C ENTER OF HOPE. C of H. Special Olympics Summer/Fall 11. A Division of SWCARC, Inc. Center of Hope

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1 C ENTER OF HOPE Special Olympics Summer/Fall 11 C of H A Division of SWCARC, Inc. Center of Hope

2 Dear Program Members, Families and Friends, The Center of Hope Recreational Program is gearing up for another busy year. With the large growth over the past several years, this once small agency provided program has become an active program for all athletes that wish to participate. Since the Center of Hope started running a recreation program more than 23 years ago it has always been a free program that was offered. The Center of Hope works very hard to raise the funds that support these programs. Over the past year funds raised during such events as the Family Festival, 3rd Annual Poker Run, 2nd Annual Golf Tournament and fundraising efforts through Tom Wat have helped provided vital funds needed. We ask that all athletes and their families if applicable assist us in one of our fundraising activities. This year we are adding a new event An Invitational Softball Tournament and Worcester Tornadoes Game as a new fun fundraiser. Please see the events fundraiser page to support your local Special Olympics Program. It is very important that those who wish to participate in the Recreational Program also help to raise funds for the program. As with many other organizations and team sports we are asking that each athlete shows their support by attending one or two events that will directly benefit the Recreational Program and participate in the sales-oriented fundraising efforts. In the Recreational Program Book is general information regarding the program, forms that must be completed prior to participation, a brief description of the sports offered in the Summer and Fall of We hope that all of our athletes will once again return this year and help the Center of Hope continue to grow its Recreational Program. Sincerely, Rachel Reyes and Ryan Thompson Special Olympics Coordinators rrereys@thecenterofhope.org or rthompson@thecenterofhope.org

3 Year Round Program Descriptions TRACK & FIELD Starting in the beginning of April, those who have signed up to participate in Track & Field will be transported weekly to Bentley Athletic Complex in Woodstock, Conn. for practice. Athletes will select one track event and one field event to participate in. In May athletes will attend State Qualifiers for the purpose of grouping athletes in the division that best suits their ability. This event is held on a Saturday or Sunday in May prior to State Games in June. Athletes are selected to attend State Games, a weekend-long event, by the Special Olympics committee. POWERLIFTING Team Triple S is the Recreational Program s newest sport. Each athlete will participate in a weekly practice offered on Thursday to meet work schedule needs at the YMCA in Southbridge (during program) for one hour. With the assistance of two coaches, the athletes will work on three lifts: bench press, dead lift and the squat, based on athlete ability. Each athlete is responsible for purchasing singlet and gloves, required for participation. UNIFIED SOFTBALL The Recreation Program offers three unified Softball Teams. A unified team combines athletes with volunteers without intellectual disabilities (partners). This is a slow-pitch softball game. Try-outs for Softball are held in May and team determination completed by June. Being a part of a softball team requires athletes to attend weekly practice, Qualifiers and the State Games. Qualifiers are held on a Saturday July 16th. The purpose of Qualifiers is to place teams in the division that matches their ability. State Games are a weekend-long event held on August 13th and 14th with each team playing several games against other teams in their division. FISHING Team Hook, Line and Sinker beings practicing in June at Westville Dam. Each athlete should bring their own fishing pole to practice. Athletes will compete with other teams at Quabbin Reservoir on August 13th and 14th. SENIOR SPORTS Senior Sports is available to athletes 40 and over and includes race walking, horseshoes and Bocce. There are also Assisted Walk Events and Wheelchair races. Athletes compete on the Cape the weekend of October 15 and 16. The program begins in August. CHEER LEADING Beginning in July 2011, the Center of Hope will be adding Cheerleading. This program will run weekly throughout the summer and into the fall. Athletes will learn routines and will demonstrate their skills at Gillette Stadium on November 14th. UNIFIED FLAG FOOTBALL Beginning in August 2011, the Center of Hope will be adding Unified Flag Football Teams. This non-contact football program is a Unified Sport. The program will culminate with the State games on November 14th at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. UNIFIED BASKETBALL Beginning in January, 2012, the Center will offer Unified Basketball. Practice is held weekly and all teams compete at a regional qualifier in February and the State Games in March, which is an overnight weekend.

4 Center of Hope Recreational Program Packing for State Game Weekends The following is a suggested list of items to bring while attending a weekend-long event. Please pack all your items in a soft duffle bag, no hard suitcase. Make sure your name is on the outside of the bag! Team Attire Track & Field - Team T-shirt Fishing - Team T-shirt Softball - uniform (pants, shirt, socks, hat) Softball only - If you have your own gear, carry that in a separate bag. Basketball - Uniform, sneakers Personal Care Items Shampoo Soap Toothbrush, Floss and Toothpaste Brush Deodorant and other personal care items Sunscreen and Bug Spray Clothing Sneakers/Cleats and extra pair of sneakers or sandals 5 Pairs of Underwear 5 Pairs of Socks Nice Outfit for Dinner Dance Shorts and Special Olympic T-Shirt for Opening Ceremonies Shorts and T-Shirt for ride home 2 Pairs Pajamas Bathing Suit (if pool is available) If bad weather is predicted: Pants windbreaker weather appropriate clothing While At State Games: Room (When not at a hotel) 2 twin bed top sheets, extra long Pillow Light blanket Bath Towels You may bring a small fan, small radio or walkman for your room. Medication If you take medication you need to complete the enclosed medication form and pack medication for Friday Night, Saturday and Sunday. Forms need to be provided the Monday before weekend games. Athletes need to bring $25.00 for spending money. Typically, we stop for lunch and/or dinner prior to arriving at the State Games, There are also items for sale at Olympic Town, so if athletes wish to bring additional money for t-shirts and souvenirs they may do so. The Center will provide drinks and snacks at the games and Massachusetts Special Olympics will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner Saturday and Breakfast and lunch on Sunday. All other meals are the responsibility of the athletes.

5 General Information Practice Cancellation: If practice needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather all athletes will be notified by 2:00 p.m. The Therapeutic Recreational Director will make that call and all program locations will be alerted prior to PM transportation. Please refrain from calling during the day or asking Center of Hope employees whether practice is occurring. Softball team members should always plan on practice whether it is raining in the morning or not. Qualifiers: Certain sports participate in Qualifiers prior to the weekend-long games. You must participate in the Qualifier to go to the State Games. State Games: Many of the State games are overnight weekends. Athletes must be able to stay in a room with a roommate and need only minimal staff supports. Individuals who require more assistance can bring a family member/staff/one to one. Arrangements for this must be made prior to the closing of registration for that sport so that beds are available. Transportation: Center of Hope Recreational Program will provide all athletes with transportation from the Center of Hope to the practice field. Athletes should have a ride home from practice. If this is a hardship, it is possible that we can help you, but you need to let us know this prior to the start of the program Fundraising: The Center of Hope does not charge any fee for participation in its Special Olympics Program, however we do ask that all athletes assist with our fundraising events. The following fundraising events are dedicated to Special Olympics. Please plan to attend/volunteer at, sell tickets for/sell items for: The Spring Fling - Semi-Formal Dance on May 22, The Mill, Southbridge Ma. 3pm-7pm sponsored by The Mill and Annie s Country Kitchen The Poker Run - A Motorcycle Run on July 17, the Sponsored by the Central Mass. Gate Keepers The Golf Tournament - A Golf Tournament held at Heritage Country Club held on August 17th Worcester Tornadoes Night Special Olympics Invitational Tournament, August 27th, Tickets for $30 includes all you can eat buffet, softball invitational tickets and tickets to the Tornadoes and Quebec Game The Gobble Gobble Road Race Our annual road race in Southbridge Ma is held on November 20th The Annual Snow Ball- a Semi-Formal Dance in February at The Mill, Southbridge Ma. sponsored by The Mill and Annie s Country Kitchen Country for a Cause -Susan Jayne and Michael David and the Help Wanted Band host a benefit concert each spring to support our Special Olympics Program Sales Programs: Tom Watts, Candle Sales, Calendar of Raffles, 2012 Women of Hope Calendars

6 Center of Hope Recreational Program Registration Form Summer /Fall 2011 I would like to sign up for the following sporting event(s) SOFTBALL Team placement will be determined based on athletic ability. FISHING CHEERLEADING FLAG FOOTBALL SENIOR SPORTS Name: Address: City/Zip: Phone: Cell: E:mail: Emergency Contact: Phone: How can we contact you if practice is cancelled : Will need COH Transportation from Center of Hope to Practice YES NO The Center of Hope Recreational Program has my permission (both during participation and anytime thereafter) to use my/my child s/individual in my care likeness, name, voice and words in television, radio, film, newspaper, magazines, and any other media, and in any form, for the purpose of advertising or communicating the purpose and activities of the Center of Hope Recreational Program. Signature of athlete/parent/caregiver: Date: / /

7 E MERGENCY INFORMATION SHEET This is to be turned in a week before the first day of practice. Name: Address: Phone # Emergency Contact Person: Emergency Contact #: Known Allergies: Medications: Medication Dose Time to be taken Any other Pertinent Information the coaches should know about you

8 Partners and Coaches Wanted!!! If you would like to make a difference in people s lives and have a great time while doing so, become a Special Olympics Volunteer. We are currently seeking Partners and Coaches for the following programs: Softball Fishing Senior Sports Cheerleading Flag Football Please note: Assistant Coaches can participate in the sport. Head Coaches must be willing to be certified in the sport. Partners need to be dedicated and come regularly to practice. Please contact Ryan or Rachel for more information and to volunteer! C of H SWCARC, Inc. Center of Hope PO Box 66 1oo Foster Street Southbridge, Massachusetts