister Laura on her behalf. We all send our best wishes to Heather that she will be home soon.

The outstanding Athlete went to John Allan. I think John deserves this as he has been one of our longest members and comes along every week, takes part in all sports and does his best at all times. He is a fine example to our younger athletes.

Outstanding badminton trophy went to Laura Ferguson, for her support and good example she has shown others in giving an interest in badminton to other athletes.

Outstanding swimmer went to Jack Davidson. Jack has improved so much in the time he has been with us, both in swimming, and personal confidence a very popular young man with team members.

Outstanding Judo went to Dominic Elliott.  His coach said he is enthusiastic and so much improved in a very short time and was happy to award him the trophy.

A special award was presented to Jennifer Carmody, the little girl with so much enthusiasm and determination.

I hope you will see that to be awarded one of our trophies does not mean you have to be the best, the fastest, or the most popular.  Sometimes it is the quietest and the one that tries the most that gets overlooked I have made it my mission to make sure those athletes are not passed over.

We should remember our motto:-

LET ME WIN, IF I CANNOT WIN, LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT

What a wonderful day we had at the Special Olympics Yorkshire & Humberside Regional Swimming Gala Harrogate on the 17.11.2012

We had an assortment of swimmers ranging from the “old hands” experienced competition swimmers, who swam magnificently all coming home with either Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.

Our youngest ever competitive swimmer, Heather Smith... Heather is undergoing treatment for a serious illness, but that

did not stop her from giving her very best and winning a Gold medal in her very first event.

Another first time competitor was Dominic he won a Gold Medal and a speeding ticket which means he swam faster than we thought he could.

Then we had Jack, this being only his third competition also achieved a speeding ticket and a Gold medal.  He also proved himself to be a useful team swimmer in the Male 25mt relay.

We thank you all for the effort and determination you have shown.  Again good behaviour we are so proud of you all, you did the coaches and parents proud.

We are looking forward to more successful competitions in 2013.

Special Olympics Northumberland Regional Swimming Gala
14th October 2012

Back from Northumberland swimming Gala and as always what a wonderful time we all had, we would like to thank Helen and her team for their hospitality.

Our swimmers did amazingly well all coming home with at least a medal or two.

I don’t have the final medal count just yet but will publish it as soon as I can.

I am proud to say our athletes impressed coaches from other teams as they supported each other and other swimmers showing fine sportsmanship.  You should all be very proud of yourselves.

I think a special mention should go to James Cowe, James has not been part of the competition team for very long but he surprised us all with his perfect performance on Sunday, well done James.

To each and every one of our swimmers thank you. You made coaches and parents very proud.

The only sad spot on the day was missing Margaret Emmerson who with Helen has worked hard over the years to make the gala a thundering success. Margaret died earlier in the year and although we all missed her “organising” I feel sure she was watching and guiding us throughout the day.