IMPORTANT: New COVID-19 Restrictions - 11/13/2020 Announcement

In accordance with the new restrictions put in place by the Governor and State of Vermont today, Special Olympics Vermont is immediately cancelling all in-person activities until December 15th. 

 

The remaining Chittenden Holiday Fitness Walks at Burlington are canceled.

The remaining Chittenden Holiday Fitness Runs at Williston are canceled. 

The remaining Chittenden Holiday Fitness Walks at Essex are canceled. 

 

Special Olympics Vermont is still offering many virtual activities that you may participate in. The most recent is a Virtual Group Art Project. Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/203145589070051?utm_source=SOVT+Mailings&utm_campaign=1ab58d2408-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_05_04_08_37_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fd6249e1a5-1ab58d2408-110347077

 

2020 Chittenden Holiday Season Fitness Walk/Run

H.L. Glenn Photography

Our Fitness Walk/Run leaders are happy to announce that we will continue our in person fitness offering with the Chittenden Holiday Season Fitness Walk/Run. The schedule will change from the fall season for most locations due to the darkness. We will again limit the size of the walks to 16 athletes each and follow our safety protocols. I am asking that people sign up again (email dbogdan@ieee.org or call 802-865-3840) so that we may manage the group size. We will again have four groups, athletes and volunteers may sign up for one group. Each group will meet once a week through the middle of December. Please contact me to sign up for one of these groups:

• Essex Walk - Mondays 2:00 - 3:00 from 11/2/20 through 12/7/20 (Willey Family Farm, St James Place, Essex Junction, led by Giles Willey)
• Shelburne Walk - Saturdays 10:00 - 11:00 from 11/720 through 12/12/20 (Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, led by Ellen Vaut)
  
• Burlington Walk - Saturdays 1:00 - 2:00 from 11/7/20 through 12/12/20 (Leddy Park Bike Path, Burlington, led by Dave and Karen Bogdan)
  
• Williston Run - Sundays 11:00 -12:00 from 11/8/20 through 12/13/20 (Williston Community Park, 250 Library Lane, Williston, led by Joe McNamara)

 

H.L. Glenn Photography

 

H.L. Glenn Photography

Special Olympics Vermont On Going Virtual Opportunities

 

Ongoing Virtual Opportunities In addition to fitness opportunities, Special Olympics Vermont will be hosting a bi-weekly athlete wellness series! Our athlete wellness series will provide an opportunity for athletes and families to connect with each other through virtual engagement opportunities including: Cooking Classes Fitness Classes Guided Mindfulness Exercises Conversations with Health & Wellness Experts Athlete-led discussions We will be using the same Zoom link for all wellness series events. Bookmark the zoom link and click to join at 3:30pm on the dates listed below! October 9th - Yoga October 23rd - Preparing for Practice November 6th - Inclusion in the Virtual World November 20th - Practicing Gratitude December 4th - Cool Down  December 18th - Get ready to dance! Please email info@vtso.org with any ideas or topics you are interested in!

Participants in our Fall Fest Performance Arts Session with Inclusive Arts Vermont giving each other high fives!

2020 Fall UVM Unified Fitness

2020 Holiday Season - SONA Stride Challenge

October 19 - December 13 Join Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners from across the country and North America in an 8 week distance challenge by walking, running, or rolling in a wheelchair from October 19th- December 13th, 2020. Athletes and Unified partners in Vermont can register using the registration buttons below! Athletes can register as individuals or as part of a Unified pair. Don’t have a partner in mind, but looking for a virtual buddy to help motivate you? SOVT will seek to help pair athletes and partners interested in virtually working together.  Coaches looking to join in on the fun can register either as Unified partners or as a coach to help support accountability, miles submission, and athlete engagement. Mileage totals will be collected each week by Special Olympics Vermont and reported to the national leaderboard. Reminders to submit your miles will be sent weekly to registered participants. Miles submission can be done individually or via a coach overseeing a group of participants.
Athlete/Unified Partner Registration
Coach Registration
Each week will also feature a national theme! Join your fellow runners, walkers, and rollers across the country by sharing pictures on social media. Don’t forget to tag @SpecialOlympicsVermont @SONorthAmerica #SONAStride

2020 Special Olympics Vermont Fall Fest - Saturday September 26th

 

Good morning Unified Virtual Torch Runners!

I hope everyone is having a great week of running, walking, or rolling across Vermont! The weather has been beautiful and you have all been doing such a great job.

Don’t forget to log your miles this week using THIS LINK and to send us photos and videos of you getting those miles done! Print out the attached PDF sign to include in your photos if you wish.

After working so hard this week, join us on Saturday, September 26^th, for Fall Fest! Check out the schedule and information below:

Fall Fest Zoom Link- use this link to join activities throughout the day!

 Schedule of Events for Saturday, September 26^th

9:30am- Tune in for a Fall Fest Kick Off Video featuring Unified Virtual Torch  Run Participants!

10:30am-11:00am- Join SOVT’s Snowshoe Venue Director, Sam Chalfin, to practice, learn about, and discuss mental health strategies and techniques for managing stress.

12:30pm-1:00pm- Tune in for some more recipe ideas and healthy cooking demonstrations!

1:30pm- 2:00pm- Get ready to move those bodies with a live fitness class lead by the Unified Fitness Club at Burlington High School! No equipment or previous experience required!

3:00pm-3:30pm- Join our friends at Inclusive Arts Vermont for an interactive performance/theater art class!

6:45pm-8pm-We’ll kick things off with a quick informational video to highlight upcoming virtual opportunities and then… It wouldn’t be Fall Fest without a VIRTUAL DANCE! Tune in to dance in the comfort of your home and showcase your best fall attire! Flannel shirts, overalls, and pumpkins-oh my!

Please note: The same zoom link can be used for all sessions throughout the day and will also be available on our website!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out- we are happy to help!

Keep up the great work and I hope to see many of you on Saturday

Best,

Kaila 

2020 Chittenden Fall Fitness Program

 

We have finalized our Fall Fitness Walk locations and schedule. Please contact me to sign up for one and only one session. We are limiting each session to 16 athletes so get your name on a list quickly! Here is what we are offering:

• Monday walk 2:00 PM, starting 9/7/20 through 10/26/20 at the Willey Family Farm, St James Place, Essex Junction, led by Giles Willey

• Tuesday walk 5:30 PM, starting 9/8/20 through 10/27/20 at Leddy Park Bike Path, Burlington, led by Dave and Karen Bogdan

• Tuesday run 6:00 PM, starting 9/8/20 through 10/27/20 at Williston Community Park, 250 Library Lane, Williston, led by Joe McNamara

• Thursday walk 5:30 PM, starting 9/9/20 through 10/29/20 at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, led by Ellen Vaut

Everyone is required to wear a mask to practice and we will have a formal check-in asking Covid-19 questions and taking temperatures at every practice. Drivers must stay onsite until athletes are checked in. We will be sending people home if they have a temperature or are sick. 

 

Walker's will be required to wear a mask while walking but runners will be able to remove their mask while running.

All participants should be aware that there are no restroom facilities at any of the locations, they are all locked. Also, all participants should bring their own water bottle and not share.

 

All participants should be aware of Who is at Higher Risk from COVID-19 before joining our program.

All athletes and caregivers must read and review the Green Mountain Self-Advocates Guide to Coronavirus. This should be read and reviewed in advance of attendance at first practice.

Athletes, volunteers and anyone joining our walk/run will be required to complete a Covid-19 waiver.

We will not have time to send out postcards so if you know anyone who does not check on-line or email, please let them know about our Fall Fitness Program.

2020 Fall Sports Update and Return to Play

 

Hi all, I hope everyone is well!  I know everyone is anxious to get back together and play sports. Special Olympics Vermont has been working on Return to Play Guidelines and sharing them with local program coordinators and coaches. The guidelines provide a way for us to get back together while staying safe. To be safe, our sports season will not be like our typical Fall Sports season. We will be offering small group Fitness Walks and a Distance Run at various locations around Chittenden County. I know this will disappoint our soccer athletes, softball athletes and partners, track athletes and golf athletes but I encourage everyone to sign up for a Walk or Run. It is a way to safely stay fit and see some of your friends.

Our proposed locations are:

• Fairground walk starting at the Willey Family Farm
  
• Williston Bike Path Run starting at the Williston Central School
• Burlington Bike Path Walk starting at Leddy Park
• Mills River Walk starting at the Mills River Park
• Shelburne Farms Walk starting at Shelburne Farms parking lot
  

The first thing we need is to recruit volunteers for each of these locations. We will allow 16 athletes each and will need 6 volunteers total, 4 volunteers to do the walk or run with the athletes and 2 volunteers at each location to run a formal check-in which includes completing a current health questionnaire and taking temperatures of athletes and volunteers at each walk. 

We have not formalized the time or start date yet but hope to start very soon. Please contact me if you are interested in volunteering (dbogdan@ieee.org or 802-865-3840). I will be sending out a call for athlete registration once we have volunteers and time slots confirmed. 

There will be a relatively short COVID-19 training required for volunteers, COVID-19 releases for volunteers and athletes and rules we will have to follow for safety.

Thanks, Dave

2020 SummerFest Fitness Challenge

2020 Pajama Jam Dance

2020 At Home Fitness Challenge!

Special Olympics Vermont has announced an At Home Fitness Challenge for athletes. Sign up, complete and record your weekly fitness challenge for 8 weeks and you can win a medal while staying healthy!

Contact me by phone (802-865-3840) or email (dbogdan@ieee.org) to sign up. I will need to know your fitness level; easy, intermediate or advanced, and how you want to receive your weekly challenge, by email, postal mail or other online options.  

Stay well, Dave 

Covid-19 update: Summer Sports practice canceled through the end of May

I know how disappointing this is, but Special Olympics Vermont has decided to cancel all training and competition through the end of May. This was a very strong recommendation from Special Olympics International. Many Vermont Program Coordinators were on the call when the decision was made, including me, and the decision was unanimous. We want our athletes, coaches, families and caregivers to be safe and that means encouraging "social distancing" and canceling all group activities. 

This means that there will be no basketball practice and no bocce practice. Special Olympics Vermont has not canceled the weekend of Summer Games, yet, but if an event is held, it will be different that "Summer Games". 

Special Olympics International and Special Olympics Vermont are both working on ways to keep everyone engaged and active while at home. I will keep you posted on that. Stay home and stay safe!  Dave



 

Safety First: Special Olympics Vermont 2020 Winter Games have been canceled

Below is a message from Special Olympics Vermont President and CEO, Missy Siner Shea. In an abundance of caution, Special Olympics Vermont is cancelling the 2020 Winter Games. We have also been instructed to cancel all practices through the end of March so, Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing practice are now cancelled. We will take stock of the situation as as the month progresses and make appropriate decisions about starting Summer Sports Basketball and Bocce practice.

I know this is very disappointing but we want to keep everyone safe and healthy. Missy's message follows. Thanks, Dave

Dear Special Olympics Vermont Program Leadership (Heads of Delegation, Coaches and Program Support),

Thanks to many of you who were able to join us on calls to discuss the safety of our athletes at our upcoming events. Your input and collaboration is greatly appreciated. 

We have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, with guidance from Special Olympics International and Special Olympics North America, based on information from the Centers for Disease Control, as well as the Vermont Department of Health and various health professionals. The situation changes each day. 

Monday evening Special Olympics program leaders worldwide received a communication from Mary Davis, CEO, Special Olympics International, strongly advising all Special Olympics Programs to suspend all sport training and competition activities and other activation involving our athletes through March 31, 2020. 

The health and safety of our athletes, and of the entire Special Olympics Vermont community is paramount and cannot be compromised. It is very unfortunate that, in an abundance of caution, we must cancel the following upcoming SOVT events:

• Winter Games at Killington Pico Resort; Sunday, March 22 - Tuesday, March 24 
• Unified Champion Schools Snowshoe Tournament; Wednesday March 25

We ask for your consideration and understanding that: 

• Many of our athletes, as well as some coaches and volunteers, are a higher risk population 
• Given the close quarters of the interior spaces and lodging, it would be extremely difficult to maintain social distancing and best practices for personal hygiene as recommended by the CDC
• Participants are coming from around the state, including athletes from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey - states which also have confirmed cases of COVID-19 

The Southern Vermont Penguin Plunge at Bromley Mountain is scheduled for Saturday, March 21. We are collaborating with our partners to explore alternative approaches, including the possibility of hosting a virtual event. 

We recognize that cancelling these important and fun events is truly disappointing for the athletes who have trained for months to prepare for these competitions. Coaches, volunteers, family, friends, and our SOVT staff and board will be sad to miss the chance to support and cheer for them. Still, our shared love of sport doesn’t compare to the importance of protecting the health and safety of the Special Olympics Vermont community. We also want you to know that Special Olympics Vermont will not pass on any costs we incur; we will not charge Games or any other fees to local programs. 

The recommendation from Special Olympics International, which we are following, calls for suspending all sports training and competition activities hosted by the Special Olympics state program office, through the end of March. We understand this could affect additional events, including training for Summer Games, which begins soon. With things changing daily, it is hard to determine the future impact. We will continue to monitor how this situation progresses, and provide periodic updates.

As this information is extremely important and time sensitive, we ask that you please pass this message along to athletes, program volunteers, families, caregivers, and all other affected parties. We are in the process of informing additional stakeholders and will be sending out a communication to the broader public on Wednesday, March 11th.

We thank you in advance for your understanding and continued support.

Missy Siner Shea
President & CEO  

Chittenden Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe practice at the Burlington BIke Path, 3/7/20

The conditions at Catamount are not good. We will have cross country ski and snowshoe practice at the Burlington Bike path, Saturday 3/7/20 from 9:00 - 11:00. Meet at Leddy Park! 

2020 American Flatbread Benefit Bake - 3/31/20

2020 Jeff Kutt Spirit Award Nomination Information

The Jeff Kutt Award was founded in 2002 to honor athletes who epitomize the spirit of the Special Olympics. The recipient of this award has exemplified his or her commitment to the team, strives for excellence, demonstrates teamwork on and off the field, and has shown courage in their attempt to succeed.

Those worthy of this award will exhibit the following behaviors/qualities:

• Helpful to teammates
• Encouraging to teammates, especially when others are feeling down.
• Exhibits great sportsmanship, win or lose.
• Shows enthusiasm, win or lose.
• Is attentive and focused both during practice and events.

Nomination Process

1. Identify the athlete you would like to nominate with their full name and sport(s) they participate in.
2. Provide a brief description of the athlete, including how they relate to the qualities listed above.
3. Send your nominations in email form to Dick Giard at rich.giard@gmail.com by noon, Wednesday April 1st.

Once nominations have been received, we will compile them into a master document and send it to the award committee, comprised of the Chittenden Program management committee. The recipient of the award will be announced at the spring Annual Potluck Supper and Awards Night on Thursday, April 16th.

The Jeff Kutt Award has honored the following athletes:

2019 Becky Brown
2018 Adam Brooks
2017 Danielle Viau
2016 Sarah Laclair
2015 Leah Boardman
2014 Joshua Holsopple
2013 Carrie Fox
2012 Malai Holland
2011 Shanan Duba
2010 Daniel Goodrow
2009 Camille Cardinal
2008 Scott Johnston
2007 Robin Shockey
2006 Wayne Ashline
2005 Dawn Daggett
2004 Randy Turner
2003 Peter Tarte
2002 Larry Young

** Postponed ** 2020 Annual Potluck Supper and Awards Night

Please mark your calendar
Thursday, April 16th   6PM  (eating time)

OUR LADY OF GRACE PARISH HALL
784 Main St.
Colchester Village

Athletes, families, caregivers, coaches, volunteers and friends welcomed!
Call Laurette Cade, 879-6061 to RSVP
Hot and cold dishes, salads, rolls and dessert needed.

Awards, prizes, good food and fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

2020 Chittenden Summer Sports

Announcing our Summer Sports offerings

Summer Sports will include Basketball and Bocce. Athletes may choose one of these two sports.

Registration

Please register for Basketball or Bocce or by calling or emailing Dave Bogdan dbogdan@ieee.org (802-865-3840). You must have a current medical to begin practice and we must have it at practice. Registration enables us to have copies at practice.

Bocce Ball

Bocce practice begins Wednesday April 8th, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the UVM athletics field next to the Gutterson Field House. Practices continue on Wednesdays 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. through June 3rd.
Coach:
Peter Brady

Chittenden Basketball

Basketball practice will be Sunday's starting March 29th  and continue on Sundays through May 31st. There will be no practice Easter Sunday, April 12th or on Memorial Day weekend, May 24th. This year we will have 2 sessions again. Athletes will be assigned sessions based on the team you will be on. Skills, Stingers, Shooting Stars and Dunkers will be in session 1 from 3:00 to 4:15. The Sharks, Champs and Chargers will be in session 2 from 4:15 to 5:30. We will let you know what session you are in when you register.
Coach:
Tammy Willey, Karen Cutler

Summer Games

The 2020 Special Olympics Vermont Summer Games will be at UVM and St. Michaels College on the weekend of June 6th and 7th with the option to stay overnight in the dorms Saturday night. Events will include basketball and bocce.

** Canceled ** 2020 Special Olympics Vermont Winter Games

Athletes, families and caregivers

On the 22, 23, and 24 of March, the Chittenden Delegation will be traveling to Pico Mountain for the 2020 Winter Games. Check in and opening ceremonies will be at Pico Mountain. We will be staying at the "Trail Creek" Condominiums. The Alpine ski, snowboard, cross country ski and snowshoe teams will all compete at Pico Mountain. I hope this message will give you the information you need, but if you have questions, please call Maggie at 802-524-3142, or Karen or me at 802-865-3840.  Also Special Olympics Vermont has published a preliminary 2020 Winter Games Event Guide available here:
Event Guide: 
Click on the image to the right----------------->

Parents and guests

You are all welcome to come to the games to cheer the athletes on. Each days competition will begin at about 9:00 a.m. On Monday the last race will end around 3:00 and awards will be done around 4:00, and on Tuesday around 1:30.
Lodging recommendations: Special rate- $89/night! Holiday Inn Rutland- follow the link below or mention “Special Olympics Vermont Winter Games” or Block Code “SOV” when making reservations:

• By telephone: 802-775-1911
• CLICK HERE to book online

Snow conditions and weather

Mother nature is difficult to predict. Please pack appropriate clothing. Also, be prepared for changes in events and schedules to adjust for conditions. Pico Mountain will do every thing in their power to create a good competition environment but we need to be prepared for changes and to go with the flow.

Team travel

The Chittenden delegation will travel by car pool caravan leaving from the SOVT office in South Burlington and returning to the same place. You should be at the Special Olympics office by 2:30 PM on Sunday, March 22nd. We will return by 3:30 PM on Tuesday, March 24th. A phone list will be brought so that we can make cell phone calls if our return time changes significantly.  Please anticipate that we may return early or late and be available for pick up.

Clothing

The athletes need to have clothing appropriate to being outdoors for two hours on Sunday evening at the opening ceremony, for competing on Monday and Tuesday, and for the dance on Monday night.  The theme of the dance is "Pajama Jam".  The dance will end at 8:30 again!

Daily Logistics and Packing

On Monday morning before breakfast, we need to be ready to board a bus at 8:00 to go to Pico Mountain. Athletes must have everything that they will need until 4:00 pm when we will return by bus to the Condos. Breakfast will be served in the Pico Mountain Lodge. On Tuesday we will need to clear everything from our our rooms by 8:00 AM, before breakfast, and car pool to the ski area. We will not be returning to the Condos. We will leave Tuesday afternoon directly from the ski area. Lunch will be served at the Pico Mountain Lodge. In order to make these moves without fail, athletes will have to pack very carefully. Athletes should bring one bag for ski/snowshoe equipment and one other bag for clothing. Please do not over pack! Bring only those items that are really needed. Please leave your electronics at home. Cell phones are okay to bring but cell reception may be poor. Please remember, Special Olympics staff and volunteers are not responsible for your stuff!

Sunday evenings meal

Our delegation will be buying cheese and single topping pizza pies to share. Please bring $10 to donate towards the pizza and drinks. If you prefer not to eat pizza, you may pack and bring your own brown bag dinner. You may want to bring additional money for souvenirs from the Killington, Pico or Special Olympics Vermont swag.

Monday and Tuesday Meals

Breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday and dinner on Monday evening will be provided to credentialed people as part of the program. 
Thanks!!!

 

Chittenden Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Practice at the University Mall, 2/15/20!

We are making a last minute decision to have our practice indoors at the University Mall today due to the extreme windchill. Spread the word! 

 

2020 Penguin Plunge

The Burlington Penguin Plunge will be on Saturday, February 1st. Our Chittenden Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Team will be handing out towels to both the Cool Schools Plunge and the Community Plunge. We invite any other athletes who want to help handing out towels to join us. We will meet at 10:30 at the waterfront and should be done by 1:00. 

Our Chittenden Chatterers Plunge Team is still looking for donations! You may donate here:

 Karen Bogdan: 
 https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/2528625
Nick Fukuda:
https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/2547803
Evan McGough:
 https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/2543150
Sue Lindberg:
 https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/2553935
David Bogdan Jr.:
 https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/2545299
David Bogdan:
 https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/2528965
Dan Goodrow:
https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/2567112

Chittenden Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe at Catamount, 1/18/20

The trails are open! Chittenden Cross Country Ski and Snowboard will be at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center, January 18, 2020 :-)  Dress warm with lots of layers, it will be cold. 
 

2020 Night to Shine announcement

Sign up for the 2020 UVM Unified Fitness program

Chittenden Alpine Ski and Snowboard practice canceled, 1/12/2020

Due to the icy road conditions, Chittenden is canceling alpine ski and snowboard practice today. Vermont Adaptive is still open so let them know if you plan on going on your own. 
 

Chittenden Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe practice at the University Mall, 1/11/2020

If you guessed that our practice will be at the Mall, you are correct. Our Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe practice will again be at the University Mall, 9:00 - 11:00 Saturday 1/11/2020!

2019 Penguin Plunge

The Chittenden Chatterers Penguin Plunge team will be jumping into the freezing waters of Lake Champlain again on February 1st this year! Please support one of our plungers with a donation:

Karen Bogdan, Joshua's mom:  
 https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/2528625
Nick Fukuda, Daniel's cousin:
https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/2547803
Evan McGough, Kelly's shared living provider and former Chittenden soccer coach:
 https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/2543150
Sue Lindberg, Sarah's mom:
 https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/2553935
David Bogdan Jr., my son and Joshua's step brother:
 https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/2545299
David Bogdan, me, Joshua's stepfather :-)
 https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/2528965

Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe practice at the University Mall, 1/4/20

Tomorrow there may be rain or there may be snow but worse, the bike path is still icy. Our first Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe practice of the season will be at the University Mall, 9:00 - 11:00 Saturday 1/4/2020!