A Special Olympics 1st

Special Olympics Louisiana Capital Area athlete, Hayes Howell has been chosen to compete in the 2012 North Pointe Junior Gold Championships! This is a HUGE honor as Hayes is the first Special Olympics athlete to ever qualify for this tournament!

The tournament will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 14-20, 2012. The North Pointe Junior Gold Championships is an annual national tournament for the top male and female youth bowlers in the United States. The tournament awards $250,000 in scholarships and youth bowlers also have the opportunity to earn a spot on Junior Team USA. Hayes is one of 14 boys who will represent Louisiana in this competition in the under 20 yrs. old category. Hayes’ scores from previous prestigious tournaments have qualified him to attend this national championship. After speaking with Hayes, he remarks that he is “very excited and proud” to be attending.

We Are In

Tonight is a pretty big night for those around the New Orleans Area. Some say that this is the biggest night for the New Orleans Hornets since they have relocated. Many around the area will be in the New Orleans Arena as the NBA draft occurs. Our beloved Hornets will select the 1st and 10th pick of the draft! We are very excited about what the future holds for the New Orleans Hornets, especially with the new owners, who are big fans of Special Olympics! We are even planning a Special Olympics Night at the Hive for later on in the year. Whether we get Anthony Davis and his trademark unibrow, Tyler Zeller, or Austin Rivers, we are IN for the Hornets!

Charlie & Kevin Podcast

Check out our latest podcast featuring Charlie and Kevin discussing the difference between Area Management & Games Management Teams.  They also explain how YOU can get involved.

Click the picture to hear the podcast!

Local athlete to compete Nationally

Special Olympics Louisiana West Monroe athlete, Joel Murray left today to participate in the AT&T National ProAm Golf Tournament. Joel is one of 4 Special Olympics athletes selected to attend this prestigious event. Joel’s father and long time caddy, Steve Murray is accompanying him.

To get ready for this event, Joel has been practicing every Monday and Wednesday. He has participated in two tournaments recently, including a Father and Son tournament. He has even been nicknamed a “Range Rat” by members of the local golf course, who are all rooting for him! After talking with Joel and his father before they left, Joel said, “I am very excited to play with professionals that I see on TV every weekend.” Joel is excited about the opportunity and hopes he gets to see his favorite golfer, Padre Harrington.

Steve and Joel Murray at the SO National Invitational Tournament

Please check out our Facebook for the latest news, results and pictures.

The Next 20 years

“We’ve got to be so proud of what our special friends do and their future. Their possibility of really bringing to the world something that really resembles peace, hope, faith and love that’s what they can do. And we’re so proud of them. And we want to keep going all the time, the next 20 years. I’m going. You coming with me?” – Eunice Kennedy Shriver

2012 Sports Awards Banquet

Each year Special Olympics Louisiana recognizes outstanding individuals, companies, and organizations that make a significant contribution to the Special Olympics program.  This year, 13 individuals or groups will be awarded for their contributions to Special Olympics Louisiana in 2011. Winners will be honored at the “Spirit of Special Olympics Sports Awards Banquet”, July 21, 2012 at the FOP Wedding and Reception Hall in Baton Rouge, LA. This event is being sponsored by Extreme Catering, LLC.

F. CARL ROWAN OUTSTANDING CIVIC ORGANIZATION
The Knights of Columbus St. Peter Council #12906
JOHANNA P. BRESCHER OUTSTANDING GAMES VOLUNTEER
Tommy Raborn
OTTO P. ESTES MEMORIAL FAMILY AWARD
The Moore Family
OUTSTANDING SOLA COACH
Shirley Green
OUTSTANDING SOLA FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Patricia “Patty” Westrope
OUTSTANDING SOLA MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Steven Tookes
OUTSTANDING MEDIA – PRINT
Alexandria Town Talk
OUTSTANDING MEDIA – RADIO
Guaranty Broadcasting
OUTSTANDING SCHOOL
Sulphur High School
ELLEN KING GILLENTINE MEMORIAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Dan Ramos
LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN TOP RUNNER
James Virgil
LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN TOP AREA
Jefferson Area Kenner Police Department
HALL OF FAME
Glenn  Drude, Jr.

CLICK HERE to Learn more, Volunteer or Register

Burgers and Hugs

Tim Harris is a Special Olympics athlete from New Mexico.  At 26 years old, he runs his own restaurant. He even has a specialty… Hugs!

Click the picture to watch the video from CBS News.

First Day of Summer

 

To all of our followers, Happy First Day of Summer!  We hope this is the start for a great summer for all of you.  We have events that take place all summer long, so be sure to stay tuned to our website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and of course our blog for the most up to date news on Special Olympics Louisiana!

There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.  ~Celia Thaxter

CEO Corner: Busy Times

People are busier today than ever.  The kids have to be shuffled from event to event, work day hours turn into night time hours, meals have to be prepared.  How can you give back to your community when you have so much to do? Is there ever time for fun? How do you decide to become involved in your community?  What does an organization do to make you feel needed and valued?

– Pat Carpenter Bourgeois,
President and CEO of Special Olympics Louisiana

Camp Shriver Recap

The Baton Rouge edition of Camp Shriver was a great success.  The camp lasted from June 11th-15th and was held at St. Louis King of France School in Baton Rouge.  There were 60 campers and 75 partners that participated in the week long camp.

Each day, athletes and partners participated in various sports, working together to better themselves at the game.  From basketball to volleyball, all involved learned a lot and had a great time doing so.

Before camp concluded on Friday, a dance competition was held, with the victorious team taking home a trophy.  The “Blue Team” overwhelmingly took home the win with their Michael Jackson dance!  All of the athletes and partners that we spoke with said that they were already looking forward to next year!

Learn more about Camp Shriver.