Column: Chicagoโs Polar Plunge is another pandemic casualty, but Special Olympics supporters are finding other ways to douse themselves in frigid water
โAs a parent of someone who will eventually participate in Special Olympics when sheโs willing and able, I feel like itโs my responsibility to make sure that program is thriving,โ Deanna Panatera said. โWe want our Reese to be able to have that same experience and team companionship and healthy competition she sees her friends and family having.โ
chicagotribune.comOne Good Thing: Special Olympian spreads message of love
(Gary Schottle via AP)Gary Schottle arrived in time to see the other kids in line hitting and jumping on his young son. Special Olympics changed everything. Special Olympics has since branched out to more than 170 countries, empowering more than 5 million athletes who had often been cast aside. In 20 years of Special Olympics competition, Tank's confidence has soared, his leadership spreading across playing fields, the Houston area and beyond. Once one of the bullied, he has become a living embodiment of the Special Olympics message.
โThe longest-serving athleteโ: Pioneering Special Olympian dies
Special Olympics was always more than the competition, though, she said. Everyone involved became close. She knew Moose watched โThe Wizard of Ozโ countless times, and that he knew all the words and the songs. He and some of the other athletes also loved Elvis, offering facts about his life or dancing to his music. A few picked Elvis as their costume for several Halloweens.
chicagotribune.comBradford superintendent sued after conflict with Special Olympics organizer
STARKE, Fla. โ The superintendent of the Bradford County School District is facing a defamation lawsuit brought by an organizer for the local chapter of Special Olympics Florida. โThe email did not give dates, times, or list a phone number for a return call,โ the Facebook post said. Cooper approached the Superintendent and proceeded to rant about the districtโs failure to respond to her request; repeatedly using profanity," the Facebook post said. Cooperโs behavior was unprofessional, unwarranted and highly inappropriate given the presence of parents, teachers and even students in close enough proximity to have overheard her profane diatribe,โ the districtโs Facebook post said. After doing that she created a false and libelous post on the school districtโs official Facebook page.
Cop Paralyzed in Line of Duty Stands for 1st Time in 14 Years During National Anthem
The officers stood at attention Friday as the national anthem played, but all eyes were on one veteran cop in particular. It was a drug deal gone bad, Weigt told KPHO-TV. "I'd been wanting to stand for the national anthem for 14 years," Weigt, a former United States infantry soldier, told TODAY. When everything hushed and the drums started, Im telling you, everything just went right into place, Weigt told KPHO-TV. That was probably the most special thing," Weigt said of being able to connect with the events participants.
Atlantic Beach police support Special Olympics with Tip a Cop event
If you don't already have lunch or dinner plans Tuesday, consider heading out to Jumpin' Jax House of Food in Atlantic Beach to support Special Olympics Florida. The Atlantic Beach Police Department will be participating in a Tip a Cop event at the restaurant from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. in Atlantic Beach. The event raises money for Special Olympics Florida by having officers assist with waiting tables as they collect donations from patrons. To learn more about Special Olympics Florida and the Torch Run, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.