Last year, we produced a video about our athletes that featured them displaying signs. On the first side it says what society told them they could not do, and on the other side it tells what Special Olympics says they CAN do! We shared this video a while back, but thought it would be good to post again, both as a refresher, and for our new followers that may be seeing for the first time. We hope you enjoy!
At our recent State Summer Games we had the privilege of meeting and learning about Special Olympics Louisiana Acadiana athlete, Allix Chapman. Allix is from Lafayette and competes in bowling, athletics, basketball, and volleyball. She is an outstanding bowler. She was on her school bowling team and competed in the semi-regional tournament as an individual in 2012.
She graduated from St. Thomas More Catholic High School in May 2013 and Allix’s mother wanted to keep her active. In October 2013, she enrolled her into cake decorating classes. Since then Allix has truly found her talent and passion. Her mother remarks, “Allix is now 21, when she was young the doctors thought she would be noncommunicable. At age 5, she said her first word. Cake decorating has given her so much confidence! Special Olympics and cake decorating has turned her into the social butterfly she is now.”
Aside from decorating beautiful cakes, Allix has compassion for others. She lives close by a homeless shelter that houses 120 women and children. Every month Allix finds out the birthdays of the women and children in that month and what they like. She then personally bakes and decorates them a cake and hand delivers it to them on their birthday! She also bakes hundreds of cupcakes and distributes them at the St. Joseph Diner for the less fortunate. Recently, Allix was hired part time by Indulge Bakery in Lafayette where she will continue to perfect her skills and help others.
Read more and see more pictures on the blog written by Allix’s cousin, Learning by Paradox.
Allix has also teamed up with My Special Day, a nonprofit that makes cakes for underprivileged kids and homeless shelters. www:Facebook.com/myspecialdayproject
Project Unify will kick off Year 7 this September and we are happy to be a 
part of this great movement! Here is a great saying that depicts what Project Unify really is… You can’t spell “Challenge without Change!” Because, with Project Unify, we are facing the challenges and changing the world!
Athlete Leadership Council member Channing Ewing takes a photo with SLU Head Football coach Ron Roberts at the 2014 State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies
Athlete Leadership Council Assistant Vice President and Northwest Area Special Olympics Louisiana athlete, Channing Ewing recently sat down to write his thoughts about this past weekend’s State Summer Games. “I enjoyed meeting the Special Olympics Louisiana Board Members at the Torch Run Ceremonies and at the Opening Ceremonies. I also enjoyed getting to meet SLU Head Football Coach Ron Roberts and the Law Enforcement officers at Opening Ceremonies!! They do a lot amazing things for this state!!! I really thought the Project Unify youth round table discussion was great!!! There were a lot of great ideas and suggestions passed around. Kudos to the Special Olympics staff for bringing in Jimmy Johns sandwiches for supper. They were yummy. I had blast at the dance and at Olympic town. Getting the Spirit stick was the highlight of my week and was a first for the northwest area and hopefully not last!!!!”
Thank you to all who have served our great country!
“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” ~ John F. Kennedy
“Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” ― Albert Camus
We are excited about the friendships that will be made this weekend at the Games!
State Summer Games will kick off tomorrow evening with our Military flag football game at Southeastern Louisiana University’s Strawberry Stadium for 6pm! After the game, Opening Ceremonies will get under way for 7:30pm. We invite all to be a Fan in the Stands tomorrow night and cheer on our athletes! You will witness the arrival of the Olympic Torch, escorted by Law Enforcement officers completing the 1,000-mile Torch Run relay, the lighting of the “Flame of Hope” and the Parade of Athletes.
Then, on Saturday, the fun continues as we start competition! Our athletes have trained long and hard for this event and are ready to go. They will compete in the sports of athletics, bocce, power lifting, and volleyball. Along with these competitions on Saturday, Healthy Athletes and Olympic Town will be taking place. Competition will wrap up on Sunday afternoon.
We would also like to mention that Raising Cane’s in Hammond, LA will be doing a fundraiser for Special Olympics Louisiana on Saturday and Sunday! On Saturday, look for the Raising Cane’s tent by the track. Here, you can purchase tea and lemonade for $1 and all proceeds will benefit Team Louisiana. Then, on Sunday, head over to the Raising Cane’s location (2035 W. Thomas St. Hammond, LA) between the hours of 10am-2pm and MENTION Special Olympics Louisiana! Cane’s will donate 15% of the profits to SOLA!
Well, there you have it folks. We look forward to seeing you at State Summer Games this weekend! Oh, one more thing…be sure to Facebook and tweet us this weekend using #SOLASG!
Sean Adams recently qualified to advance to 2014 Special Olympics USA Games this summer in New Jersey. He will compete against athletes from across the country as a member of Team Louisiana. He has been training daily in Aquatics to enhance his skills. Going to USA Games has made him realize that in addition to training, he must find other ways to get stronger and healthier. Although his family has always talked about healthy practices such as nutrition and exercise, Sean took it upon himself to sign-up for the Healthy Athletes program. At State Indoor Games this past March, Sean participated in the Health Promotion and Special Smiles disciplines for the first time. Not only did he receive screenings in these two disciplines, he was also provided with the education and tools necessary to make healthy decisions every day. His mother has expressed that the Healthy Athletes program has allowed him to remain independent and be held accountable his for personal wellbeing. His commitment has made him more conscious and aware of making healthy choices both inside and outside of Special Olympics. He has continued to be proactive about his health and looks forward to participating in Healthy Athletes at upcoming events.
Watch our State Summer Games podcast to find out everything you need to know about this weekend! Also find out the latest details on our website here
“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” ~ Moliere
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