 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |

The Special Olympics Guilford/Greensboro Cowboys Softball Team at the 2009 SONC Summer Games in Raleigh, NC.
The silver medals won by the Special Olympics Guilford/Greensboro Cowboys at the 2009 Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games in Raleigh on June 7 shone just as bright as gold to the 11 members of the team. These teammates have been playing together for 15 years, but this was without a doubt, one of their finest moments. The pride was evident on their faces as they accepted their medals in their brand new uniforms.
The softball season was one full of struggle. The squad was already adjusting to the news they no longer had a home field in Greensboro on which to practice or play due to construction in the area. Then the real tragedy struck.
Late in February, a fire destroyed Coach John Stone’s home, barn and property. It claimed his beloved pets and leveled the house that had been in his family for years. He lost everything he owned. Stone, a Special Olympics basketball and softball coach, stored all his teams’ uniforms and equipment at his house and all of it went up in flames.
“It was a traumatic time,” said Charyl Clark, Special Olympics Guilford/Greensboro local coordinator. “It was devastating for the Stone’s and for the athletes. But John is so dedicated to the athletes he never missed a beat.”
Stone never missed a practice, and Special Olympics immediately set out to help raise the funds that were needed to replace the uniforms and equipment. A firstgiving.com fundraising Web page was created and began generating support from the community. The softball team’s needs were the main priority with $3,000 as the fundraising goal.
More...
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |

Fundraisers for Wake County Athletes Attending the 2009 National Invitational Tournaments for Golf and Team Softball
Special Olympics Wake County athletes and coaches have been selected to compete in the 2009 National Invitational Tournaments for Golf and Softball July 31-Aug. 3 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Special Olympics operates on donations, sponsorships and grants. Athletes are never charged a fee to participate. This is incredible opportunity for these athletes and funds are needed to cover the travel expenses for the group.
Ways you can help:
-Trip T-shirts for a $10 donation. Sponsorship space is available for donations from businesses.
-Softball team logo shirts and caps for a $10 donation each.
-Golf team caps for a $10 donation.
-Auto-Bell Car Wash tickets. Tickets are $13.95 for a regular wash and Special Olympics Wake County will get 50% of ticket sales.
-“Opportunity Quilt" Raffle. The "Mola Stories" opportunity quilt is being displayed at Etc. Crafts, 226 East Chatham St., Cary, until Monday. On July 6, it will go to Elegant Stitches in Waverly Shopping Center, Cary, until July 11. Make a $5 donation for a chance to win.
-Pizza Inn night (2221 New Hope Church Rd., Raleigh, near Atlantic Ave.) July 7. Athletes will be working for tips and 10% of sales.
-Online donations at www.firstgiving.com/wakecounty
Brian Philpot - 919-807-8378 - Brian.philpot@ci.raleigh.nc.us - Local Coordinator - Special Olympics Wake County
More...
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
Special Olympics North Carolina is one of the largest volunteer
organizations in the state with more than 20,000 charity volunteers. Involving
more than 38,000 athletes who have intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics
North Carolina is one of the largest programs in the world. Special Olympics North Carolina offers training and competition
in 20 sports, including everything from Alpine skiing to volleyball. The Special
Olympics goal is to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities
through sport, by empowering them both on and off the field of play and bringing
them into the larger society where they are respected and accepted. Special Olympics
NC is a volunteer-driven organization. Whether you're interested in coaching athletes,
helping in fund raising, coordinating events, or just helping out in our office,
we have volunteer opportunities for just about everything. Special Olympics athletes
in North Carolina are never charged a fee to compete. All of their expenses, including
training, uniforms and other related costs, are paid for through generous donations
from individuals and businesses. Support Special Olympics North Carolina by making
a gift to one of our vital fundraising programs. North Carolina donations can
also be made online through our secure site.
|
 |
 |