Volunteer Newsletter | September 2014 

Autumn is in the air, and we are gearing up for our Fall Events.  We are looking for coaches and Unified Partners for several of our teams, as well as volunteers for a unique opportunity at Gillette Stadium this weekend.

Be sure to read the article about one of our Unified Partners, Melissa (Mel) Bilodeau.  Learn why she participates in Unified Sports and decide if this might be the perfect role for you!

Special Olympics Massachusetts
COACHES/ASSISTANT COACHES
For many of these opportunities, it is not necessary to be an expert in the sport. Special Olympics MA provides training for all coaches!  If you see something of interest, please contact the person listed for more information.  Don't hesitate just because you're not an Olympic medalist in that sport!
  • Basketball - For additional information on any of the following opportunities, please contact Sam Baglioni.
    • Attleboro - Practice November through March.
    • Bridgewater Raynham - Athletes are 13 - 21 and 22+.  Practice begins in December and goes through March.
    • Brockton - Athletes are age 13 - 21.  Practice begins in November and goes through March.  
    • Mansfield - November through March.
    • Plymouth - Two teams; athletes are 12 - 21 for one and 22+ for the other. Practice begins in November and goes through March.
  • Soccer
    • Newton. Sundays 9am - 12noon.  Braceland Playground, 1127 Chestnut Street, Newton.  Now through November 9th.  For more information, contact Stan Kruszewski.
  • Volleyball
    • Brockton - Athletes are age 13 - 21.  Practices begin in early spring through June.  For more information, contact Sam Baglioni
MEET MEL!

Melissa "Mel" Bilodeau has been involved with the Shrewsbury Special Needs program as a volleyball coach for many years.  Recently, she described  her experience as a Unified Partner in soccer, a position she's held since 2008:

SOMA:  Why did you decide to become a Unified Partner?
MEL:   I had always wanted to be a part of Special Olympics growing up, but there wasn't much communication on how to start, who to call, where to go, etc.  I started coaching the volleyball program for Shrewsbury Special Needs earlier that year and immediately wanted to do more for the program and for SOMA.  When I learned they offered sports where I could be on the field with the athletes and not just coaching from the sidelines, I jumped at the opportunity to become a partner in a sport I've loved and played for years.

SOMA:   What's the best thing about playing Unified Sports?
MEL:  It is an amazing experience when you watch an athlete develop their skills (athletic, communicative, and social) and help them put it all together - on and off the field. They are competitive, but supportive. No one is an "opposing" team to them. They have the best sportsman-like conduct I've ever been witness to in my over 30 years of sports (playing and/or coaching). We help coach them, but they teach us so much more.  
UNIFIED PARTNERS
Unified Partners are individuals without an intellectual disability who play on teams where half the athletes have an intellectual disability and half do not.  We are looking for Unified Partners for:
  • Basketball
    • Bridgewater Raynham - December through March.  For more information, contact Sam Baglioni.
  • Soccer
    • Seven Hills - Worcester.  Two teams:  Ages 13 - 21 practice Sunday from 1pm - 2:15pm; 22+ practice Sunday from 2:30pm - 4pm.  For more information, contact Jennifer Bergstrom
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

SEE GILLETTE STADIUM AT NIGHT!

The New England Fitness Challenge is an overnight event where teams complete in an obstacle course on the field at Gillette Stadium. Special Olympics is one of three organizations being supported by this event, and we are looking for volunteers to assist with Registration/Opening Ceremonies (Saturday, September 27th 7pm - 11pm), Staffing Obstacle Course Stations (Saturday, September 27th 10pm - Sunday, September 28th 10am), and Closing Ceremonies/After Party (Sunday, September 28th 9am - 12pm). Volunteers for Registration must be at least 16 years of age; all other volunteers must be at least 18.  You'll receive a tee shirt, and overnight volunteers will be invited to the After Party at the CBS Scene on Sunday morning.  

To register, visit New England Fitness Challenge.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE RAFFLE!

 

Winner will receive a one-of-a-kind custom New England Patriots motorcycle designed by Orange County Choppers worth over $85,000! Raffle tickets are just $10, or 3 tickets for $20, and there is no limit to the number you can purchase. The raffle will close on December 21st at 11:00am.  Tickets may be purchased at the 2014 New England Fitness Challenge or online at New England Fitness Challenge.


This bike is signed by OCC Founder, Paul Teutul Sr. and includes Patriots details as well as the logos from Metro SWAT and Boston Fire Department. The bike commemorates fallen Boston firefighters Lt. Edward J. Walsh Jr. and firefighter Michael R. Kennedy. Proceeds from raffle tickets support the Patriots Charitable Foundation, Special Olympics Massachusetts, Jack Williams Wednesday's Child, and Lt. Walsh - Firefighter Kennedy Memorial Fund.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How old do I have to be to volunteer?  
Special Olympics MA is happy to have volunteers of any age help out, and there are a variety of opportunities for all age groups.  Please note:  Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (parent, group leader, etc.)

How can I get a group registered to volunteer?
For most of our larger events we have a Group Registration Form.  When you see an event you're interested in, ask the contact person if they will send you that form.

What is the time commitment to volunteer?
You may volunteer for as many or as few hours as you like!  We have many volunteers who will help out at one of our events for a 4 - 6 hour period. Others choose to volunteer at multiple events or assist in planning events.  We have some very dedicated volunteers who give us 100's of hours a year!

Why are you asking for my employer's name?
We are frequently asked by companies if any of their employees volunteer for SOMA, as many prefer to support those charities to whom their employees give their time.

These are just some of the many opportunities available with SOMA!  If y ou have any questions, please contact Martha Dove, Director of Volunteers, at martha.dove@specialolympicsma.org.
FOLLOW SOMA