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November/December, 2009
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State Fall Classic: What a Weekend!
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On a weekend that felt more like a Summer Games, than a fall competition, over 1,200 Special Olympics athletes from throughout Florida vied for state titles at the 2009 State Fall Classic, October 30 – 31.Â
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Athletes of all ages and skill levels competed in bowling, powerlifting, gymnastics, and softball at Disney’s Wide World of Sports® Complex, AMF Lanes in Kissimmee and the World Bowling Center in Orlando.
Preliminary competition was held on Friday, with the Games officially kicking off with an Opening Ceremony at Champions Stadium® at Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex, featuring a parade of athletes, a tribute to Special Olympics’ Founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, special guests – including Mickey Mouse himself, entertainment, fireworks, and the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron.
Saturday was action-packed with final competition in all events, Closing Ceremonies and the ever-popular Victory Dance.
A highlight of the weekend was that a record was set for the most screenings conducted during a Fall Classic as part of Healthy Athletes, Special Olympics’ program of free health screenings in various disciplines for its athletes. 1,317 free screenings were conducted for vision, hearing, dental, podiatry, general fitness and flexibility, health awareness and education.
Thanks to all the volunteers, coaches, health professionals, and families who made the Fall Classic a great weekend for our athletes! Special thanks to Fall Classic sponsor Brasfield and Gorrie General Contractors.
See videos from the Fall Classic on our YouTube channel!
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Be a part of the "coolest" event of the year!
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Aquatica, SeaWorld's waterpark, is usually warm and tropical, but for one day only they're icing down their wave pool so you can experience the "thrill of the chill" while supporting our first-ever Polar Plunge on Saturday, January 16!
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Why Plunge?
1. Because all proceeds support Special Olympics Florida
2. It's fun!
3. Those who Plunge will get to stay and play at Aquatica all day!
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Who can Plunge?
Those who raise or donate a minimum $50 may come to Aquatica and take the Plunge. Plungers receive official commemorative Plunge gear and bragging rights. The incentives and prizes increase based on the amount of money you raise.
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If you prefer not to Plunge or can't make it to the event, you can still support our athletes by registering as a "Dry Ally" for a small donation.
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Teams are welcomed and awards will be given for Biggest Team, Highest Grossing Team, and Best Costume.
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Young Athletes Program Reaches
Exciting Milestone
Our Young Athletes Program reached a milestone in November. The program, which began this spring, now has 25 training programs around the state with over 250 Young Athletes participating!
Young Athletes Program is a free, innovative play program for 2-7 year old children with special needs, along with their typically developing peers, designed to introduce them to the world of sports.
Learn more about the Young Athletes Program
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Jack Comes to Weston and Tampa!
Our ever-popular "Jack" event made it's South Florida debut in Weston when "Jack in the Hills" was hosted by the Weston Hills Country Club on Saturday, November 7th.Â
Over 175 guests enjoyed an evening of blackjack, casino gaming, great food, drinks and silent and live auctions.
ATTENTION TAMPA AREA RESIDENTS: it's not too late to get in on the fun at Tampa's first Jack in the Park this Saturday, December 5, at old Hyde Park Village, presented by Gray-Robinson Attorneys at Law.
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Jack in the Park features an exciting blackjack tournament with fantastic prizes, including a fifty inch flat panel TV! For a donation of $75, guests 21 and older will enjoy a spot in the blackjack tournament, live music, great food and drinks from some of Tampa’s best restaurants, plus raffles and silent and live auctions!
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A Get-Away You Can't Get Anywhere Else
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Special Olympics Florida is offering you the chance to win a 5-day, 4-night Bahamas Cruise on Carnival Cruise Line's Sensation...departing from Port Canaveral. Â
What makes this offer so unique? You'll be staying in the Owner's Suite! This suite is not available to the public for purchase and has been made possible through the generosity of Carnival Cruise Lines. Cruise courtesy of Go Travel.
Raffle Tickets can be purchased online from December 1, 2009 through March 1, 2010 for a suggested minimum donation of:
(1) for $5
(3) for $10
(8) for $20
As always, all proceeds benefit Special Olympics Florida. Blackout dates do apply.
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A Very Special Christmas Indeed!
The idea, in retrospect, seems so elemental to the Special Olympics movement that it's a wonder it didn't begin 40 years ago, not 20: tie the growing global Special Olympics movement to the international language of music and create music that gives back to those most in need.
Through bold innovation and enormous generosity, the record industry has made beautiful music for Special Olympics athletes since 1987. "A Very Special Christmas," (AVSC) now represents by far the largest financial source in the history of Special Olympics, having generated over $100 million. Beyond that, the series of albums, featuring some of the biggest-name artists in the world, is the single most successful benefit recording in musical history.
And just in time for the holidays, you can pick up "A Very Special Christmas Volume 7," featuring an all-star line-up of superstar talent such as Miley Cyrus, Carrie Underwood, Sean Kingston, Colbie Caillat, the Carter Twins and more!
The CD makes a great stocking stuffer or gift and when you pick up a copy, you're giving the gifts of hope and joy to Special Olympics athletes around the world!
Hear songs from the album, order it online, and learn more about "A Very Special Christmas."Â
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Give the Gift of Song!
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When you make a year-end online donation or make a donation in the name of friends and family as holiday gifts, you/your loved ones will receive a card with a certificate for a free holiday song download from the brand new "A Very Special Christmas Volume 7"!
It’s a great alternative holiday gift for those on your holiday list who are hard to shop for and the money supports a great cause: Special Olympics Florida!
For your gift to benefit Florida's athletes, be sure to check "Target my donation by country or state" and select "Florida."
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Give a gift that gives people with intellectual disabilities the chance to train, compete, gain self-confidence and know acceptance.
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Upcoming Events and Fun Stuff
Orlando Polar Bear Club: THIS WEEKEND Saturday, December 5, 8:30am, Gaylord Palms Resort Orlando. Become an official member of Florida's only Polar Bear Club by going through the 9 degree ICE! attraction in your bathing suit! Get your tickets now!
Central Florida High School All-star Football Game: Thursday, December 17, 7:30PM, Lake Brantley High School, Altamonte Springs. Admission is $5 at the gate, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Florida. This event showcases the best of Central Florida's high school football players and cheerleaders. Love football and Special Olympics? This is the event for you!
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Toy Guide: Looking for holiday gift ideas for the special needs child in your family? Then be sure to check out Parenting Special Needs magazine's holiday toy guide for kids with special needs!
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Publix Torch and Procter & Gamble brandSAVER Promotions: For 30 years, Publix, Procter & Gamble, and Special Olympics have partnered together to help people with intellectual disabilities achieve their dreams. Here's how you can help...
1. On December 27, 2009, clip the P&G brandSAVERTM coupons featuring Special Olympics in your local newspaper (here's a listing of papers scheduled to carry brandSAVERTM coupons).
2. Support Special Olympics while you shop at Publix by purchasing your favorite P&G products like Tide, Pampers, Bounty and many other well-known brands during the month of January.
3. While you're at Publix between December 31 and January 21, purchase your very own paper torch at the check-out register for $1, $3, or $5 to support Special Olympics Florida and your local athletes!Â
Polar Plunge: Saturday, January 16, Aquatica (SeaWorld's waterpark). See story above for full details.
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Northwest Championship, February 5-6, Eglin Air Force Base
Southeast Championship, February 5-6, Patrick Air Force Base
Southwest Championship, February 12-13, University of South Florida
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Facebook: If you haven't become a fan of our page yet - do so now! You'll get daily news, exclusive content and you'll get to interact with other Special Olympics Florida fans!
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Press/Multimedia 
