Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe practice at the University Mall 12/17/2016

All, practice will be at the University Mall again this Saturday, 12/17/2016.

Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe practice at the University Mall 12/10/2016

All, we will be walking at the University Mall this Saturday, 12/10/2016. See you there.  Dave

2016/17 Alpine Ski and Snowboard Practice

ALPINE SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

As previously announced, Special Olympics Vermont and Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport are partnering to provide Chittenden Alpine Ski and Snowboard practice this year. Practices will again be at Sugarbush Mount Ellen. On mountain practice will be from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM Sunday's beginning January 8th, 2017. 

We are providing transportation, to those who requested transportation, from the Special Olympics Vermont office to Sugarbush and back. We will depart at 11:30 AM, arrive at 12:30 PM, immediately get ready for practice and return to Special Olympics Vermont by 5:00 PM. Athletes may bring a lunch and eat in the vehicles on the way to Sugarbush or eat before arriving. 

Our schedule is:

Vermont Adaptive Registration

Due by December 18th 2016, see Registration below

Practice

January 8th 2017 - February 26th 2017, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM, Sugarbush

Winter Games

March 3rd - March 5th, Suicide Six, Woodstock

Alpine end of season party

March 12th 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM, Sugarbush

REGISTRATION

Please pre-register with Chittenden by calling or emailing Dave Bogdan, Phone: 802-865-3840, Email: dbogdan@ieee.org. If you leave a message, I will want to know if you plan on taking the bus.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport will require a separate registration due to them by December 18th 2016. The registration includes a Guidelines document, a Race Team registration form and a Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports waiver and one I missed on the original post, the on-line Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport Client Profile:


Client Profile: https://www.vermontadaptive.org/users/client-profile-step1.php 
Guidelines: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B33_m6DsP8ZAdlNFcXFUc0FhaHc
Race Team registration: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B33_m6DsP8ZATk9XUHRQNDZ6ak0
Waiver: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B33_m6DsP8ZAbDN5dC1PdmZXUmc

Chittenden Program Coordinator:
David Bogdan: 802-865-3840, dbogdan@ieee.org

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports Program Coordinator:
Olivia Joseph: 802-343-1193, north@vermontadaptive.org

Alpine Ski and Snowboard Program News!

Dear families,

The winter sports season is right around the corner! We are excited to announce a new partnership that will benefit Chittenden athletes who train and compete in alpine skiing and snowboarding. Special Olympics Vermont and Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports are joining forces to better serve our athletes.

Similar to the Special Olympics mission, Vermont Adaptive is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities through access to and instruction in a variety of sports throughout the year. The organization is a national leader in sports and recreation for all ages and serves people with any disability. Vermont Adaptive has built a network of more than 400 highly trained volunteer instructors.

The basic structure of the Special Olympics Vermont alpine and snowboarding program will stay the same. Below are some details about changes and improvements:

• Practice for Chittenden athletes will take place on Sundays at Sugarbush Mt. Ellen from 1-3:30pm beginning the first week of January (1/8/2017). Transportation is tentatively planned to depart from the Special Olympics Vermont office in South Burlington at 10:30 AM and return by 5:00 PM. Complimentary equipment rental from the Alpine Shop will be available to all athletes. The Special Olympics Vermont Winter Games will take place March 3-5, 2017 at Suicide Six.
• Athletes will experience a lower coach-to-athlete ratio. Vermont Adaptive is typically able to provide a 1:1 ratio which will improve safety and direct sports instruction.
• Special Olympics Vermont is now accepting novice skiers and riders! Thanks to this partnership with Vermont Adaptive, we are now equipped to welcome beginners (ages 8+) to the program.
• Chittenden alpine and snowboard coaches will now be completely managed under the direction of Vermont Adaptive and benefit from their robust classroom and on-snow training to improve their skills and knowledge.
• As with all Special Olympics Vermont programs, alpine and snowboard training will be available to athletes at no cost.

Special Olympics is dedicated to providing high quality, authentic sports experiences for athletes with intellectual disabilities. We look forward to this pilot year and the opportunity to partner with Vermont Adaptive. If you have any questions or concerns about the program, please feel free to contact one of us.

Sincerely,

Justin Graham                                                                                                   David C. Bogdan

Special Olympics Vermont                                                                              Chittenden Program Coordinator             

Sports and Competition Manager                                                                 dbogdan@ieee.org

jgraham@vtso.org

2016/17 Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Practice

Saturday's beginning December 10th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Leddy Park. We plan on transitioning to the Catamount Outdoor Family Center on January 7th. Our trail tickets are graciously donated by the Catamount Outdoor Family Center. We will be handing out towels at the Penguin Plunge Saturday February 4th.  

Registration

Contact Dave Bogdan by phone or email to pre-register for Winter Sports! 

Phone: 802-865-3840
Email: dbogdan@ieee.org

Venue

This year we will use three practice venues depending on weather and snow conditions:

1. Catamount trails open and acceptable temperatures @ Catamount
2. Catamount trails closed and acceptable temperatures @ Burlington Bike path starting at Leddy Park and walking to north towards the Winooki River and return.
3. Unacceptable weather @ University Mall

Please watch this blog and your email for notices!

Schedule

December 10th - Leddy Park - December 17th - Leddy Park
January 7th - January 28th - Catamount Outdoor Family CenterFebruary 4th - Penguin Plunge - Burlington Waterfront
February 11th - February 25th - Catamount Outdoor Family Center
March 3rd - March 5th - Winter Games, Suicide Six, Woodstock VT, 05091

COACHES

Cross Country: 
Karen and Dave Bogdan, Phone: 865-3840 email: kraze1@comcast.net or dbogdan@ieee.org
Katie De Carolis, Phone: 802-862-9916 email: decarolisk@gmail.com

Snowshoe: 
Maggie Trayah, Phone: 524-3142 email: riahwind1@comcast.net

2016 Holiday Games Individual Bowling Competition

The 2016 Holiday Games Individual Bowling Competition will be held Sunday, December 4th 2016 at Twin City Family Fun Center

The day's schedule is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B33_m6DsP8ZARVpkcDRjcGM4NDg/view?usp=sharing

The session assignments may be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B33_m6DsP8ZAbnBvcThCZHpTdjQ/view?usp=sharing

2016 Knights of Columbus Christmas Party

2016 Special Olympics Vermont Norwich Soccer Tournament

Register to Vote!

2016 Special Olympics Chittenden Floorball

Our Chittenden program is excited to offer Floorball for the first time. Floorball is a game played with a small plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball and a special lightweight stick that is a little bit shorter than a hockey stick. The rules of the game are similar to soccer. Last year coach Mario offered Floorball independently and now brings the sport to Special Olympics. 

Practice will be indoors at the Edge, 75 Eastwood Drive, South Burlington. The schedule is:

Sat, Oct 8, 16	01:00 PM	02:30 PM
Sat, Oct 15, 16	No Practice
Sat, Oct 22, 16	01:00 PM	02:30 PM
Sat, Oct 29, 16	01:00 PM	02:30 PM
Sat, Nov 5, 16	01:00 PM	02:30 PM
Sat, Nov 12, 16	01:00 PM	02:30 PM
Sat, Nov 19, 16	01:00 PM	02:30 PM
Sat, Nov 26, 16	No Practice
Sat, Dec 3, 16	01:00 PM	02:30 PM
Sat, Dec 10, 16	01:00 PM	02:30 PM

This is a demonstration sport for Chittenden this year. There will not be a statewide tournament. If our program is successful, Special Olympics Vermont will encourage other delegations to join the demonstration next year and we will be able to have a statewide competition!  

Pre-register please!

Please contact Karen or Dave Bogdan by phone ( 802-865-3840 ) or email (dbogdan@ieee.org) to sign up. 

Coach:

Mario Dupigny-Giroux 802-828-0169

2016 Chittenden Bowling practice

As you are all hopefully aware, Special Olympics Vermont is changing our sports season line up. Bowling is the first sport to see changes. This year, we will offer both individual bowling and team bowling competitions but our practice for both will be at the same time. Athletes may compete in both the individual tournament and team tournament or may choose only one. 

Your bowling coaches will need to know which tournaments you plan on competing in so that we can assign lanes appropriately. Also, please let us know if you have preferences for teammates. 

Chittenden's bowling practice will be on Sunday mornings at Champlain Lanes, 2630 Shelburne Road, Shelburne beginning Sunday mornings:

Sun, Oct 2, 16	10:00 AM	12:30 PM
Sun, Oct 9, 16	10:00 AM	12:30 PM
Sun, Oct 16, 16	10:00 AM	12:30 PM
Sun, Oct 23, 16	10:00 AM	12:30 PM
Sun, Oct 30, 16	10:00 AM	12:30 PM
Sun, Nov 6, 16	10:00 AM	12:30 PM
Sun, Nov 13, 16	10:00 AM	12:30 PM
Sun, Nov 20, 16	10:00 AM	12:30 PM
Sun, Nov 27, 16	No Practice
Sun, Dec 4, 16	Individual Competition – Twin City Lanes
Sun, Dec 11, 16	10:00 AM	12:30 PM
Sun, Dec 18, 16	10:00 AM	12:30 PM
Sun, Dec 25, 16	No Practice
Sun, Jan 1, 17	No Practice
Sun, Jan 8, 17	Team Competition – Twin City Lanes

Pre-register please!
Please contact Karen or Dave Bogdan by phone (865-3840) or email (dbogdan@ieee.org) to sign up. We plan on having lane assignments for the first practice.  We also need to know your whether you plan on competing in individual bowling, team bowling or both!

Special Olympics and Fees:

Special Olympics offers all programs to athletes at no charge but you may not realize that local programs have significant expenses. These expenses are paid for by donations and local program fundraising. Last year, we asked our bowlers to donate the cost of bowling each week: $9.00 a week. Many athletes and families did donate and this helped us pay for bowling with less fundraising. We are asking bowlers again to donate $9.00 a week to cover the costs. Thank you for your support!

Coaches:
Karen and Dave Bogdan - 865-3840
Karen Cutler
Gary DeCarolis
Brian Conroy

Soccer practice canceled for Tuesday, 9/13/16

Attention Chittenden soccer fans, as Coach Giles announced, practice is canceled for Tuesday, September 13th. Practice will resume on Thursday, September 15th. See everyone then!  

Soccer practice canceled for Tuesday, 9/13/16

Attention Chittenden soccer fans, as Coach Giles announced, practice is canceled for Tuesday, September 13th. Practice will resume on Thursday, September 15th. See everyone then!  

Soccer practice canceled for Tuesday, 9/13/16

Attention Chittenden soccer fans, as Coach Giles announced, practice is canceled for Tuesday, September 13th. Practice will resume on Thursday, September 15th. See everyone then!  

Soccer Practice Is ON For Tonight

Athletes and Coaches,
I have gotten a few phone calls asking if practice is still on tonight because of rain.  We are going to stick with practice and assume we will get a little wet.  If we get t-storms then we will have to call off, but as of right now that doesn't look to be a factor. 

Coach Maggie will not be at practice tonight so we will have skills part of Yellow/Orange to get things going.

Thanks,
Coach Giles

Applebee's Tip-A-Cop - South Burlington

Applebee’s tip-a-cop: September 2, 2016 at the University Mall Applebee’s. Enjoy a meal at Applebee’s and be waited on by local law enforcement. All tips collected by law enforcement will be donated to Special Olympics Vermont! http://specialolympicsvermont.org/event/applebees-tip-a-cop-south-burlington/

Cop On Top at Green Mountain Harley-Davidson

Cop On Top at Green Mountain Harley-Davidson: August 20 6:00-9:00pm and August 21 12:00-2:00. Local law enforcement will spend the night on the roof collecting donations for Special Olympics Vermont. Stop by to enjoy a complimentary BBQ, beer garden hosted by 14^th Star Brewery, and DJ. Show your support for our cops on top! http://specialolympicsvermont.org/event/cop-on-top/

EDD Adaptive Soccer Clinic at St. Michael's College, Sat. 8/20/16

Dear friends,

I hope that you are enjoying a beautiful summer.  Our next adaptive clinic with the St. Michael's College women's soccer team is fast approaching.  On Saturday August 20th, from 10-11:30am  we'll hold a free adaptive soccer clinic for children and young adults with disabilities.  Please check your calendars and let me know if you would like to register for this free program.  Our athletes always have a great time at this clinic working with the members of the women's soccer team. 

EDD Memorial Fund Adaptive Soccer Clinic

with St. Michael's College women's soccer team

Saturday, August 20, 10am

Doc Jacobs Field Complex, St. Michael's College

Colchester, VT

As always, feel free to pass on this information to anyone else who is interested in adaptive sports.  If you have any questions, please send me a message or call me at 802-399-4366.  

Thank you!

Sincerely,

--

Gretchen Owens

Director, EDD Memorial Fund

"Creating adaptive sports opportunities for young people with disabilities."

www.eddfund.org
www.facebook.com/eddfund

2016 Special Olympics Vermont Sailing Pilot Program

Greetings Chittenden Program!

Special Olympics Vermont will be hosting an Open House at the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center for the second year of its Sailing pilot program on Saturday, July 16^th 1pm-4pm. The Open House is for athletes and partners who are excited to commit to the training schedule outlined below.

The Open House will provide an overview of sailing in a two part on land and on boat orientation. Attendee spots are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Individuals must RSVP to Justin Graham atjgraham@vtso.org, 802.861.0280.

Individuals who register for the Open House should be able to commit to the Sailing training season noted below. Please keep in mind, because there is limited boat capacity as well as boat availability at competition, not all participants who register for the Open House will be selected to participate in the Sailing program.

Sailing Training and Competition

Begins: Week of August 1^st , 5 week commitment

Practices: Group 1 - Mondays or Group 2 – Wednesdays, 5pm – 8pm

Location: Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center

Competition: Sailing Regatta, Rhode Island, Saturday, September 17^th

Following the Open House, athletes and partners selected will be required to assist in fundraising efforts to help supplement the cost of attending the Fall Regatta in Rhode Island.

Please contact Justin Graham with any questions,

Justin

…..

Justin Graham

Sports & Competitions Manager

…..

Special Olympics Vermont

16 Gregory Dr. Suite 2

South Burlington, VT 05403

Tel 802 861 0280

Cell 906 364 6875

Fax 802 863 3911

Email jgraham@vtso.org

Twitter @SOVT

…..

www.SpecialOlympicsVermont.org

2016 Chittenden Soccer Practice

Dear Athletes, Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers:

On behalf of the entire volunteer coaching staff let me welcome you to the Chittenden Delegation’s 2016 Soccer Program.

Special Olympics requires that a current medical be on site at every practice and competition. Please contact Dave Bogdan (dbogdan@ieee.org or 802-865-3840) to pre-register so that we can have your medical at practice. We no longer allow athletes to begin practice without a current medical. Medicals are good for three years from the date of exam.

We are happy to announce that this year’s program officially begins on Tuesday, August 16th at 5:45 pm at our practice field located at the Willey Family Farm in back of the Fairgrounds in Essex Junction. Take the back entrance to the Fairgrounds (also road to St James Church) right to the Fairgrounds gate and park in the stone parking area.  The fields are just to the right of the access road – roughly ¼ mile up from Route 2A.

Practices will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:45 pm – 7:00 pm right up to the Special Olympics Vermont Statewide Tournament at Norwich University on Saturday, October 15th.

You can expect that our coaches will be working with each athlete to have fun, to teach the game, to build a sense of teamwork and most importantly promote good sportsmanship in practice and in competition.

You can expect that our coaches will treat all athletes, parents, guardians, and caregivers with respect and ask you to provide that same level of respect to our coaches and to other athletes.

We ask you to comply with the Special Olympics of Vermont’s Spectator Guidelines which is attached. In addition, we ask you to review with your athlete the Special Olympics Vermont Athlete Code of Conduct form then sign and return it to me as soon as possible.

Like last year, we will be organizing athletes into three groups to maximize their skill development while maintaining our focus on safety for all athletes.

As coaches, we have an expectation that athletes will arrive on time for practice and will be are picked up on time at the conclusion of practice --- as our volunteer coaches have commitments as well. We will also make an extra effort to end practice on time.

As coaches, we have an expectation that each athlete will arrive wearing a team purple practice t-shirt, black shorts, soccer cleats, shin guards, with a water bottle, and a soccer ball --- ready to play.

If you have an issue of concern, please call me at 802.598.3123 so we can resolve it as soon as possible.

Dedicated to keeping it fun, safe, and respectful,

Head Coach Giles Willey

PS.
With regard to inclement weather, please go to the Chittenden Delegation website/blog located at http://sovchittenden.blogspot.com to learn if practice is canceled. Once practice has been canceled for the day, it will not be changed even if the weather improves later in the day!

PPS.
In order to keep expenses down, we will again be car pooling to the Statewide Tournament at Norwich University. So please consider helping us in this regard, if possible. 

Support Special Olympics Chittenden and the Vermont Lake Monsters

St. Thomas Knights of Columbus will hold their Annual Father's Day Breakfast

The St. Thomas Knights of Columbus will hold their Annual Father's Day Breakfast on Sunday, June 19, 2016 from 8:00 to 10:30 am in the Parish Hall, 6 Green St, Underhill Center.  The buffet style breakfast will include juice, fruit, eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, home fries, and coffee or tea.  The cost is by donation.  Bring the whole family!  Treat Dad like the special person he is and enjoy this delicious breakfast!  For further information, please call the church office at 899-4632.

Proceeds to benefit the Special Olympics Vermont Chittenden team!

Run with the Law Enforcement Torch Run into the Opening Ceremony of Summer Games!

Run with the Law Enforcement Torch Run into the Opening Ceremony of Summer Games!

Distance: 1 mile

Date: June 3

Join Law Enforcement Torch Run participants for a BBQ at 5:00 am at the Windjammer Conference Center. The Torch Run will commence promptly at 6:30 pm.

Start location:

Windjammer Conference Center
1076 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403
(map)

End location:

Summer Games Opening Ceremonies
UVM Roy L. Patrick Gymnasium
(map)

Register here: http://specialolympicsvermont.org/forms/athlete-letr-final-leg-registration/

Sports Season Reorganization

All, you may have heard the rumors or seen the news that Special Olympics Vermont is reorganizing our sports seasons. You may see the announcement, read about reasons for the change and see the transition schedule here:
http://specialolympicsvermont.org/stories/2016/04/sports-season-reorganization/

One of the key features of the reorganization is that there will be four major competition events with multiple sports to choose from for each event. Athletes (and coaches) will have to choose which sport they want to participate in.

There are many proposed new sports to be offered. Special Olympics Vermont is conducting a sports interest survey available here:
http://specialolympicsvermont.org/forms/new-sports-survey/

The results of this survey will be used to select which sports to offer in the future. Please note that local programs like ours, may not offer all sports available through Special Olympics Vermont. Chittenden will strive to offer as many sports as possible but will require new coaches, equipment, facilities and funds to be able to expand our program.

I look forward to working with everyone as we move through this transition. Change is hard, let's make the best of it!  Dave

2016 Special Olympics Vermont Summer Games

Summer Games will be the weekend of June 3rd through June 5th at The University of Vermont. Friday evening dinner will be provided to credentialed individuals. Meals are provided for credentialed individuals Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon. 

The theme of the Saturday evening dance is "Hollywood", get ready for the red carpet!

For those staying overnight at the UVM dorms, you must bring twin sized bed linen and blanket, pillow, toiletries and towels. Our delegation will be charged for any damage or missing items and also for keys that are not returned. Please be considerate of our host facility and also remember to turn in your keys.

Both the University of Vermont and Special Olympics Vermont are going "Green" so during competition water will be provided in bulk dispensers, please bring your own reusable water bottle to fill. Please make sure your name is on the water bottle!

Competition events will continue in bad weather unless there is thunder or lightning. Please watch the weather forecast and plan accordingly!

The Special Olympics Vermont Summer Games Handbook is available ==> here <==. This handbook has a much more detailed schedule and lots of good information about the weekend. A simplified schedule is here:

Event Schedule

Friday June 3:

  4:00 -  5:00 pm - Check in for those staying overnight in the UVM dorms - Redstone campus

  5:00 -  6:15 pm - Dinner at Indoor Tennis Courts

  6:15 -  6:45 pm - Line up for opening ceremonies parade of athletes - Indoor Tennis Courts

  7:00 pm – Opening Ceremonies - Patrick Gym
  8:30 pm - Coaches meeting - South hallway behind Patrick Gym

Saturday May 30:

 7:00  -  8:00 am - Breakfast - Indoor Tennis Courts
 8:00 am - Shuttle bus to Softball
 9:00  -  4:00 pm - Competition and Awards

 9:45  -  3:30 pm - Healthy Athletes and Olympic Town - Indoor track

10:30 - 12:00 pm - Health Forum for families and caregivers - Patrick Gym
11:45 - 1:30 pm - Lunch (varies by sport)

 5:30  -  6:30 pm - Dinner - Indoor Tennis Courts
 6:15  - Coaches meeting
 6:30  -  8:00 pm - Victory dance - "Hollywood" - Patrick Gym

Sunday May 31:
 7:00  -  8:00 am - Breakfast - Indoor track

 7:30  -  2:30 pm - UVM Housing Checkout (you must hand in you keys)
 8:00 am - Shuttle bus to Softball
 8:45  -  1:00 pm - Competition and Awards
11;30 -  1:30 pm - Lunch - Indoor Tennis Courts

You're Invited: Special Olympics Health Forum

Staggering statistics reveal critically high levels of obesity rates, tooth decay and an array of other untreated health problems for those with intellectual disabilities.  Please join us on Saturday, June 4th for a look into the health disparities faced by Vermont’s intellectually disabled population and what Special Olympics is doing to make a difference. The Special Olympics Vermont Health Forum will provide information about our Healthy Athletes Program which helps improve access to care and increase physical and social activity to impact lives statewide.  We will discuss the need for action and how health professionals, community agencies and families can get involved. Please be our guest on Saturday, June 4th at the University of Vermont, Gutterson Sports Complex 10:30am – Program presentation Lisa DeNatale, President and CEO of Special Olympics Vermont 11:15am – Healthy Athletes screening tour See the free screenings SOVT athletes receive at Summer Games 12:00pm – Lunch Enjoy lunch provided by Sugarsnap as part of our Farm to Athlete initiative We look forward to seeing you.

Chittenden Softball batting practice 6:00 - 7:30 PM Wednesday's at Schifilitti Field

Softball fans, Coach Karen has added batting practice to our schedule. Plan on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:30 PM at Schifilitti Field starting 4/27/2016.

Adults with Developmental Disabilities: A Better Approach to Care

2016 Spring Basketball Competition

All, our 2016 Spring Basketball Competition is this weekend, 4/16/16 and 4/17/16. Coach Tammy has asked that athletes, partners and coaches arrive at 8:30 AM. We will be handing out jerseys and lining up for opening ceremonies. Special Olympics has published a schedule which is available here:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B33_m6DsP8ZALUpHZjFEVmRiTU0

Coach Tammy has published the team assignments which are available here:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B33_m6DsP8ZANHFSWTBMejBPVkU

Please note that all team athletes and partners compete on Saturday. Please check the traditional team assignments to see if you plan on Sunday. Skills athletes will compete on Sunday too. 

Special Olympics has not published the team rotation schedule so plan on being available to compete all day!  

Chittenden Bocce practice schedule change - Friday 4/15/16 this week only

Bocce fans, UVM has not opened the grass fields due to the wet conditions so we are changing practice to Friday 4/15/16 this week only. See you at 5:30 PM on Friday!