BSO SPORTS NEWS. BSO PICNIC: SATURDAY JUNE 28th

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BSO SPORTS NEWS Spring/Summer 2014 Bethlehem Special Olympics PO Box 536 Bethlehem, PA 18016-0536 Phone: 610-264-3616 www.bethlehemsopa.org Inside this issue: Picnic Announcement p.

5-6 Booster Club News p. 7-8 Upcoming Events p. 7 BSO Awards Picnic p.7-8 Flag Football/Picnic Sale p. 9 BSO Training Schedule p.10 BSO Management Team p.10 Spring Pictures p.

1 BSO SPORTS NEWS Spring/Summer 2014 Bethlehem Special Olympics PO Box 536 Bethlehem, PA Phone: Inside this issue: Picnic Announcement p.1 National Games 2014 BSO Bus p.1 Athlete Leadership Team p.2 Management Team Changes p. 2 Donor Thanks p 2 BSO Picnic Reservations p.3 Picnic Map and Directions p.4 BSO Achievements p. 5-6 Booster Club News p. 7-8 Upcoming Events p. 7 BSO Awards Picnic p.7-8 Flag Football/Picnic Sale p. 9 BSO Training Schedule p.10 BSO Management Team p.10 Spring Pictures p.11 June 14-21, 2014 Golfers are Swingers! Bethlehem Special Olympics Newsletter BSO PICNIC: SATURDAY JUNE 28th Noon to 8 PM (Food/Ceremony at 4 PM) East Allen Township - Bicentennial Park West Pavilion A RSVP using form on page 3 or contact Maria and Joe Talavera BEFORE June 20th Yummy picnic food, friends & fun, and games & activities sponsored by the Athlete Leadership Team Special Olympics National Games 2014 Take the day off, take the family & GET ON THE BUS! The National Games will be held the week of June at several areas in central New Jersey. Even if you weren t selected to compete at National Games, you can go visit the National Games competitions, cheer on your Pennsylvania teammates, and see what it s all about. BSO is sponsoring a bus for athletes, volunteers, family and friends to visit the event. Hop on the bus to visit the largest sporting event in the US in Here is the tentative schedule: Departure: Tuesday, June 17, 2014, 7:30 AM from Westgate Mall, Northeast Corner (by Bon Ton) Travelling to: (a) Princeton University (pool for aquatics, stadium for athletics, ) (b) Mercer County Park (softball, soccer, baseball, tennis) (c) The Peddie School (gymnastics) (d) The College of NJ (powerlifting, young athletes program, flag football) Return: Tuesday, June 19, 2014, Approx. 5:30 PM to Westgate Mall Cost: Suggested $5 donation per family for bus. There is no cost to enter any of the competition venues. You may want to take some spending money for souvenirs. If Interested, RSVP to : Rose Ann Reiss at or send her an to parenttoparent@aol.com. Amanda Kunkleman and Dolores Sobol will also go. NOTE 1: ATHLETES must travel with their family, or with a registered Class A volunteer. They may not travel on the bus alone. NOTE 2: If fewer than 24 people respond, rental vans may be used instead of a bus BSO Athletes competing on June 17: Michael Semler, Aquatics, 9 AM; Zarrah Vitale and Simone Williams, Gymnastics, 2 PM; Joni Talavera Powerlifting, 9 am and/or 2 pm/. Remember to check the BSO website often for updates:

In addition, Nathan Boyle, a member from the beginning of the team has completed his term and stepped down. We all appreciate all his service to the Athlete Leadership Team.

2 BSO ATHLETE LEADERSHIP TEAM (ALT) CHANGES The BSO Athlete Leadership Team added three new members this spring. New members Amanda Knauss, Robert Bernhart, and Angelica Viant were selected from last year s applications and interviews. In addition, Nathan Boyle, a member from the beginning of the team has completed his term and stepped down. We all appreciate all his service to the Athlete Leadership Team. The ALT is working on 2014 goals based on the feedback from the BSO Athlete meeting last November. If you have suggestions for the Athlete Leadership Team, contact any team members: Steve Kucey, Robert Bernhard, Kasey Brehm, Amanda Knauss, Christina Saraceno, Dedra Sobol, Cory Squitieri, or Angelica Viant, or ALT Mentors Emily Mulicka and Ami Bedics. Robert Bernhart Amanda Knauss (left) and Angelica Viant (right) BSO MANAGEMENT TEAM WELCOMES AMANDA KUNKLEMAN Amanda Mandy Kunkleman has joined the BSO Management Team in the position of Training Coordinator. She will work with head sports coaches to coordinate training site leases, develop seasonal training plans, help to identify coaches training opportunities, and prepare required SOPA reports. Amanda has been BSO s Head Roller Skating coach for the past two years, also coaching Lehigh County Special Olympics skaters last fall. In addition to roller skating, she is a singer/songwriter and is planning an October wedding. Welcome aboard Mandy! BSO THANKS DONORS: Stefano s Golf Tournament for their donation from the 2013 golf tournament event Morningstar Rotary - for the donation resulting from their K event Melanie Medley and St. Bernard's Hall for hosting a Bingo Fundraiser Ciocca Subaru for a donation from the Share the Love event to BSO, Lehigh County and Northampton County Special Olympics. Every donor and supporter we are so grateful to those who make it possible to provide our sports programs at no cost to our athletes or families.

3 Everyone coming needs to return the sign-up form BELOW or contact Maria Talavera even if no money is due. This is to make sure we have enough food for everyone If money is due, please mail the reservation form and check to the BSO address listed below. If no money is due, you may RSVP to Maria by phone ( ) or send listing names of attendees to: Come to the BSO Picnic for Friendship, Families, Food and Fun! DATE: Saturday, June28, rain or shine TIME: Noon to 8:00 PM (awards/dinner from 4 to 6 PM) LOCATION: East Allen Twp., Pavilion A Bicentennial Park West, 5351 Park West Lane, Northampton, PA RSVP to Maria Talavera using form below BEFORE June 20, 2014 FOOD: Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken catered by Royal Gourmet Foods ACTIVITIES: Sports (softball, bocce, volleyball, and lots of other activities!!!) The Annual Picnic is FREE for current BSO athletes, coaches and volunteers; small fee for friends & family members RESERVATION FORM SUMMER AWARDS PICNIC - PLACE NUMBER OF ATTENDEES UNDER IDENTIFYING HEADER RETURN BY JUNE 20, PLEASE LIST NAMES OF EVERYONE ATTENDING. NO CHARGE FOR THESE $ $ 6.00 NO CHARGE LAST NAME FIRST NAME COACH VOLUNTEER ATHLETE FAMILY CHILD CHILD UNDER 5 TOTAL # TOTAL DOLLARS multiply the # of people by the dollar amount shown in column heading RETURN COMPLETED FORM WITH PAYMENT TO: BETHLEHEM SPECIAL OLYMPICS PO BOX 536 BETHLEHEM, PA ANY PAYMENT OWED IS DUE AT THE TIME OF YOUR RESERVATION Bring extra lawn chairs, and, if you want, outdoor games. DIRECTIONS AND MAP TO THE PARK ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE.

SUMMER AWARDS PICNIC Directions & Map East Allen Twp., Bicentennial Park West, Pavilion A 5351 Park West Lane, Northampton, PA 18067 From Allentown From Route 22, Take Route 987/Airport Rd.

4 SUMMER AWARDS PICNIC Directions & Map East Allen Twp., Bicentennial Park West, Pavilion A 5351 Park West Lane, Northampton, PA From Allentown From Route 22, Take Route 987/Airport Rd. North Turn LEFT onto Schoenersville Rd just after the Airport. Schoenersville Rd. becomes Weaversville Road. Continue 2.2 miles, then turn RIGHT onto Colony Dr. (across from an old stone house (hard to see turn). Turn LEFT at sign for Bicentennial Park West, proceed to Pavilion A From Bethlehem Take Schoenersville Rd. North, past Gregory's Restaurant., (Schoenersville Rd. becomes Weaversville Rd.) Continue 2.2 miles, then turn RIGHT onto Colony Dr. (across from an old stone house (hard to see turn). Turn LEFT at sign for Bicentennial Park West, proceed to Pavilion A

BSO ACHIEVEMENTS CONGRATULATIONS powerlifting athletes Chris Spairana (left), Craig Maurer (center), and Nicholas Oddo (right) for a great

!! Picture to the right includes coaches: Front row, left to right Don Kuhns, Michael Kuhns, Ron Lobb, back row left to right Chris Spairana,

?? BSO athletes Mercedes and Michael Semler, Morgan Siemon, Kathleen Dezubay, Seth McMullan, Rachel MacDonald, Joleen Kocher, James Hebert,

rhythmic gymnastics. There was even a dance including BSO Aquatics Coach Michael Wrecsis and another by Michael Semler and his mom.

Seth and Kathleen Congratulations to BSO Volunteer and Sports Camp Coach Jamie Mink who graduated from Pennsylvania State University in May

5 BSO ACHIEVEMENTS CONGRATULATIONS powerlifting athletes Chris Spairana (left), Craig Maurer (center), and Nicholas Oddo (right) for a great showing at the Power Day Powerlifting Competition in Bigler, PA. It s a good thing you are all powerlifters because those trophies look HEAVY!!! Picture to the right includes coaches: Front row, left to right Don Kuhns, Michael Kuhns, Ron Lobb, back row left to right Chris Spairana, Craig Maurer, Nicholas Oddo, and Dan Lobb. BSO Athletes Star in Mercy School Dance Recital WHO ARE THESE TWO??? BSO athletes Mercedes and Michael Semler, Morgan Siemon, Kathleen Dezubay, Seth McMullan, Rachel MacDonald, Joleen Kocher, James Hebert, Matthew Morris and Katie Sobol participated in a great dance recital at Mercy School, choreographed by Vicky McHale who also helps with BSO rhythmic gymnastics. There was even a dance including BSO Aquatics Coach Michael Wrecsis and another by Michael Semler and his mom.. They all did a wonderful job and they were amazing. Congratulations to all of them. Article contributed by Amanda Reiss. Seth and Kathleen Congratulations to BSO Volunteer and Sports Camp Coach Jamie Mink who graduated from Pennsylvania State University in May this year. Do you know other athletes and volunteers who graduated from high school or college this year? If so, send an to josetalav1@verizon.net and we ll list them in the next newsletter! Volunteer Recognition Congratulations to Don Kuhns (left) and Michael Kuhns (right) for being a part of the Volunteer Center s Breakfast of Champions in April. Don and Mike have been BSO Powerlifting coaches for many years, and are also avid powerlifting competitors and record holders themselves!

BSO ACHIEVEMENTS (continued) MORE SPRING COMPETITIONS.. Three BSO athletes participated in Eastern Bowling Sectionals in April.

softball team, and seven softball skills athletes, and many coaches! Many medals and ribbons were earned and two basketball teams qualified for state summer games. GREAT JOB!

6 BSO ACHIEVEMENTS (continued) MORE SPRING COMPETITIONS.. Three BSO athletes participated in Eastern Bowling Sectionals in April. BSO Athletes were: Maritsa Larson - receiving first place, Dawn Dieter - receiving 1st place, and Joseph Adorno - receiving 2nd place. All three qualified for selection to SOPA State Summer Games. CONGRATULATIONS! The largest delegation ever from BSO attended Eastern Spring Sectionals on May 5th, including four 3v3 basketball teams, one basketball skills athlete, 20 aquatics athletes, three golfers, one softball team, and seven softball skills athletes, and many coaches! Many medals and ribbons were earned and two basketball teams qualified for state summer games. GREAT JOB! The aquatics team traveled to Bucks County for a mini-meet and time trials, and then to Lebanon County for a competition in March, and in May hosted the BSO Aquatics Invitational which included 159 athletes from 7 programs. BSO AQUATICS sends special thanks to the LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL SWIM TEAM for their help with the meet, as well as ALL VOLUNTEERS who ran the staging, events, awards, registration, lunch and everything else during the day. Gymnasts traveled to a competition in Montgomery County and another in Lebanon County, and hosted a Gymnastics Invitational in May, with over 50 athletes from 6 programs. BSO Gymnasts especially send thanks to the PARKETTES and their volunteers that help with our local competition. Basketball and Aquatics teams competed at the Delaware County Invitational at Widener University. The basketball teams also travelled to Gettysburg for a competition, and attended a local competition at Moravian College. BSO Basketball players thank MS. SHELLY BAUDER AND MORAVIAN COLLEGE STUDENTS for hosting the second annual basketball tournament and for providing a great event for the athletes!!! Softball attended Area M s SPRING FLING near Harrisburg in May, to have another opportunity for competition. The team is excited to play in their first state Summer Games competition this year! Did we miss your team s competition? Send your news story to josetalav1@verizon.net. BSO HOLDS FIRST YOUNG ATHLETES SESSION Three young athletes participated in the six-week session geared to build the foundations of sports skills such as running, jumping, throwing, catching, and coordination, in a fun and playful way. The three participants, Carter, Autumn, and Sinead, were led by Bob Sehee Thanks to Bob, parents, volunteers, and especially the athletes, for a great time! Check the schedule this fall for our next session. Remember to check the BSO website often for updates: page 6

BSO BOOSTER CLUB HAPPENINGS The BSO Booster Club helps to support BSO athletes and the Special Olympics mission through various activities including fundraising projects, outreach, and increasing

The Booster Club meets monthly to help plan events, and primarily supports the Fundraising Coordinator position on the Management Team. The next meeting is Thursday, June 12th.

com) Here are some upcoming events: TAKE A NIGHT OFF COOKING AND ORDER PIZZA Discount cards for Papa John s pizza are available for Dawn Urban and Caren Hogan for $5.

7 BSO BOOSTER CLUB HAPPENINGS The BSO Booster Club helps to support BSO athletes and the Special Olympics mission through various activities including fundraising projects, outreach, and increasing awareness. Did you enjoy Breakfast with Santa at Applebee s last December? Hoagie Sales? the Candy sales? Pizza Coupons? Friendly s night? All these were fundraisers sponsored by the Booster Club. The Booster Club meets monthly to help plan events, and primarily supports the Fundraising Coordinator position on the Management Team. The next meeting is Thursday, June 12th. Anyone interested is invited to contact Sue Reddinger (ladydragon1701@aol.com) Here are some upcoming events: TAKE A NIGHT OFF COOKING AND ORDER PIZZA Discount cards for Papa John s pizza are available for Dawn Urban and Caren Hogan for $5. The card entitles you to one free small one-topping pizza (carry out) - so in one deal you get your value back. In addition, there are 8 more Buy one/get one free coupons for any large or extra large pizzas. Hurry! Get yours before the supply runs out! page 7 MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR SUMMER/FALL EVENTS 2014 June/July/August - Summer sports start see schedule p. 10 and watch BSO Web and Facebook June 12 BSO Booster Club meeting June 13 Athletes/Coaches leave for National Games - send off details will be sent via . June 18 RSVP for annual picnic due to Maria Talavera June 21 Athletes/Coaches return from National Games June 25 BSO Night at Rita s, Stefko Blvd. 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM June 28 9 AM to noon Parkland HS football team Flag Football Clinic. June 28 Noon to 8 PM, dinner/ceremony at 4 PM -- BSO Awards Picnic July 8 BSO Management team meeting July 12 BSO Yard Sale at Donna Boyle s House July 29 (tentative) Sports Camp Delegation Meeting- athletes, coaches, families Aug SOPA/SOYO Multi-Sports Training Camp Aug. 11 Stefano s Golf Tournament Sept.5-7 SOPA Athlete Congress, Harrisburg Sept 6-7 SOPA Leadership Conference Sept 12 BSO Rock & Roll Dance and Prize Raffle Oct 5 Eastern Fall Sectionals, E. Stroudsburg University

MORE BOOSTER CLUB NEWS DONATE, SHOP, AND HUNT FOR BARGAINS AT THE BSO YARD SALE Once again, Donna Boyle has offered her yard to hold a sale benefitting BSO during the Freemansburg Neighborhood yard

You can contact Donna at 610-317-6033 to make arrangements, or put items on her porch if she is not home. Please make sure items are clean and in condition to be sold -- NO JUNK PLEASE.

Any unsold items will be donated to VIA. BSO ROCK AND ROLL DANCE SEPT. 12 GET YOUR DANCIN SHOES ON AND GET READY.

Food and drink will be available for purchase and GET EXCITED!!!. A HIGH-VALUE PRIZE RAFFLE will be held!!!! There are also a lot of door prizes too!

8 MORE BOOSTER CLUB NEWS DONATE, SHOP, AND HUNT FOR BARGAINS AT THE BSO YARD SALE Once again, Donna Boyle has offered her yard to hold a sale benefitting BSO during the Freemansburg Neighborhood yard sale. The yard sale is Saturday, July 12th - this year we will not continue on Sunday. The Booster Club is looking for donation items to be dropped off at Donna s house by the end of June if possible. You can contact Donna at to make arrangements, or put items on her porch if she is not home. Please make sure items are clean and in condition to be sold -- NO JUNK PLEASE. We will need help setting up and tearing down -- please call Donna at if you can help with that. All proceeds from the yard sale will be donated to BSO. Any unsold items will be donated to VIA. BSO ROCK AND ROLL DANCE SEPT. 12 GET YOUR DANCIN SHOES ON AND GET READY. The second annual Rock and Roll Dance Fundraiser will be held on Friday, September 12th at the Leithsville Fire Company. Once again, Uncle Smiley Band will provide the entertainment. Food and drink will be available for purchase and GET EXCITED!!!. A HIGH-VALUE PRIZE RAFFLE will be held!!!! There are also a lot of door prizes too! More details and ticket sale information will be available soon, including how you can purchase prize raffle tickets in advance. Have you liked the BSO Facebook page? If so, you can see the prizes being donated by local Bethlehem businesses and others just to support our program. Prizes include two TVs and tickets to DISNEYWORLD! Great job Caren Hogan to coordinate all the wonderful prize donations. Remember, you must be over 21 to attend. The Athlete Leadership Team takes a photo break: Behind the sign are: Cory Martino and Jan SIdoro Widener Univ. Parade of Athletes Who is behind the sign and how can they see where they re going? page 8

FLAG FOOTBALL IS COMING TO SOPA There is a growing interest in adding Flag Football as one of SOPA s official sports. Flag football teams are already competing at National Games.

If you want to learn more about the game, there is a Flag Football clinic from 9 AM to noon at Orefield Middle School run by the Parkland High School football team.

org, or phone: 610-264-3616 BSO PICNIC SALE - Arrive Early for Best Bargains Our storage space is too full! With new sports added, it s time for some spring cleaning.

9 FLAG FOOTBALL IS COMING TO SOPA There is a growing interest in adding Flag Football as one of SOPA s official sports. Flag football teams are already competing at National Games. It is one of the sports offered at Sports Camp. If you want to learn more about the game, there is a Flag Football clinic from 9 AM to noon at Orefield Middle School run by the Parkland High School football team. Start your day off with football, and finish it at our BSO Picnic! If you are interested in attending the clinic, please contact Alice Moat, by manager@bethlehemsopa.org, or phone: BSO PICNIC SALE - Arrive Early for Best Bargains Our storage space is too full! With new sports added, it s time for some spring cleaning. You will have the opportunity to purchase new or gently-used clothing and sports equipment from BSO at the picnic. Enhance your Special Olympics wardrobe at bargain prices. Many thanks to Louise Tusak who dedicates countless hours to inventory, uniforms and general upkeep of BSO possessions and storage organization. Your work is greatly appreciated!!! page 9 All Lehigh County and Bethlehem Basketball Teams with student volunteers at the Moravian Basketball Tournament BSO s Aquatics Team remember way back when there were only 10 swimmers on the team?

10 SUMMER SPORTS TRAINING SCHEDULE Start Dates, Times, Locations subject to change. Please contact coach to confirm your participation and that the information has not changed prior to listed start date. GOLF ROLLER SKATING SOCCER SOFTBALL VOLLEYBALL SEASON March - Oct. Starting in June Starting beginning of August Through 6/25 Starting mid- July DAY Sundays & Wednesdays Wednesdays through November Sundays Wednesdays Mondays TIME Sun: 2:00 PM Wed: 4:00 PM 6:30 to 8 PM 3:00 PM to 5 PM 6:30 to 8 PM 6:30 PM to 8 PM WHERE Bethlehem Executive 9 hole course Whitehall Skate Away Hanover Twp Fields Northeast Middle School Bethlehem Twp (tentative) ADDRESS COACH 400 Illicks Mill Road, Bethlehem Ron Lewis (610) Lehigh St, Whitehall, PA Amanda Kunkleman mandylyn717@ gmail.com Field 2, Harriet Ln. & Crawford Dr., Bethlehem Donna Boyle mamasroom@enter.net 1170 Fernwood St Bethlehem Donna Boyle mamasroom@enter.net Bob Sehee bso.sehee@gmail.com Bethlehem Special Olympics Management Team 2900 Farmersville Rd Bethlehem Amanda Sehee Sehee1@rcn.com Alice Moat Manager manager@bethlehemsopa.org Bob Sehee Asst. Manager bso.sehee@gmail.com Barbara Bonner Secretary b.bonner@att.net Tom Ehrlacher Database Coordinator tjehrlacher@yahoo.com Fred Knauss Competition Coordinator competition@bethlehemsopa.org Deb Kocher Treasurer treasurer@bethlehemsopa.org Steve Kucey Athlete Representative Mandy Kunkleman Training Coordinator mandylyn717@gmail.com Emily Mulicka Athlete Rep Mentor basketball@bethlehemsopa.org Sue Reddinger Fundraising Coordinator ladydragon@aim.com Jose Talavera PR Coordinator josetalav1@verizon.net Maria Talavera Family Coordinator Louise Tusak Special Events Coordinator pingirons@verizon.net Pete Wilson Website Coordinator webmaster@bethlehemsopa.org Open Volunteer Coordinator Open Outreach Coordinator VOLUNTEERS NEEDED There are additional openings on the Management Team and on management team subcommittees. If interested, contact Bob Sehee, Acting Volunteer Coordinator, or Alice Moat, Manager. page 10

11 SPRING PICTURES!

OATH Let me win, but if I cannot win, Let me be brave in the attempt!

12 BETHLEHEM CITY NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lehigh Valley, PA PERMIT NO 492 PO Box 536 Bethlehem, PA MAIL TO: CURRENT RESIDENT OR Bethlehem Special Olympics PO Box 536 Bethlehem, PA SPECIAL OLYMPICS OATH Let me win, but if I cannot win, Let me be brave in the attempt! The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Created by The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation. Authorized and Accredited by Special Olympics International for the Benefit of Citizens with Intellectual Disabilities

Thank You Ciocca Subaru

Thank You Ciocca Subaru June 2018 Bethlehem Special Olympics PO Box 536 Bethlehem, PA 18016-0536 Phone: 610-264-3616 www.bethlehemsopa.org IN THIS ISSUE REMINDER: BSO PICNIC JUNE 24 PLEASE remember to RSVP using form on page