Chittenden Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Practice starts January 7th 2023

Hi all, we are happy to offer Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe practice starting Saturday January 7th 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center. Please contact Dave Bogdan <dbogdan@ieee.org> or 802-865-3840 to sign up.

As with last year, snowshoes are not allowed on the groomed cross country ski trails so you will be on a snowshoe trail while skiers will be on a ski trail. We will have to check in and register as a group at the shack in the parking lot. The coaches will do the check-in but we need to know who is attending each Saturday. 

Catamount will require all participants to complete a waiver. You may complete it on-line here: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/588f7c34a36c8/web/%20target=

Catamount will not be offering free equipment this year. They will charge $20 for skis and, with advanced notice, can have snowshoes available for $5. You will be responsible for paying for equipment if you need it. 

As always, we need a current medical to participate. I can check your status when you sign up. 

Practice will run from January 7th through March 25th. If the trails are closed, we have the option to walk the Burlington Bike Path. At this point, we are not planning on any indoor alternatives.  Thanks, Dave

Chittenden Alpine Ski and Snowboard Practice starts 1/8/2023

Hi all, I am getting a late start on announcing our Winter Sports plan.

Our Chittenden program is pleased to partner with Vermont Adaptive to provide Alpine Ski and Snowboard practice. Please contact David Bogdan <dbogdan@ieee.org>, phone 802-865-3840 to sign up. I will need to know if you need equipment and transportation when you sign up. Also, we will require a current medical on file before you may go to the mountain!  

We will again provide transportation from Special Olympics Vermont to Sugarbush Mt Ellen for those who need it. We will depart at 11:45AM and plan to be back by 4:45PM. 

Please note that the lunch bar at Mt Ellen will only take payment by credit card and will not accept cash. Please plan accordingly and bring snacks and drinks if you do not have a card.  

Here are the details from Sarah at Vermont Adaptive, you will have to complete the athlete profile and the online waivers:

When: Sundays, 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm 

Dates: January 8, 22, 29. February 5, 12, 26. March 5, 12, 19, 26

Where: Vermont Adaptive Office, Murphy’s Annex, Mt Ellen, Sugarbush Resort, Warren, VT

Paperwork- 
1. Athlete Profiles - for all athletes
2. Online Waivers - for all athletes and staff

Covid Guidelines - please read carefully. I want to emphasize that if you have any symptoms, such as sneezing, cough or fever or just aren't feeling well, you must stay home!

Thanks, Dave

Special Olympics Chittenden Swimming Competition update

Hi all, sadly, Special Olympics Vermont has not been able to schedule a competition. We will end our swimming season with Chittenden only swimming events and an after swim Celebration with awards, cupcakes and ice cream. Please plan on giving it your best at our last UVM practice, 8:30 - 10:00 on12/11/22 and plan on staying after practice for our celebration!  Thanks, Dave

2022 Special Olympics Chittenden - Holiday Sports

Hi all, it has been a challenge to get our Holiday Sports facilities all set so I am going to have to announce sports as they are ready and on short notice. Please let me know if you plan on participating:

Swimming practice will begin this coming Sunday, 10/16/22 from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the UVM Pool. We have not practiced there for a long time and with the new facility construction, I am not sure where the entrance is. I believe we can park on top of the parking garage. Please bring a towel and swimsuit. We will be able to change in the locker rooms. 

 

Swim Practice Dates:

10/16/22 UVM 8:30 - 10:00 AM
10/23/22 UVM 8:30 - 10:00 AM
10/30/22 UVM 8:30 - 10:00 AM
11/06/22 UVM 8:30 - 10:00 AM
11/13/22 UVM 8:30 - 10:00 AM

11/20/22 No practice

11/27/22 No practice
12/04/22 UVM 8:30 - 10:00 AM
12/11/22 UVM 8:30 - 10:00 AM

Floorball practice will start Saturday, 10/22/2022, from 9:00 - 11:00 AM at the Colchester High School gym. We use the side entrance to access the gym. Please remember to bring a water bottle. 

Floorball Practice Dates:

10/22/2022 CHS 9:00 - 11:00 AM

10/29/2022 CHS 9:00 - 11:00 AM

11/05/2022 No practice
11/12/2022 CHS 9:00 - 11:00 AM
11/19/2022 CHS 9:00 - 11:00 AM
11/26/2022 CHS 9:00 - 11:00 AM
12/03/2022 CHS 9:00 - 11:00 AM

We are also working on Bowling but not sure if we will be able to do that. Bowling will be set up as a league and will not be a part of Holiday Games so you can do Swimming or Floorball and bowling.

Thanks, Dave

2022 Fall Chittenden Fitness Walks

We are starting Fall fitness Walks and will have two locations. Let me know if you want to join either of these:

 

 

 

 

Essex Fitness Walk - 5:00 - 6:00 Tuesdays starting 9/20/22 at the Willey Family Farm

Burlington Fitness Walk - 5:00 - 6:00 Wednesdays starting 9/21/22 at Leddy Park

These will run for 7 weeks until we return Standard Time. 

 

Dave

Chittenden Soccer Practice rescheduled to 5:45 PM Thursday, 9/15/22

We want to have one last practice before the tournament and Tuesday's weather is looking very bad so we are rescheduling to 5:45 PM, Thursday at the Willey Family Farm. Thanks, Dave

Chittenden Softball Practice rescheduled to 5:30 PM Thursday, 9/15/22

We want to have one last practice before the tournament and Tuesday's weather is looking very bad so we are rescheduling to 5:30 PM, Thursday at Schifillitti Park. Thanks, Dave

2022 Special Olympics Vermont Fall Games

 Hi all, here I am sending the high level schedule for Fall Games. The Soccer Softball and Track competition will be at the Collins Perley Sports and Fitness Center in St. Albans.  The Golf competition will be at the Golf Club at Basin Harbor. Both locations will have the same high level schedule:

9:00 AM - Check-in, we will be handing out jerseys during check-in.

9:30 AM - Opening Ceremonies.

10:00 AM - Competition begins

3:00 PM - Estimated end of all competitions and awards

Lunch will be available for registered athletes, coaches, partners and support people. Please bring a water bottle.

We will collect the jerseys after final awards and before you leave. 

 

Softball and Soccer spectators may want to bring lawn chairs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basin Harbor Event Guide:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collins Perley Event Guide:

Baseball Extravaganza Night - Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees

 We are invited to a free community event hosted by our head golf coach, Greg Clairmont. All are welcome!

Softball and Soccer canceled, 8/23/22

 We are canceling tonight's softball and soccer practice due to the weather.  Thanks, Dave

Chittenden Summer Fitness Walk canceled - 7/18/22

 We are canceling our Summer Fitness Walk today, 7/18/22, due to the rain. This was our last scheduled walk. Our Fall Sports begins next week!  Thanks, Dave

Special Olympics Chittenden 2022 Fall Sports

Special Olympics Vermont has announced plans to offer in-person fall sports competitions in Softball, Soccer, Track and Golf! Let's cross our fingers and hope we can make it to September 17th without another COVID-19 surge!  

Since there is a planned competition for each sport, athletes may choose only one sport to participate in. Here is our schedule:

Track and Field - Monday's 6:00 - 7:30 PM starting July 25th through September 12th at the Essex High School Track. Head coach: Joe McNamara

Soccer - Tuesday's 5:45 - 7:15 PM starting July 26th through September 13th at the Willey Family Farm. Head coach: Giles Willey

Softball - Tuesday's 6:00 - 7:30 PM starting July 26th through September 13th at Schifilliti Park. Head coach: Karen Cutler

Golf - Wednesday's 5:30 - 7:00 PM starting July 27th  through September 14th at The Kwini Club. Head coach: Greg Clairmont

Please contact Dave Bogdan (dbogdan@ieee.org or 802-865-3840) to preregister for a sport. I will be checking medical form status as you register. Medicals need to be updated every three years.

The Softball, Track and Soccer competition is planned be on Saturday, September 17th at the Collins Perley Sports and Fitness Center in St. Albans.  The Golf Tournament is planned to be on Saturday, September 17th at The Golf Club at Basin Harbor.

Special Olympics Chittenden Summer Sports

Hi all, we just finished a great season of basketball and bocce. It was so good to get back to indoor sports with basketball and in person competition with bocce! Thanks to all of our coaches and partners for making it a great season!

Over the summer, we will continue hosting the Essex Fitness Walk on Mondays from 5:00 - 6:00 PM at the Willey Family Farm, use 4 St James Pl, Essex on maps. You may show up this Monday to sign up or contact me. I believe our regulars are coming back but more are welcome to join!

We are working on the schedule for Fall Sports which will include softball, soccer, track and golf. Our goal is to start the last week of July. There will be a one day Fall Sports Competition for all four sports on September 17th. Stay tuned for more information. Thanks, Dave

Northern Recreational Bocce Tournament at Willey’s Family Farm - 1:00 - 3:00 PM, June 4th

From: Ian Fulton-Black

Hi everyone!

I wanted to give a few updates regarding the Northern Recreational Bocce Tournament at Willey’s Family Farm on June 4^th. A big thank you to our hosts is in order, as well as to all of you for communicating your team sizes in a timely and efficient manner. I’m happy to report that we have 14 teams currently registered -- from Addison, Caledonia, and Chittenden.

The Google Maps Address is – 4 St James Pl, Essex Junction

The schedule can be found here. Games will start at 1:00pm and conclude at 3:00pm. Each team will play 4 matches – 20 minute games with a 10 minute break between each game for hydration, rest, or anything else. It is important to note that the schedule is based on time and not score: i.e. each game will conclude after 20 minutes regardless of the score. This way, everyone can find their next match without people finishing up at different times.

There will be a total of 7 courts, each labeled with a number. This means everyone will be playing at the same time, but there is always flexibility if someone needs a longer break, or needs to sit out a game. Along these same lines, if you have any last minute additions or subtractions, don’t worry! We can either edit the schedule, or make it work the day of. The hope is that this will be a fun chance for everyone to connect for a beautiful day of bocce .

Volunteer-wise, we are leaving the invitation open for anyone that would like to help with set-up, breakdown, scorekeeping, time keeping, or awards (certificates). If any of this sounds up your ally, let me know! We will have a few staff members on-site, but it is the same day that a few of us are heading to Orlando for USA Games.

A few more reminders and logistics: make sure to bring water, snacks, and sunscreen! We will supply the bocce balls, so no need to bring those. Feel free to bring a tent, although we will also bring 2-3 tents for shade. At the end of the day, everyone will get a participation certificate to cap off a great day!

Thank you all so much, it should be a very fun afternoon. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or anything else.

Best,

.....

Ian Fulton-Black

Operations Coordinator, Sports and Programs
.....

Special Olympics Vermont

16 Gregory Dr. Suite 2

South Burlington, VT 05403

Tel 802 861 0283

Fax 802 863 3911

Email ifultonblack@vtso.org

www.SpecialOlympicsVermont.org

Chittenden Bocce cancelled - 4/20/22

We are cancelling tonight's bocce practice. Hope to see everyone next week! 

2022 Spring Fitness Walks

 Now that our Winter Sports have finished, we are going to kick off our Fitness Walks again in addition to Bocce and Basketball. We will host two locations this time:

• Essex Fitness Walk, Mondays, 5:00 - 6:00 PM, 4/11/22 through 5/30/22 starting at the Willey Family Farm (park at 4 St. James Place, Essex Junction) 
• Williston Fitness Walk, Tuesdays 5:30 - 6:30 PM, 4/12/22 through 5/31/22 starting at the Williston Community Park Canceled
  

We will still have a COVID-19 check-in and ask the COVID-19 questions. 

Please contact me at dbogdan@ieee.org or 802-865-3840 to sign up for one of the groups. 

2022 Chittenden Basketball Practice

 It is time to sign up for Basketball!  Please contact Dave Bogdan (dbogdan@ieee.org or 802-865-3840) to preregister so that we can have your medical at practice.

We are pleased to announce that we have scheduled two Basketball practice sessions, Tuesday and Thursday, starting April 12th and April 14th, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Colchester High School. Practices will be Tuesdays and Thursdays through June 2nd. Athletes will be assigned to one practice depending on which team you are on. We need to keep our group size smaller so you may only attend your assigned practice.

Masks will be required while indoors and during practice.

Special Olympics Vermont will not be offering Summer Games Basketball competition this year. 

2022 Chittenden Bocce Practice

 It is time to sign up for Bocce!  Please contact Dave Bogdan (dbogdan@ieee.org or 802-865-3840) to preregister so that we can have your medical at practice.

We are pleased to announce that Bocce practice begins Wednesday, April 13th, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Willey Family Farm in back of the Fairgrounds in Essex Junction. Take the St. James Place entrance to the fairgrounds from route 2A. Practices will be Wednesdays through June 1st. 

Masks will be optional for those who are vaccinated for COVID-19 and have had booster shot. Masks will be required for those not vaccinated for COVID-19.

Special Olympics Vermont is hoping to offer a Bocce Sports Competition on Saturday June 4th. The location and times for the competition have not been finalized but it will be a one-day event! 

 

2022 Winter Sports Update

Hi all, I wish everyone a Happy New Year! We announced Winter Sports in early December and have had 28 athletes and 12 coaches and support sign up! Unfortunately, we have to postpone the start of Winter Sports due to the increase in COVID-19 cases. We are all sad about this.

The current Special Olympics COVID-19 policy will not allow in-person activities when the COVID-19 case rate is over 50 cases per 100,000 at the local level. Chittenden county surpassed that about 2 weeks ago and has continued to climb and is currently at 110 per 100,000. We are not likely to drop below 50 before next weekend so we are postponing the start of Winter Sports.

Special Olympics has announced plans to revise the COVID-19 guidance by the end of January or early February. The new policy may allow in-person activities if every participant is fully vaccinated. So, if you haven't already, please get your vaccination and booster shots! 

I will send out an update on when we can start as soon as Special Olympics updates the policy or the case rate drops below 50 per 100,000. Until then, please continue to stay safe and implement a personal fitness program so that you are ready to play in the snow when we start back up!  

 

You may check the COVID-19 case rate here: https://mchvaughan.shinyapps.io/so_guidance/

 

Thanks, Dave