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Updated: 1/11/2010
About Special Friends
What we do?
Our coaches have been through certified sport-specific training by
Special Olympic Texas trainers. At weekly and/or bi-weekly practices,
coaches train athletes on conditioning the body prior to the activity,
teach drills to further develop the skills needed for the sport, and
instruct the athletes on rules that govern play of the game. Most
sports practice about 8 weeks prior to the Area competition provided by
Special Olympics Texas, Area 11 (Greater Fort Worth) or Area 10
(Dallas).
Uniforms:
We have graduated from the basic T-shirt with a number on it and a pair
of knit shorts, to sport specific uniforms for basketball, track
(athletics), cycling, and softball. Bocce athletes use the track
uniform for competition. Bowling and volleyball still use our basic
blue T-shirt uniform, which is provided by Special Friends. The
sport-specific uniforms, as well as the warm-ups, were purchased with
the help of sponsors who donated funds for the specific purpose of that
uniform purchase. Uniforms are then ordered on an as-needed basis for
new or shifting athletes using our general funds.
Who funds us?
We support our athletes participating in Area and State games through
funds raised by fund raisers, which our athletes and parents actively
participate in. All fund raisers must be approved by Area 11 Special
Olympics Texas. All funds received by Special Friends are deposited in
an account maintained by Special Olympics Texas in Austin. We do not
receive ANY funding from Special Olympics Texas. We provide equipment
for each sport, pay for State entry fees, $25 per athlete, as well as
supply every state participant with lunch and dinner each day of
competition. Eight of our sports incur minimal expenses to operate, as
HEBISD donates gym space for us to use for volleyball and basketball.
Bowling does have a cost per game, per athlete, and that is covered by
Special Friends funds. Some venues have someone who will "sponsor" the
lunch for the athletes participating at Area competitions. Anyone
interested in contributing in this way should contact either Ami
Eglintine or Coach Vickie Scire. Also, if a parent/guardian knows of a
corporate company or business that would be interested in making a
contribution to Special Friends, please contact Ami or Vickie to get
this type of contribution set up.
Donations
Donations may be made payable to "SOTX, FBO Special Friends" and mailed
to Special Friends, 3020 Bramble Oaks Ct., Bedford, TX 76021. Special
Olympics Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are
tax deductible.
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