Recognition


A Valued Volunteer, Michelle Shores

Thursday, December 20, 2012 Comments Off by khorvath

Volunteers with Special Olympics (SOVA) sometimes help a few hours here and there, and sometimes volunteer many hours each month and all volunteers are deeply appreciated. SOVA Area 6 is blessed to have many volunteers with many talents who volunteer many hours. We would like to recognize one such volunteer who was recently recognized in her ‘other’ full-time job. Michelle Shores is a board member of SOVA Area 6, our Fund Raising Director, a big supporter of her brother Tony who has Down Syndrome AND a full-time Nurse. Not only is she a nurse, she has recently been recognized by the March of Dimes in the top ten for the Nurse of the Year Award for 2012.

Michelle was nominated for the Nurse of the Year Award by Karin Koch, the Chesterfield Community Local Coordinator for SOVA Area 6. She was recognized in the top 10 for her group out of hundreds of awards applicants. Michelle would like to thank Karin Koch and her Dad, Kenny Cade for their wonderful nominations and would also like to thank everyone who voted for her. She believes that without the support of her Special Olympics family, her values and determination in life would not be the same.

Growing up Michelle thought she wanted to be a teacher because she knew she wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. After graduating from high school she saw a commercial for nursing and from that moment on she knew that she was meant to become a nurse. Having a brother with Down Syndrome and going to many events where there were kids with intellectual disabilities made her realize that just one person can make a difference. Nursing to Michelle is not just a job or a career, it’s an adventure, a continuous learning process that she approaches bravely each day, in search of life changing events and miracles. Touching the lives of others is something she enjoys doing daily, whether the help she provides is of great measure or remains unnoticed. The pride she holds in saying, “I’m a nurse” is immeasurable.

Michelle Shores with brother Tony, Mom and Dad and boyfriend Tim

Michelle Shores with brother Tony, Mom and Dad and boyfriend Tim

Michelle and her mother Tracy Cade have been very active in Special Olympics in the Richmond area. Michelle’s brother Tony, one of our very active Athletes, competes in many of the athletic sports offered by SOVA Area 6 and Michelle and Tracy are tireless volunteers wherever and whenever needed. Without volunteers like Michelle and Tracy and many others, our Athletes would not have the ability to play in so many sports, staying active, making friends and learning to compete with grace. Volunteering with Special Olympics is one way to make a difference in this world. Thank you Michelle and Tracy! And congratulations Michelle in doing a great job both in nursing and Special Olympics!

Majorie Loya – Our Very Own Coach Extradinaire

Friday, June 8, 2012 Comments Off by khorvath

This past week Majorie Loya, our Chesterfield Schools Local Coordinator and Coach for our youngest Athletes, was recognized in the Richmond Times Dispatch for her dedication and  hard work in providing access to athletic events for students with intellectual disabilities in the Chesterfield area.

Michael Marretti, the parent of a Special Olympics athlete and coordinator for the program in Chesterfield, New Kent, Goochland, Amelia and Powhatan counties, and West Point, said “She’s an exceptional woman. She has the skill set and the desire to work with people of varying levels of ability.”

Majorie is a teacher of students with Intellectual Disabilities at Salem Church Middle School. Her desire to better the lives of students with intellectual disabilities and their families has driven her to coach student Athletes for over 30 years. She is a priceless volunteer of the Special Olympics Area 6 program and exemplifies the true volunteer spirit that makes our programs possible.

Select here to read the entire article in the Richmond Times Dispatch.

Special Olympics Virginia Area 6 Receives $5,000.00 Grant From UPS Foundation

Sunday, October 2, 2011 Comments Off by khorvath

The UPS Foundation, the Charitable arm of UPS (NYSE:UPS) has made a $5000 grant to Special Olympics Virginia Area 6.

The grant will be used to provide funds for the Special Olympics Virginia Area 6 Basketball program. The basketball program accommodates approximately 240 special needs athletes and is scheduled to offer five tournaments over a four-month training program. The highlight event for the athletes will be the “Manchester Basketball Tournament” expected to host almost 20 Special Olympics Basketball Teams.

Establshed in 1951 and based in Atlanta, GA The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: non profit effectiveness, economic & global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability. In 2010, the UPS foundation distributed more than $44.6 million worldwide through grants that benefit organization and programs such as Special Olympics Virginia Area 6 who’s efforts provide support for building stronger communities. The UPS Foundation is committed to funding impactful programs that make a meaningful difference in our communities – we are proud to support Special Olympics Virginia Area 6’s, said Ken Sternad, president of The UPS Foundation.

Special Olympics Virginia (www.specialolympicsva.org), created by The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, is a year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Area 6 Special Olympics serves approximately 1,500 athletes in the Richmond Metro Area including Amelia, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan, New Kent and West Point.  For further information, contact Michael J. Marretti at (804) 370-5926, mjmarr@aol.com or Tina Andes at (804) 726-3032, (800) 932.4653, tandes@specialolympicsva.org. Special Olympics Virginia serves more than 10,000 athletes through seven regional offices and 30 area programs. Special Olympics Virginia is one of 52 U.S. programs, and part of a global movement that serves more than 3.7 million athletes in more than 170 counties.

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Special Olympics Virginia Inc. * 3212 Skipwith Rd., Suite 100 * Richmond, Virginia 23294 * (804) 346-5544

Created by The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation for the Benefit of Persons with Mental Retardation

World’s Largest Truck Convoy Benefits Special Olympics

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 Comments Off by khorvath

The state police helped SOVA organize the World’s Largest Truck Convoy Saturday, September 17 to benefit Special Olympics Virginia. The day’s highlight took place when truck drivers from all around VA participated in a procession of trucks down Rt. 95 into the Richmond area, beginning and ending at the Meadow Event Park (Home to the State Fair of Virginia).

William Crockett, an Athlete from Area 6 meets a participating truck driver

William Crockett of SOVA Area 6 meets a Coke truck driver after the Convoy

Athletes were present to welcome the drivers as they returned from the convoy, and fun activities were enjoyed by event volunteers and athletes while the trucks were on the road. The day culminated with a lunch where drivers and athletes came together for a Special Olympics celebration.

Another Athlete meets another Driver

Stephanie Klett of SOVA Area 6 meets a Coke truck driver after the Convoy

It was a great opportunity for Athletes to meet the drivers and see their awesome trucks up close. Pictured here are William Crockett and Stephanie Klett from Area 6 meeting drivers that participated in the event.