The 32 Sports of Special Olympics

FACEBOOK TRIVIA ANSWER– from our question posted on Monday, December 19th:

Thank you to all of you who posted your answers on our Facebook page!

The correct answer is – Special Olympics offers over 32 Olympic-style individual and team sports that provide meaningful training and competition opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.

These are the sports represented worldwide, and each Program offers a variety of these sports to their athletes. For example, one Program may offer bowling and basketball, while another may offer swimming, equestrian, tennis and volleyball – or another figure skating, alpine skiing and snowshoeing – each Special Olympics Program is unique in the sports that they offer throughout the year – and in the competitions and tournament schedules that they hold.

Here is the list of sports – it’s pretty amazing!

1. Alpine Skiing
2. Aquatics
3. Athletics (Track & Field)
4. Badminton
5. Basketball
6. Bocce
7. Bowling
8. Cricket
9. Cross-Country Skiing
10. Cycling
11. Equestrian
12. Figure Skating
13. Floorball
14. Floor Hockey
15. Football (Soccer)
16. Golf
17. Gymnastics (Rhythmic)
18. Gymnastic (Artistic)
19. Handball
20. Judo
21. Kayaking
22. Powerlifting
23. Roller Skating
24. Sailing
25. Softball
26. Speed Skating
27. Snowboarding
28. Snowshoeing
29. Swimming
30. Table Tennis
31. Tennis
32. Volleyball

Coffee Talk with the Special Olympics Family

There is an unbelievable community – knitters and crocheters from across the country – that all come together to support the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project each year. Yes – we’re talking about you! We have been overwhelmed the past few years with your generosity and caring spirit for the athletes and the Special Olympics movement as a whole.

From beginners to the vastly experienced, young and old, near and far – the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project has brought together an incredible circle of support and we feel lucky to get to know all of you through your Facebook posts and comments on our blog.

This is your turn to get to know the athletes and members of the Special Olympics family a little better if you like. We try to provide tidbits here and there through our Weekly Trivia on Facebook and through our blog, to help educate our friends of the USA Scarf Project about how Special Olympics supports the intellectually disabled population, along with information about their various programs and events across the United States and worldwide.

Here’s where the coffee talk comes in! We invite you through this blog post to send us your questions! You can pose your questions to the athletes, families, volunteers, sponsors and/or program directors – and we’ll do our best to find some answers and feedback for you! Your questions can be about anything and we’ll answer as many as we can. Simply post your question as a “comment” on this blog post – and we’ll look to post the answers in our January 13th blog.

In the meantime – I wanted to share a photo posted by Shannon Margetanski Paugh on our Facebook page – of a scarf she has knit for Special Olympics New York. She has incorporated the various attributes of Special Olympics and so many things that the organization stands for. Thank you Shannon for this special work of art.

Be A Fan Scarf by Shannon Margetanski Paugh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FACEBOOK TRIVIA ANSWER– from our question posted on Monday, December 5th:

Thank you to all of you who posted your answers on our Facebook page!

The correct answer is – It was in 1988! In 1988, the U.S. Olympic Committee gave Special Olympics official approval to use the name “Olympics.”

And the countdown begins to all Special Olympics State Winter Games & Competitions

In just over two weeks, the first of the Special Olympics State Winter Games will kick off in Illinois!

And while Special Olympics Illinois has already reached their goal to receive 425 scarves, there are 39 Programs with deadlines between early January and early March that will be watching their mailboxes daily to welcome the homemade gifts you are all so kindly contributing for their athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and supporters in each participating state.

The scarves are starting to arrive across the USA at the different Programs, and if they all meet their goals, there will be over 41,000 members of the Special Olympics family wrapped in the love and encouragement you have sent through these beautiful scarves. It is a true symbol of unity and support for these incredible athletes and all who are a part of the Special Olympics movement.

We have set up a page on our website that allows you to sort the different participating Program deadlines in alphabetical order by state, or in chronological order by deadline date. You can find that page here: USA Scarf Project Program Deadlines

You can also see how many scarves each Program is hoping to receive, and as we receive reports from each Program, we update how many they have received so far. Program goals vary anywhere from 300 to over 3,000 – depending on how large their Programs are and the size of their State Winter Games, Tournaments and Competitions where they will be distributing their scarves.

We have a long way to go, so we encourage you to start sending in your scarves when you can and to please help us spread the word to your friends, family members, co-workers, neighbors – whoever you think might have it in their heart to knit or crochet a scarf for Special Olympics! You can find all the details you need at 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project.

 

FACEBOOK TRIVIA ANSWER– from our question posted on Monday, November 28th:

Thank you to all of you who posted your answers on our Facebook page!

The correct answer is – Nelson Mandela, a former President of South Africa, in a letter paying tribute to Eunice Kennedy Shriver after her death on August 11, 2009 said “Her voice will echo each time the oath is recited, her fire will burn each time the flame is lit and her legacy will live and grow through every athlete in every competition, daily, around the world.”

Guest Blog Post: Kathy North Designs Peak-to-Peak Scarf for Special Olympics USA Scarf Project – Featured in Love of Knitting Magazine

Knitting and crocheting scarves to donate to the Special Olympics has been a favorite activity of mine for the past few years. After making some scarves for the 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project, I posted photos in several online venues, including the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project Facebook page.

To my surprise, a short time later I received an inquiry from Heather, Creator & Manager of the USA Scarf Project, about the possibility of designing a custom scarf pattern for a project she was coordinating. Of course I said “Yes” to the opportunity, even though at that point I wasn’t quite sure of the details or what I was getting myself into! No worries, though. We corresponded via email and collaborated on an idea to fit the following parameters: it needed to follow the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project guidelines using two designated Red Heart yarn colors for the 2012 project (red and navy), measure 6″ x 54″-60″, be of an easy skill level, be enjoyable to knit, and yet be “something unique.”

As I pondered ideas for a scarf, I first thought about the Special Olympics athletes themselves and what they have overcome to reach their goal of participating in the Special Olympics. A few years ago while attending a baseball game at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado there was a pre-game parade of Special Olympics athletes, each wearing a handmade scarf in that year’s colors (blue and white). Since I had donated scarves that year, it was an emotional moment to observe the athletes walking around the field waving to the crowd, to a thunderous standing ovation. The memory of that inspirational sight remains even today. Since I live in Colorado with a view of the majestic Rocky Mountains, that inspirational sight also worked its way into my subconscious and eventually became the theme for this design.

The stories of Special Olympics athletes are an inspiration, so this scarf is a celebration of their achievements. They have overcome obstacles and climbed mountains on their way to reaching the peak of accomplishment that is the goal.

In addition to the mountain peak theme, I chose to incorporate an emblem of the generous sponsor, Red Heart Yarns. The panel with a red heart represents the love and support shown not only by the providers of yarn and patterns, but also the thousands of stitches worked with caring hands by participating knitters and crocheters. A corresponding panel includes the year to commemorate the 2012 event.

Like the athletes, I hope this pattern has attained its goal. May it provide some hours of interest and stitching enjoyment as you knit for a very special cause, knowing that the gift of your handiwork will be appreciated. It will be a spectacular sight to see when the athletes gather together decked out in their red and navy scarves of celebration.

And thank you, Heather, for inviting me to participate in this creative endeavor!

Sincerely,

Kathy North, Designs by KN

Designs by KN

 

FACEBOOK TRIVIA ANSWER– from our question posted on Monday, November 21st:

Thank you to all of you who posted your answers on our Facebook page!

The correct answer is – Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon helped launch the Law Enforcement Torch Run in 1981 because he saw an urgent need to increase awareness of Special Olympics. The Torch Run is now the movement’s largest grassroots fundraiser, raising $30 million annually.

Fibres, Threads, Yarns & Skeins!

It’s amazing to think that as we knit and crochet these incredible gifts of encouragement for the 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project, that they initially start as little fibres, finding their way into threads and then spun into yarns and then… well – my intention was to provide an overview of how yarn is made – and how it comes to be the skeins in your “stashes.”

But being overwhelmed through my research with the varieties of fibres, processes, yarns, dye techniques, weights and gauges – I thought it might be most appropriate to share a video from our national sponsor at Red Heart Yarns – so you could see first-hand how the yarns you are using are actually made.

How Red Heart Yarn is Made

Thank you to Kathy Kraftyzales for this photo too – showing the Official Colors for this year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FACEBOOK TRIVIA ANSWER– from our question posted on Monday, November 14th:

Thank you to all of you who posted your answers on our Facebook page!

The correct answer is – The CBS, ABC and NBC national television affiliates televised the first International Special Olympics Winter Games in 1977!

Ask the Athletes

In mid-October, we put a call out to knitters and crocheters, for questions YOU would like to see answered by Special Olympics athletes. We took three of these questions and sent them to our Programs to see what their athletes had to say. We are lucky enough to share not only just their answers with you, but also a little bit more about the athletes themselves!

The three questions were:

1. What is your favorite part, or what excites you most, about participating in the Special Olympics Games?
2. Is there a professional athlete that inspires you?
3. What would you like to say to the knitters and crocheters who make and send scarves for the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project?

Now… it’s time to meet the athletes and see what they had to say!

Adam Domino, Special Olympics Wisconsin

“I like participating in Special Olympics because it is fun and I get to make friends. I get to train and compete in sports and this is something I might not otherwise be able to do. My favorite sport is bowling.”

“Aaron Rogers inspires me because he is a cool quarterback for the Packers!”

“Thank you for supporting the Special Olympics athletes by making scarves for us. I appreciate all of the time you put into this project. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.”

Adam’s Bio:

Adam has been in Special Olympics for nearly 20 years.  He started out as a young, quiet athlete and has grown into an athlete who has had many doors open for him.  Not only has he had the opportunity to train and compete, but he also serves on SOWI’s Athlete Input Council, helps promote the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, and has been named Athlete of the Year in the past. Adam participates in bowling, swimming, and bocce.

Being in Special Olympics has changed his life in a way that you could not even imagine.  Just having the opportunity to train and compete in the sports that he enjoys participating in, being exposed to public speaking, and serving on the ALPS Council has opened up a whole new world; it’s nice to be accepted and not teased all the time.  He would not have grown into the young adult he has become if he were not in Special Olympics.

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Annie Tane (right), Special Olympics North Carolina

“I don’t have a “favorite” thing..I like every part of Special Olympics.  I like being with friends, meeting new friends, and the competitions,  the travel, and the dances and all the different stuff that Special Olympics offers.  One fun thing my basketball coach always does is joke around with us—he’ll tell us “Oh I forgot your uniforms—you all will just have to play in your underwear!”  –We all know he’s just playing around but it makes us laugh and takes off the pressure of the game…we’ve actually heard it so many times now –we say “Coach Steve come on!”  Our team loves to joke around and laugh together… I guess that is one of my favorite parts about Special Olympics.”

“I don’t have a favorite athlete that inspires me but if it’s okay to say I do have a team that is my favorite….. and that’s the UNC Tar Heels! The (Men’s & Women’s) basketball teams have helped Special Olympics a lot letting us play at halftime of games and also by holding the clinic! The soccer team also helps us with clinics and stuff.  My Special Olympics local coordinator has told me they (UNC) even has allowed us to use their soccer fields for practices and some of the volunteers that we have are people from UNC.”

“This question I wanted to put a lot of thought into…I want to tell them we appreciate all you do for Special Olympics  and helping us keep warm  We really love your work! The scarves are sooo pretty!  “

Annie’s Bio:

Annie Tane, of Chapel Hill, NC has been involved with Special Olympics since 1999.  She has competed in basketball, bocce and softball.

Annie graduated from East Chapel Hill High School in 2004.  She is employed by Whole Food Grocery and enjoys working the butter bar.  In her free time, Annie volunteers at a local hospital.  She also enjoys cooking and singing.

Annie is as a Global Messenger for Special Olympics North Carolina.  As a Global Messenger, she is trained to give public speeches in order to generate funds and awareness for the Program as well as recruit athletes and volunteers.

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Angie DAmico, Special Olympics Connecticut

“My favorite part of Special Olympics is meeting new people.   I like participating in Special Olympics games because  our hard work in practices come together as a team and we work together as a team too.”

“My professional athlete is Kristine Lilly and Mia Hamm.”

“I would like to say thank you. It is very nice of them to make the scarves for Special Olympics.”

Angie’s Bio:

Angie has been involved in Special Olympics Connecticut for 8 years.  The sports she competes in are soccer, volleyball, cross-country running, golf and basketball. She wanted to become a Global Messenger so that she could teach athletes and other people to understand what the program is about.   Special Olympics means a lot to her because she knows that she can make a difference to change people’s lives.

Angie is from Cheshire, Connecticut and works at the Cheshire Stop and Shop. She loves spending time with her family, friends and dog Raven. She likes to run on her own, and also likes to watch TV, talk on the phone, and go shopping.

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Mike Hedrick, Special Olympics Connecticut

“When I first started in Special Olympics Professional Golfer Fred Couples inspired me because I can hit a golf ball “a country mile.” Now it’s The Golden Bear Jack Nickalus and Tiger Woods who inspire me the most. To the people who are designing the scarf I’m sure it will look awesome and I can’t thank you enough for making them.”

Thank you,

Mike Hedrick

Mike’s Bio:

Mike is from Trumbull, Connecticut and his sports are track, golf and bowling. In golf I won 5 five state tournaments, in which 3 of them were in a row.  I have also won 3 national tournaments including a final round of 88 last year in Iowa.  In bowling I have won 3 state tournaments in which 2 of them were back to back.  In track I have too many medals that I’ve lost count.

Special Olympics to me is a place to go have fun, meet new people, enjoy the thrill of competition and be with those who treat us like normal people and for what we can do. I also serve as a Global Messenger for Special Olympics.

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John M. Brillante Jr. (right), Special Olympics Connecticut

“My favorite part is Skiing.  I have been a Special Olympics Skier since 1993, and have always enjoyed it.  Each year gives new challenges with the different hills and you have to make adjustments according to the weather.  If it rains, you have to be aware of the puddles and get to know the mountain as quickly as possible.  I like skiing because I meet a lot of people and I help them get up on their skis if they need it.”

“Wayne Gretzky started playing hockey as a young boy.  He has been an inspiration to me for years because I am a huge hockey fan and he is still known as the greatest player of all time.  He started the Wayne Gretzky Foundation that helps disadvantaged young people play hockey.  He is a talented man and helps others every chance he can.  Wayne Gretzky inspires me to be a better Special Olympics athlete.”

“Your doing a great job and keep up the good work.  The athletes and their families appreciate the hard work and love that goes into each scarf.”

John’s Bio:

John Brillante Jr. is the oldest of five children and currently works as a Waste-handler Technician at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven.  He also volunteers about 10 hours a week in the Day Care Center at the hospital.  John has competed in numerous sports during his 15 years of Special Olympic participation.  These include skiing, track and field, bowling, volley ball, swimming and power lifting; he currently participates in skiing and power lifting.  During competition, John works hard and constantly struggles to beat his previous records.  For him, it is not about winning, and even if he does not beat his best times or weight records, he always has fun and enjoys all the people, athletes and supporters alike. One special memory was when John participated in the 1995 World Games here in New Haven.

He has been a Global Messenger for the past 4 years and in that time has had the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Special Olympics at numerous functions including fund raisers, companies’ volunteer informational meetings, and the Knights of Columbus National Convention where he spoke in front of about 200 people.  During those speeches he tells people about Special Olympic events, and thanks them for their support; he explains how their generosity helps him and the other Special Olympians strive to be their best.  He has also worked other facets of the Special Olympics including opening ceremonies and presentations of awards to sponsors.

John always says, “The Special Olympics is a great place to meet new people as well as hang out with old friends.”

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Daniel Widing, Special Olympics Connecticut

“We support coaches, athletes, special partners doing this together and we play together, support one another. We support the teammates and friends with very good sportsmanship and we support special olympics. I care about special olympics. we show our team spirit.”

“I like Ray Bourque, Boston Bruins hockey team.  He was on the ice hockey team and he played well played fair with a team.  He plays hard. I follow his team and I know all the teammates. He did great out there.  He loves to play with his team and he cares about the team.  I follow him and his team.  He knows all about it, being on a team,  and he is very proud of his Boston Bruins jersey.  He knows all about hockey sports and he was professional hockey athlete. He is passing the puck with his team. He did great and had fun.  Everybody cheered and we love it, Boston Bruins. That’s why I care and I follow Boston Bruins.  I am a big fan of him and his team. I care about Boston Bruins.  They play together.  Boston Bruins are my hockey men.”

“I like Tim Brady New England Patriots football team.   I follow the New England Patriots. I love Tim Brady. He was my favorite quarterback. He was professional athlete. He knows all about football games. He loves it. What I know about the football team New England Patriots – he throws the football. He loves sports and playing with his team and he cares. He is from New England I think his family comes from New England, and I am a big fan of the Patriots, and the cheerleaders of the New England Patriots.  We cheer the New England patriots on the football field and he plays hard and plays well and wears the football uniform and football helmet.  New England Patriots are my football men. They play as a team.”

“I want to say thank you for the scarf. Thank you very much. We love it. I am very proud of all of you who made the scarf project.”

Dan’s Bio:

I am Daniel Widing, and I live in Avon. I am in the Farmington Valley Special Olympics program. I started in Delaware when I was 8. Then I was in West Hartford.

Special Olympics Connecticut is a big part of my life. I have so many friends in Special Olympics. My friends and coaches are really another family for me, and families help each other.

In Special Olympics, I learn sports and play hard for my teams. I especially like Unified Sports, where Partners join the Athletes on the teams. At Special Olympics, I learn to be responsible and that helps me at my work and where I live. I have lots of medals and ribbons that are all over my room.

Most important to me is good sportsmanship. We learn to keep trying, and to show that we are good sports, even if we do not win. In 2006, I was given a Special Olympics Spirit of Life Award which I am very proud of that.

I work at the Big Y Supermarket in Avon as chief bagger. I have been there for 10 years. A customer in 1997 nominated me for the Outstanding Young Adult award, by the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress.

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And from Special Olympics Illinois – 14 athletes sent in answers to the questions!

Gerry Meyer, Orland Park, Illinois:

1. The thing that excites me about participating in Special Olympics is being around people I know and trying to help other athletes like myself.

2. Brandt Snedeker , because he is a good golfer and friend.

3. Whoever came up with the idea: Super job. Keep up the good work and always remember knit one, pearl two. I hope the 2012 knitting season will be just as successful. Good luck and keep knitting!

Jessica Swietek, Peru, Illinois:

1.  Traveling and making new friends

2.  Sammy Sosa, former Chicago Cubs player

3.  I really appreciate the time and work you are doing for Special Olympics and would like you to come and enjoy the games with us – it is a great time for all!

Ryan Murray, Villa Park, Illinois

1. The thing that I look forward to when attending a competition is the opportunity to hang out with teammates and to demonstrate the hard work that I put into for a competition in front of many people. Competing against other athletes for the chance to win a gold medal is very thrilling to me as well.

2. The athlete that inspires me to do my best is Chicago Blackhawks captain and center Jonathon Toews because he works hard each and every game and is determined to help his team in every category associated with hockey (scoring, skating, defense)

3. To all the people who knit and crochet scarves for us including me, I would like to send out a big thank you for all the hard work that you do in making these special scarves for everyone involved in the Winter Games. I was supposed to compete in the 2011 Illinois Winter Games but they were cancelled altogether due to a blizzard that slammed the Midwest in February but would still like to thank those who donated scarves to SO Illinois last year. I was disappointed to not get to compete in these games last year but hope that I will qualify to go to the 2012 SO Illinois Winter Games and actually compete and get the full experience of going to the Winter Games. So I again want to acknowledge all of you for bringing a setting of unity to Winter Games competitions throughout the U.S. in 2012 by doing this project to benefit all of us.

Kristen McInerney, Willowbrook, Illinois:

1.     I like everything about the games, especially the thrill of competing. It gets me going.

2.     Kristen Maloney, when I did gymnastics she pushed me to work and train harder.

3.     I would like to say thank you for doing this to support Special Olympics and I think it is wonderful that you are doing this for our athletes

Eric Baumann, Vienna, Illinois:

1.  My favorite sport is track & field and snowshoeing.
2.  My favorite athlete is Michael Jordan .
3.  Thank you all for what you do for Special Olympics and keep up the good work!

Georgia Hunter, Oak Park, Illinois:

1.     My favorite part of Special Olympics is playing all of my sports that I play like Basketball, Golf, Bowling, Softball.

2.     Ozzie Guillen is an awesome guy. I have met him and he inspires me every day when I wake up. He has been a supporter for Special Olympics.

3.     Thanks for your support

Samantha Rein, Wheaton, Illinois:

1. I like seeing everybody.

2. Michael Jordan and Scotty Pippin from the Chicago Bulls basketball.

3. For the knitters and everyone in the Scarf Project – Have fun and keep up the best work in this project!

Scott Wells, Lockport, Illinois:

1. Meeting people and competing with athletes from different areas.

2. Walter Payton and Johnny Unitas.

3. We do appreciate what you are doing for the Special Olympics, by making scarves for the Winter Games in 2012. This is going to a great cause and we do thank you for your time, effort and dedication in supporting Special Olympics.

Melissa (Missy) Anderson, Princeton, Illinois:

1.  Winning gold medals and seeing her friends.

2.  Brian Urlacher and Scott Hamilton

3.  Thank you for taking the time to make us feel special with the scarves.

Christine Kelly, Chicago, Illinois:

1.     I like coaching for track and field at Spring Games and to get first place in the Chicago event in 2011.

2.     When I watch figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, I want to be like her. She is my favorite.

3.     Thank you for everything you do to make us warm for Winter Games in Galena. Neck scarves keep us very warm. Thank you for your time!

Ela Stoklosa, Wheeling, Illinois:

1.     My favorite part of Special Olympics is being able to participate in different sports (6 of them) and being with my friends!

2.     Michael Jordan – he worked hard and practiced to get good at basketball.

3.     Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy lives. Thank you for your support and for making us such colorful, beautiful scarves!

Samantha Rein, Wheeling, Illinois:

1.     Meeting new people

2.

3.     Thank you for thinking of us. The scarves will give us warmth.

Erika Guenzler, Rockford, Illinois:

1.     I like meeting new people and seeing the teams in their colorful uniforms at Opening Ceremonies.

2.     Christopher Reeve because he overcame what the doctors said. He worked very hard and didn’t give up.

3.     Thank you very much for all your time and hard work that you put into making the scarves.

Melanie Harwood, Libertyville, Illinois:

1.     One of my favorite parts is all of the friends I have made. I love the sportsmanship and different events and sports you can participate in. Also, going to National Games.

2.     Michael Phelps, the swimmer, inspires me.

3.     Thank you for all the time and effort you put into helping Special Olympics.

Thank you to the Special Olympics Programs who reached out to their athletes to contribute to this blog! We’ll be watching for more questions to send out to the Programs again – so if you have any you’d like us to ask – send ‘em our way right here on the blog!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEKLY FACEBOOK TRIVIA ANSWER – from our question posted on Monday, November 7th:

Thank you to all of you who posted your answers on our Facebook page!

The correct answer is – Steamboat Springs, Colorado hosted the first International Special Olympics Winter Games in 1977.

Guest Blog: Donna Stinson, Design Editorial Coordinator for Coats & Clark

We began our rewarding journey with the Special Olympics 3 years ago. I use the word rewarding because that is exactly how it feels for all of us. The employees within our company cannot wait for this event to come around every year. As soon as it is over they want to know the date for the next year. We have seen the athletes wear the scarves and seeing the smiles on their faces brings us joy. They are the reason we are involved and we love it!

Last year I volunteered to be in charge of sending out the yarn to the employees at Coats & Clark and Coats America. We have 8 locations that have participated along with family friends.  I have contacts at all of our locations that handle passing out the yarn to our willing employees. They also collect all the completed scarves and send back to me. I would not be able to do this without their help. We make sure that every scarf has a note of encouragement for the athletes. Last year we collected approximately 400 scarves from our employees.

I joined the company a little over three years ago. I did not know how to crochet, but the ladies here are always willing to teach. My very first project was a Special Olympics Scarf. I was so proud of myself, but more than that I was happy to be doing it for someone so deserving. I consider this a tradition now along with so many others.

The scarves we receive were made by caring hands. We get scarves that are really advanced and some from beginners. To most, it is just a scarf, but for us it is so much more.  I already have over 100 scarves completed and I am expecting a whole lot more.

Good luck to all of the athletes!

Coats & Clark / Red Heart Yarns Scarves for Special Olympics

Coats & Clark / Red Heart Yarns Scarves for Special Olympics

 

WEEKLY FACEBOOK TRIVIA ANSWER – from our question posted on Monday, October 31st:

Thank you to all of you who posted your answers on our Facebook page!

The correct answer is – Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, observing the first Special Olympics Games in Chicago in 1968.

One woman’s vision from her backyard

From a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities to a global movement, Special Olympics has been changing lives and attitudes for more than 43 years.

It was June 1963 when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a summer day camp for young people with intellectual disabilities at her home in Maryland to explore their capabilities in a variety of sports and physical activities.

The Special Olympics mission remains as vital today as it did when the movement was founded. Through the power of sport, Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people.

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.

Through the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project, we are all supporting this mission by contributing a significant outpouring of caring and friendship, and providing a special gift that helps unite the athletes, coaches, families, friends, volunteers, while realizing the vision Eunice Kennedy Shriver had from her backyard over four decades ago.

We encourage you to take to heart what your special gifts mean not only to the athletes, but to everyone touched by Special Olympics.

WEEKLY FACEBOOK TRIVIA ANSWER – from our question posted on Monday, October 24th:

Thank you to all of you who posted your answers on our Facebook page!

The correct answer is – Track & Field and Swimming

What does your pattern say about you?

It’s interesting when you think about the ideas you come up with, the things you make, the patterns you dream up or even the patterns you follow. We wondered what these different patterns say about you, as a participant in the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project… so we reached out to you and asked you to share with us your thoughts – and a few of them struck a chord with us to share here on our blog.

The number of people that we have engaged in this project over the last couple of years is astounding, and your willingness to devote your time and creativity to it is so much appreciated by everyone. One knitter shared “I think our patterns tell us we all have a generous spirit to be participating in this great event” – and this does sum up the meaning of this project – it’s about spirit and giving and caring and helping create a sense of unity for the athletes, families, friends, volunteers and supporters of Special Olympics.

“I think my pattern says..I care about others. My main pattern is a mile a minute style, and works up quickly so I can make many to share with many athletes. It’s just such a great program to be part of!”

“I think my pattern says… This is the first time I have ever in my life picked up a crochet hook, but it is unique and different and beautiful in it’s own special way….. Just like all the athletes and just like my two special children!”

We love to hear your thoughts about the project, your reasons for being involved, and to see pictures of your creations! The patterns are as diverse as we are as people – yet somehow they bring us all together in the spirit of the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project.

Our photo gallery of your work can be fun to peruse once in a while – we try to upload new photos each week. You can click HERE to check it out!

 

WEEKLY FACEBOOK TRIVIA ANSWER – from our question posted on Monday, October 17th:

Thank you to all of you who posted your answers on our Facebook page – and congratulations to Linda Williams for posting the correct answer!

The correct answer is – June 1963

It’s Time to Ask The Athletes!

Since you are all dedicating your time and thoughtfulness to the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project, we thought you might like to learn a little bit more about the athletes and the Special Olympics movement you are supporting.

We would love to hear from you with questions you would like to ask some of the Special Olympics athletes!

Post your questions here as a comment – we’ll be selecting key questions to send to our Programs – and providing answers back to you from the athletes here on the blog, on November 11th!

PLEASE POST YOUR QUESTIONS BY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23RD.

WEEKLY FACEBOOK TRIVIA ANSWER – from our question posted on Monday, October 10th:

Thank you to all of you who posted your answers on our Facebook page!

The correct answer is – Eunice Kennedy Shriver