IBM Supports the Special Olympics Virginia Urban Programs

Karim Tarmohamed, IBM representative was instrumental in securing a grant in the amount of $1000.00 for the Urban Programs. Funds will be used to purchase new basketball uniforms for Richmond athletes that will compete during the 2007 Special Olympics State championships in Stafford, VA . Karim also coached the Richmond Kicker’s soccer team that won a silver medal during the 2006 Fall Championships.

A special thank you to all of the Scott & Stringfellow Volunteers who assisted at the Urban Program Basketball Tournament

5th annual Special Olympics Youth Summit

Kathryn Addo, teacher Henderson Middle School, Frank Carrington, John Marshall	Tracy Sears, Moderator, WTVR and Mrs. Sandra Simms, Area 25 Volunteer, Open High School, 2006 National Youth Summit Participant
Tracy Sears, and Sierra Seaborne, Partner Area 25, 2006 National Youth Summit Participant	Tracy Sears, and Tyree Lewis, John Marshall High School

On November 30, 2006, Special Olympic Virginia, Special Occasions Photography and Richmond Public Schools collaboratively joined forces and hosted the 5th annual Special Olympics Youth Summit at George Wythe High School. The event was sponsored by the Mattel Children's Foundation.

During this forum like event, Tracy Sears, Anchor, WTVR News 6 was the moderator for the event and facilitated discussions involving youth issues with an attempt to bridge the gap between the differences amongst the student population. This year's theme was "Concentrate on your strength and not your weaknesses". Special Celebrity Guest in attendance was Lauren Collier, Ms. Greater Richmond. Lauren has been volunteering for over 3 years and implemented the Richmond Equi-Kids program. Lauren also raised over $2000.00 during the annual walk-a-thon. A special presentation achievement award was presented to Richmond athlete, Frank Carrington who attends John Marshall High School.

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Lauren Collier, Ms Greater Richmond continues to be an inspiration and financial supporter for Special Olympics Virginia and the Urban Programs! She and her twin sister Lindsey Collier adopted Richmond athletes, and twin sisters- Kdrian and Kshawana Franklin, for Christmas and donated toys, clothes, and cash money for both athletes and their children.

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Special Olympics Virginia/ Virginia State University Basketball Clinic/Tournament

Virginia State University (VSU) hosted their second annual basketball clinic and tournament at Daniel’s Gymnasium on February 18, 2007. Over 60 excited athletes from Richmond, Dinwiddie, and Petersburg came out and participated.

The athletes were greeted by over 75 VSU students and members of the men and women basketball teams. Men’s basketball coach, Corey Gipson, and Billy Taylor, Coordinator, Campus/Community Outreach was also in attendance to assist with facilitating the event. Student, Teresa Williams, Sports Management department stated "it was very rewarding and all of the students that volunteered had so much fun".

The first hour of the clinic was devoted to the athletes rotating between 3 different skill stations. The athletes worked on conditioning, shooting, defense, and rebounding. The clinic concluded with Mike Askew, VSU Senior basketball player and Coach, Gipson speaking to the athletes about the importance of discipline, work ethics, and team work. At the conclusion of the clinic, each team played 2 games and VSU students volunteered as officials, keeping score, and presenting the awards at the conclusion of the tournament. The S.L.O.T (Student Liaison Outreach Team) and other VSU students also came out to support the event.

Special Olympics Virginia and Virginia State University is in their second year of providing the SONA Curriculum through the Sports Management Department, under the direction of Dr. Reginald Overton, Associate Professor. Each student in the program is required to complete 10 hours of field service during the semester in order to satisfy the requirements of a Games Management certification.

The tips and encouragement that the Virginia State Trojan players and students provided will serve the Special Olympics athletes well as many of them will be competing on March 16, 2007 during the State Level Basketball Championships in Stafford Virginia.

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Special Olympics Urban Programs

A large group of adult residents having intellectual disabilities in the City of Richmond lack the opportunity to participate with Special Olympics. Currently, the Urban Programs is assisting five local City of Richmond adult residential and group homes with providing local training and competition to its residents. It is projected that over 400 adult residents will participate in several local Special Olympics events during 2007.
Adult Local Coordinator, Richard Levy at 804-358-2211

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The Special Olympics Virginia Urban Programs has developed, organized and implemented a local program within the City of Richmond & Petersburg for persons having intellectual disabilities. We provide year round sports training and local athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for individuals having intellectual disabilities, specifically to: 1) students that attend Richmond & Petersburg Public Schools, 2) adults living in group or residential homes within the City of Richmond & Petersburg and 3) other Richmond & Petersburg city residents.

Our goal is to create partnerships and alliances with local companies, churches, universities, organizations, Richmond Public Schools, and the City of Richmond & Petersburg. Also, Special Olympics Virginia hopes to bring all persons with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens.

Most recently, reports indicate that there are over 2,000 students with intellectual disabilities attending Richmond Public Schools. Our goal is to service as many of the student population having intellectual disabilities. Currently, the Richmond City Urban Program has 30 schools participating in at least two or more sports, totaling over 1,000 hundred athletes in training and competition.

Area 25- Because of the success of the partnership with Richmond Public School, the Board of Directors approved the decision for the Richmond program to separate from Area 6 and become its own area-Area 25. Ownership of Area 25 will be given to Richmond Public Schools and the City of Richmond volunteers with focus on volunteer structure development. Area 25 will continue to focus on local events and training. Contact Joan Quash, Area 25 Chairperson at 804-780- 6275 or Sylvia Seaborne, Area 25 Local Coordinator at 804-780-6052.

Recruiting volunteers to coach athletes participating in local, state, and national Special Olympics events has been the toughest challenge. Special Olympics Virginia needs volunteers that are committed to providing consistent training to athletes. Also, operational cost and lack of major sponsorship are challenges that the Urban Programs faces. In addition, inner city youth and adults having intellectual disabilities lack various opportunities to compete on the local level because of financial resources and transportation, consequently these athletes fail to have an opportunity to participate in Special Olympics State events.

Support the Urban Programs! This is an opportunity for the community to be part of something exciting. We welcome the entire City of Richmond & Petersburg, local universities, and neighboring agencies. For additional information please contact Floyd E. Miller II, Director of Urban Programs at 804-346-5544.