A nation’s greatness

“A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.”
Mahatma Ghandi

SOLA Athlete Craig Simpson Powerlifting

Picture taken LaGrange Group

We know our athletes are not weak, but overall society thinks they are.  We are the ones that help our athletes show society they are wrong!

Who is the #1 Non-Profit serving those with disabilities?

Philanthropedia MedalWE ARE!

Special Olympics has earned the number one spot on a newly released national list of high-impact non-profit organizations serving people with disabilities.

“On behalf of our entire Special Olympics movement worldwide, we are honored to be given this prestigious ranking from Philanthropedia,” said Dr. Timothy P. Shriver, Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics.   Read the full article

Were you Freezing for a Reason?

The 4th Annual Freezin’ for a Reason was this past Saturday, January 28th at Cabela’s in Gonzales. Over 100 people jumped into the icy lake Saturday morning all in the name of Special Olympics Louisiana. Teams from across the region were present,  See More pictures from the event.

Walker High School Polar Plunge

Special Olympics Louisiana sends the Ranes to Hawaii

Danny & Vickie Ranes are heading to Hawaii courtesy of Special Olympics Louisiana and nfl.com/probowlthe Louisiana NFL Player’s Association. The Ranes family won the trip after purchasing a $10.00 raffle ticket back in December.

When asked what they think about winning the trip, Mr. Ranes remarked, “We are very happy to be afforded the opportunity to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience, but are even happier to have participated in a fundraiser for a group with such noble causes as those of the Special Olympics. The accomplishments of this organization and the great impact of its work on the athletes, families, and spectators is worthy of the entire country’s support and appreciation. We hope to, if only in a small way, serve as ambassadors for the Special Olympics and the athletes which it foster.”

The Ranes family will be enjoying “The Pro Bowl Package” which includes round-trip airfare, 5 day/4 nights hotel stay in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii, Aloha Reception and admission to The Pro Bowl Experience. They will get to see the following 5 members of the New Orleans Saints in action: (*-denotes starter)
– Drew Brees, quarterback
– Jermon Bushrod, offensive tackle
– Jahri Evans, guard *
– Jimmy Graham, tight end *
– Carl Nicks, guard *

Congratulations to the Ranes Family and Good luck to the New Orleans Saints!

Louisiana goes PRO

As another football season comes to a close, we wanted to take this time to recognize all the NFL does for Special Olympics.

This week there are 5 stellar athletes that come out of Louisiana taking part in the NFL Pro Bowl this Sunday!  However, one of them, Eli Manning, will wait a week and play in the Super Bowl.

Here is the list:
RB Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers
FS Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens
KR Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals
RB Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
QB Eli Manning, New York Giants

NFL fever comes to Hawaii once again with this year’s Pro Bowl all-star game Sunday, in the midst of the party area itself will be stages for a sports memorabilia auction benefiting the Special Olympics. From all of our athletes and staff at Special Olympics Louisiana, good luck Sunday in Hawaii!

Football Giant, Special Olympics Hero

As most of you know the famed Joe Paterno, or JoePa, passed away this past Sunday from a two-month battle with Lung Cancer.  His brilliant career came to a sudden halt in November of 2011, but what JoePa did for the last 20 years for Special Olympics Pennsylvania is how his family hopes his memory lives on.

“…His legacy for many will revolve around his achievements as a legendary football coach, but we will remember him as well for his more than 20 years of support and love for Special Olympics athletes…” Reports the Huffington Post.

Check out the article here from the Huffington Post.

Weight Loss Wednesday

Sticking with WWL-TVs Weight Loss Wednesday…we have a great story to share from St. Bernard Parish!

“….Well, it was official; he weighed in at 380 pounds….”   Jonathon Sanders Before

“…Jonathon is like a new person now. He no longer walks slowly down the hallway dragging his feet; looking at the ground and feeling so sad…. He says he has a lot more friends this year and the daily smiles on his face are priceless.”

See how much weight he lost and what he looks like now