This blog was originally published on Matthew Mann's website here.
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Special Olympics Pennsylvania (“SOPA”), a branch of the much larger global Special Olympics movement, provides venues for athletes with special challenges to enjoy the benefits offered by participating in competitive sporting events. The organization serves an estimated 20,000 athletes in the state of Pennsylvania. It furnishes free training and frequent events. Several upcoming activities will interest athletes and volunteers this month. Watch for emails concerning training calls!
SOPA maintains a busy winter schedule. Yet during the period between Thanksgiving and the arrival of the New Year the pace slows somewhat as everyone turns their attention towards the holiday season. This happy time provides opportunities to train volunteers and raise funds for upcoming activities:
Make a Splash This Month!
On Friday, December 1st, the organization will sponsor a fundraising “Polar Plunge” at Drexel University in Philadelphia. SOPA currently accepts registrations for this upcoming event. Volunteers can test their willingness to dive into a pool of cold water in order to raise funds for SOPA.
Conducted at the Recreation Center at 3301 Market Street on campus, the event lasts from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Last year, this well-attended fundraiser collected an impressive $100,000 for the Special Olympics. It will include four separate plunge categories: Cool Schools for high school students in SOPA’s Interscholastic Unified Sports Program (9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.); Power Lunch for interested business executives (12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.); and Public and University for members of the general public and anyone affiliated with Drexel University (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.). SOPA conducts Polar Plunges at nine separate locations around the State of Pennsylvania during the course of the year.
Develop Your Bowling Skills
You can also register to participate in Bowling Skills Training conducted on Saturday, December 2nd in Bethlehem, PA. This event occurs from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Town & Country Lanes on Stefko Boulevard. It provides an opportunity to develop better bowling skills. Have fun and socialize with other SOPA supporters!
The athletes who enter SOPA competitions frequently face the challenge of living with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Their participation in Special Olympics events offers them a chance to showcase their capabilities without prejudice, and to enjoy the camaraderie and applause of others. None of our activities could occur without the generous support of volunteers!
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