2021 Volume I | January 20, 2021
January 2021 Program Update
Happy New Year! Our team here at Special Olympics Wyoming is excited to move into 2021 and know that great things lie ahead in the new year. While we are all still challenged by COVID-19 restrictions, we’re excited to have areas host smaller Winter Games around the state to keep the spirit of competition alive. Things will continue to look different as we forge ahead into this new year. Rest assured our team will do its best to offer sports training and competition opportunities to our athletes in the safest manner possible.

Be sure to tune in to Facebook in the month of February for all of the action from the 2021 Virtual State Winter Games, including opening ceremonies, competition photos and videos, awards, and even a virtual dance party!

Stay safe, stay active, stay well.
Jen Haines, President & CEO
COMPETITION UPDATE
Area Competition
The Area Winter Games Season is approaching fast. See the statewide dates below!

Area I: Friday, January 22 @ Antelope Butte Recreations Area
Area II: Friday, February 5 @ White Pine Ski Resort
Area III: Friday, January 29 @ LaPrele Park in Laramie
Area IV: Wednesday, February 3 @ Terry Peak Ski Area
Area V: Sunday, February 7 @ Casper Mountain

Please be sure to wear your masks covering your mouth and nose, practice physical distancing, and follow all guidelines including those of the facility hosting the event at all competitions. Don't forget to always cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.

To learn more, visit your Area Page of the website or contact your Area Director.
State Competition
Winter Games has gone Virtual! Special Olympics Wyoming will still offer in-person competitions in the form of smaller, Area Games where current health orders can be observed. The results from Area Games will be compiled to determine medaling placements for the 2021 Virtual State Winter Games competition to be held in the middle of February. Stay tuned for more information.
FUNDRAISING
Planning Fundraising Events for 2021
If you are planning an event or want to sponsor Special Olympics Wyoming athletes, please reach out to development@specialolympicswy.org or complete this form and return to our office.

We want to be sure to recognize some sponsors including Law Enforcement Torch Run, First Interstate Bank, Knights of Columbus and Daniels Fund.
2021 Jackalope Jumps
Planning has begun for Jackalope Jumps and some dates have already been set. Be sure to check out the website for more information. Current set dates are:

-Powell March 12
-Wheatland March 13
-Gillette March 20
-Keyhole March 26
-Lander Masters March 27
-Cody April 16

Contact Cathy Bisiar to schedule one in your community! Thank you to all the Jackalope Jump Sponsors and Donors:

Your local law enforcement officers have agreed to participate in a beard/body hair growing contest. Your vote (via donation) will determine the winner.  Create a team or vote for your favorite. Click here to donate and check out the leaderboard!

Thank you all the Guardian Sponsors including the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, Wyoming Highway Patrol Association, Division of Criminal Investigation, Wyoming Fraternal Order of Police and Texas Roadhouse.
Law Enforcement Torch Run
Area Winter Games Torch Runs are being organized throughout Wyoming. Law Enforcement will carry the Flame of Hope in their respective locations to open the Games.
 
Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy (WLEA) in Douglas is hosting a dinner presentation on Jan. 21, for its basics training classes to share how LETR has been involved in the Special Olympics Mission. Wyoming athletes and families will share the impact Special Olympics has had on their lives and mingle (safely distanced) with Law Enforcement.
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Young Athletes
Play is a serious form of learning. With Young Athletes activities, your 3-8 year old athlete can learn fundamental skills like walking and running, balance, jumping, trapping and catching all while playing! 
Unified Champion Schools
Inclusive Youth Leadership is an important component of Unified Champion Schools, encouraging all students to be a leader in their school and community. Special Olympics North America is offering online Foundational Inclusive Youth Leadership Training and a Leadership Summit! Visit https://www.sowy.org/programs/get-your-school-involved for more information and training links.
Check out the new Spread The Word Connection merch for the 2021 Spread The Word campaign. Start planning your event, contact Amanda Ward (307-325-3062) for help with purchasing campaign supplies.
Special Olympics Wyoming has three new Health Messengers! Congratulations to Jeannie Ellinger of Sheridan, Chris Gallus of Laramie, and Lewis Fancher of Riverton on completing the four week training to be advocates for health in the state of Wyoming!