Georgia's ChampionsAugust 2017's Triumphs On and Off the Field

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Athletes Around GeorgiaAtlanta United and SOGA Pair up for First Ever Unified Team

It was a bright and sunny day on Friday,

July 21 when seven Special Olympics

Georgia Cobb County athletes and seven

Unified Partners stepped into Orlando City

Stadium for the first MLS Unified Game

between Atlanta United and Orlando City.

The Unified Team, which has been practicing since the beginning of July, is part of an MLS league-

wide initiative to have athletes with intellectual disabilities play unified in one of the world's most

popular sports. Teams meet and compete against one corresponding team in the same region as

them, once at home and once away. Unified team members also spend time together and with MLS

players participating in team building activities, developing friendships and learning good

sportsmanship.

Following Atlanta United's first win against their rival in the sunshine state, Atlanta's Unified team

defeated Orlando City Unified 1-0. The two teams will meet again in Atlanta on September 16, playing

in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Cl ick her eCl ick her e for more information on our friendship with Atlanta United or to purchase tickets for the

game on September 16.

Honorary ESPY Winner to Compete in Upcoming MastersBowling Tournament

Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver wasn't the only

member of the Special Olympics family to be honored

by the 2017 ESPY team. One extraordinary Special

Olympics Georgia athlete, also received praise and an

accolade from the ESPYs.

Hall County's own Katy Wilson was surprised by SOGA

staff and WSB-TV Channel 2 with an honorary ESPY. A

long-time athlete, Katy has competed on local, state,

national and international levels and was an

International Global Messenger for Special Olympics International. Katy was selected by Special

Olympics International and the ESPY team for this prestigious award for her championship

performances in gymnastics and her heart and dedication to the Special Olympics mission.

In addition to being a gold medalist in gymnastics, Katy is also an elite bowler. From August 18 - 20,

Katy will compete with over 1,500 other Special Olympics Georgia adult athletes in hopes of being

named the state's top bowler and bringing back a gold medal to Hall County. "I'm so happy to be part

of Special Olympics Georgia and am so excited for all of the competitions. Us, the athletes, are able to

be friends, cheer each other on, and show how hard we work," commented Katy.

For information about the Masters Bowling Tournament including schedule, location and Opening

Ceremony, cl ick her ecl ick her e.

Masters Bowling t-shirts are available! Cl ick her e to order your s today!Cl ick her e to order your s today!

Our Athlete of the Month: Tim Pruitt

Tim Pru i ttTim Pru i tthas been involved with Special Olympics Georgia for 15

years. Tim firstparticipated in softball, but over the years he has

competed in a wide range ofsports including, bocce, basketball, bowling

and tennis with Macon-BibbCounty Parks & Recreation. Tim’s mother,

Becky Pruitt, says that SOGA staffmember, Kelli Britt, has always been

supportive of him. She was his inspirationfor participating in Special

Olympics Georgia.

Recently, Timhas been in and out of the hospital due to a splenectomy

and other medicalcomplications. His mother says that he has to be in

the doctor’s office everyday of the work week. But while Tim continues

to battle his health, he alsocontinues to battle in his competitions. Tim

can still participate in severalsports, and he competes with a positive attitude. He is a compassionate,

“happysoul” as his mother puts it, that is always proud no matter where he places inhis competitions.

In additionto participating in Special Olympics Georgia, Tim also produces beautiful photos as

amember of the Shutter Bug Club, a photography club in Macon, Georgia. Tim’sperseverance and

positive attitude are an inspiration, and he is the epitome ofwhat it means to be a Special Olympics

Georgia athlete.

Congratulations, Tim, on being this month's Athlete of the Month!

Competition Corner

More than 500 Special Olympics competitions take place annually throughout Georgia. Here are some

highlights from July:

On July 29, athletes, coaches and Unified Partners from Area 7 gathered to compete in their localbowling tournament.

The SOGA CommunityOur Volunteer of the Month: Ann Kearbey

Ann KearbeyAnn Kearbey first volunteered with Special Olympics Georgia in 1998

through the John DrewSmith Tennis Center. Over the years, she has

earned coach’s certifications in anumber of different sports including

tennis, badminton and golf.

Today, she isthe Competitions Chairperson for Special Olympics Georgia

Area 7. During both state andarea level competitions, you can find Ann

working alongside athletes to help them excel in their event, bringing a

positive energy to all of their competitions.Behind the scenes, she works

very hard to make sure that all athletes in Special Olympics Georgia

Area 7 have their proper paperwork on file in order to ensure that

everyone has anopportunity to compete and demonstrate their skills.

It’s rare tosee Ann without a smile on her face. Her kind and genuine personality, as wellas her work

ethic, help to make Special Olympics Georgia competitions smoother and moreenjoyable for athletes,

coaches and volunteers alike.

Congratulations, Ann, on being this month's Volunteer of the Month!

Our Sponsor of the Month: Marlow's TavernPremier Sponsor of Special Olympics Georgia

Mar low’s TavernMar low’s Tavern and sistercompanies Ster l ingSpoonSter l ingSpoon

Cul inar y Managem entCul inar y Managem ent and Mar ketStr eet CaféMarketStr eet Café

continueto generously support Special Olympics Georgia year-

round through the annualMarlow’s Tavern Golf Classic and

Tavern/Café fundraising efforts. John C. Metz, co-founder and executive chef of Marlow’s

Tavern, Market Street Café, and Sterling Spoon

CulinaryManagement, has been a true friend and supporter

of Special OlympicsGeorgia for 19 years. In 2016, Marlow’s Tavern/Sterling Spoon raisedclose to

$113,000 through the annual golf tournament, a Tavern fundraiser, andtwo new Tavern openings.

To date, Johnand the Marlow’s Tavern/Sterling Spoon family have raised over $810,000 for Special

Olympics Georgia athletes!

“I am thrilled with what we have raised for SpecialOlympics Georgia athletes. We are proudto give

back to this organization that does so much for Georgia’s community,”said John. “Our partnership

with SOGA issomething I consider to be one of our company’s greatest achievements, and thefact

that we have been able to break our own record year-after-year is incrediblyrewarding to me and our

entire team. Welook forward to continuing this partnership long into the future.”

For 20 years, Sterling Spoon has delivered world-class

on-site cafes, catering, and refreshment to corporations,

their employees and their guests. In 2014 and 2015,

Sterling was named one of the top food service

companies by Food Management magazine. In

2015, Mar low’s TavernMar low’s Tavern received the Georgia

Restaurant Neighbor Award and was selected for the Top

100 Restaurants in Atlanta by Jezebel Magazine. Find

your neighborhood Marlow’s Tavern location

at www.m ar lowstavern.comwww.m ar lowstavern.com .

Thank you John, Marlow’s Tavern, Market Street Café, and Sterling Spoon partners, management,

employees, and supporters for Being A Fan of Special Olympics Georgia and Bringing Out TheChampion In Everyone!

Kroger Community Rewards Re-Enrollment/Enrollment

I f you have pr eviously enrol led in the KrogerI f you have pr eviously enrol led in the Kroger

Com m unity Rewards pr ogram and selected SOGACom m unity Rewards pr ogram and selected SOGA

as your char i ty, you m ust r e- enrol l by Augustas your char i ty, you m ust r e- enrol l by August

26. I f you don ' t r e- enrol l by August 26, you wi l l26. I f you don ' t r e- enrol l by August 26, you wi l l

be dr opped fr om the program on August 27 , andbe dropped fr om the program on August 27 , and

SOGA wi l l no longer r eceive m oney fr om yourSOGA wi l l no longer r eceive m oney fr om your

pur chases. And i f you haven ' t enrol ledpur chases. And i f you haven ' t enrol led

previously, now is a gr eat tim e.pr eviously, now is a gr eat tim e.

To re-enroll, go to

www.kroger .com /com m unityr ewardswww.kroger .com /com m unityr ewards, sign into your

account, select view your reward details, scroll down to

the Community Rewards section, click edit, enter Special Olympics Georgia, select Special Olympics

Georgia, and click enroll. Kroger Community Rewards makes supporting SOGA super easy... all you

have to do is shop at Kroger, swipe your Plus Card, and SOGA will earn money! To enroll for the first

time, sign up with your 12 digit Kroger Plus Card number at

www.kroger .com /com m unityr ewardswww.kroger .com /com m unityr ewards, and in the Community Rewards section, select Special

Olympics Georgia (code 57973) as the organization you wish to support. If your Kroger Plus Card is

not already registered online, you will need to create an account. If you already have an account,

simply sign in, find the Community Rewards section and select Special Olympics Georgia. Questions or

problems, contact Susan Skoln ickSusan Skoln ick or (770) 414-9390 ext. 111.

Help Us Build Our New Home!

To better serve YOU - our athletes, families,

volunteers and friends - we are building a one-of-

a-kind training facility and administrative space

called Training for Life: Sports Lab & Center. this

state-of-the-art new home will include a

gymnasium and training space for athletes,

gathering space for communities, and

administrative support for our staff and

volunteers to better serve more than 27,000

athletes!

To make this project a reality, we are fundraising

$5.5 million through our first ever capital campaign. We've raised more than $4.9 million, and we

need YOUR help to finish this project. The new facility will include a time capsule - to be opened in 50

years - to commemorate this important step for our SOGA family and the many stories that make up

our great work.

Through a donation of $50, you can include your story in this time capsule and forever be a part of

SOGA's history. Cl ick her e to cem ent your spot in SOGA's for ever h istor y.Cl ick her e to cem ent your spot in SOGA's for ever h istor y.

Silent Auction Items Needed

SOGA has several upcoming silent auctions that are in need of

items. If you personally have or know someone/a business who

might be willing to donate any of the following, please contact

Susan Skoln ickSusan Skoln ick at (770) 414-9390 ext. 111:

Vacation/time-share home

Resort/hotel stay

Sports memorabilia

Sporting event tickets

Concert tickets

Airline tickets/vouchers

Golf foursome

Restaurant gift card

Any other item, type of service or recreational activity that you think would be a great

addition to a silent auction.

Each silent auction item donation helps us to raise money and ensure that all SOGA programs are

free to our athletes and their families.

Fundraising Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are needed to help identify and/or approach

potential corporate sponsors and individual donors for

State Games and fundraising events. This is an extremely

important component to the success of these events. By

generating new ideas and discovering new opportunities

that can help us meet or exceed our revenue goals, you

will make a vital contribution to SOGA. For more

information, contact Susan Skoln ickSusan Skoln ick at (770) 414-9390

ext. 111.

Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in joining the SOGA community? Click below to see all the great ways you can give your

time to SOGA events, competitions and athletes, or contact Liz Sm ithLiz Sm ith or Pau l McNei lPau l McNei l :

State Masters Bowling Tournament - From August 18 - 20, SOGA adult athletes compete to bethe state's top bowler. Volunteers are needed to help at the tournament and be a fan! To apply to

volunteer, please click here.State Fall Games and Horse Show - From October 13 - 15, athletes from across the state willcome to Gainesville, GA to compete in bocce, golf, softball, cycling and equestrian events.Volunteers are needed to help at the these competitions and be a fan! To apply to volunteer,please click here.

Special Olympics Colleges - College students and higher education professionals are invited tojoin a movement to bring awareness and volunteerism for SOGA to college campuses acrossGeorgia. To apply or learn more about SO Colleges, please click here.Coaching Opportunities - Whether you are looking to become a coach with SOGA or just get re-certified, SOGA has opportunities for you. Click here to find out about what you need to be acoach or to learn about the certification process. Coaches are required to be re-certified in anysport every three years. For more information, contact Kelli Britt at (770) 414-9390 ext. 122. Tobe re-certified in a specific area, click one or more of the following links:Unified SportsSpecial Olympics AthletesPrinciples of CoachingConcussion in SportsAutism Spectrum DisorderClick here to learn more about our required protective behaviors training.Click here to learn about SOGA's volunteer screening policy.

SOGA Events

Duck PluckDuck PluckAugust 11August 11

Special Olympics Georgiapresents the 12thAnnual Duck Pluck! Join us in supporting 7,115registeredathletes in the beautiful state ofGeorgia! Funds raised from this eventprovidemeals and housing at no cost to our athletes atState Games. Bydonating $5, you are not onlysupporting our athletes, but it will also makeyoueligible to win some awesome prizes: Two RoundTrip Tickets on SpiritAirlines, a Two Night Stay atthe King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, a$400Visa Gift Card and more! You will additionally beentered into a monthlydrawing for a $25American Express Gift Cards! A purchase of aQuack Packand/or higher will also enter you towin a $150 American Express Gift Card.

Cl ick her e toadopt your ducks!Cl ick her e toadopt your ducks!

Shoot for ChampionsShoot for ChampionsSeptem ber 8Septem ber 8

Come join Special Olympics Georgia for the 4thAnnual Shoot for Champions Clay ShootFundraiser presented by Georgia Natural Gasat Gar land Mountain Spor ting ClaysGar land Mountain Spor ting Clays.

This event will host nearly 100 shooters who willcompete in a beautiful 15 station course inWaleska, Georgia. They will enjoy a great day ofshooting, five stand games, a silent auction,awards and a lunch reception.

Cl ick her e to r egister now!Cl ick her e to r egister now!

For more information on the event orsponsoring Shoot for Champions,contact Thom as Ri tchThom as Ri tch at (770) 414-9390 ext.121.

Thank you to oursponsors: Rooms To GoFoundation, Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academies,WhitakerOil Company, Winter Companies, LAZParking, Risk Placement Services Inc.,Aflac,Allied World, Rhino Shield by Georgia Coatings, HighwoodsProperties, Sherwin-Williams, DobbinsThrift Shoppe, Craig Automotive, DaleMassey -State Farm, North Georgia ReplacementWindows and Duck Donuts. Also, thank youtoPost Chastain for hosting this event.

Toast to Tit letownToast to Tit letownSeptem ber 16Septem ber 16

Join us for Special Olympics Georgia's 9thAnnual Toast to Titletown! It will be held onSaturday, September 16th from 7 - 10 pm inValdosta, Georgia. This event features a greatsilent auction, food and drinks, live music &presentations by local Special Olympics Georgiaathletes.

Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per coupleprior to the event.

Tickets will be $35 per person or $60 per coupleat the door.

For more information, to purchase tickets, or tobecome a sponsor or make a donation, contactLiz Sm ithLiz Sm ith at (229) 712-9973.

Marlow's Tavern Golf Classic Marlow's Tavern Golf ClassicSeptem ber 18Septem ber 18

Join us on September 18th at the Country Clubor Roswell for the 19th Annual Marlow's TavernGolf Classic benefiting SOGA. Since 1999, thisannal golf tournament has raised almost$685,000 for our athletes. This year'stournament goal is to raise $95,000! The fun-filled day will include a putting contest, shotgunstart, hole contests, and an awards ceremony,reception, and silent auction.

Cl ick her e for Avai lable Sponsor sh ipsCl ick her e for Avai lable Sponsor sh ips.

Cl ick her e for the Registr ation FormCl ick her e for the Registr ation Form .

If you cannot participate in the tournament butwould like to make a donation, please make yourcheck payable to Special Olympics Georgia, write"Marlow's" on the memo line, and mail to SusanSkolnick, Special Olympics Georgia, 4000 DekalbTechnology Parkway, Suite 400, Building 400,Atlanta, GA 30340.

For more information, contact Susan Skoln ickSusan Skoln ickat (770) 414-9390 ext. 111.

Thank you to Marlow's Tavern and past andcurrent sponsors for your generous support overthe years!

Bob Busse MemorialBob Busse MemorialGolf ClassicGolf ClassicOctober 24October 24

SAVE THE DATE for the 22nd AnnualSpecial Olympics Georgia Bob Busse MemorialGolf Classic!

Join us at Ansley Golf Club in Settindown Creekfor a day of golfing, networking, prizes, food,and a silent auction to support the 27,115athletes of Special Olympics Georgia.

Interested in registering yourself or your teamof four, or in sponsorship opportunities?Contact Sar a BrunoSara Bruno at (770) 414-9390 ext. 105.

Thank you to the following sponsors: PresentingSponsor: Park N' Fly; Gold Athlete Sponsors: UPS,Knights of Columbus, St. Peter Chanel; SilverAthlete Sponsors: AT&T, Noro Management,ScottMadden Management Consultants, CapstoneFinancial and Classic Cadillac; Hole Sponsors:Jackson Spalding, Atlanta Classic Cars, WellsFargo Insurance Services, Gas Motorcars, Inc.,iFly Atlanta, Inwood Holdings and CWC OfficeFurniture.

Over the Edge Over the EdgeMay 5 , 2018May 5 , 2018

Mark your calendars! Over the Edge will be backin 2018!

Join Special Olympics Georgia and repel down 22stories, all to benefit the 27,115 athletes ofSpecial Olympics Georgia.

Registration is now OPEN! Cl ick her e to takeCl ick her e to takeyour suppor t to new heightsyour suppor t to new heights!

For more information, or to learn aboutsponsorship opportunities, contact Sar a BrunoSara Brunoat (770) 414-9390 ext. 105.

SOGA PromotionsThere are currently several great ways to earn free money for SOGA athletes. If you have questions

on any of these promotions, please contact Susan Skoln ickSusan Skoln ick at (770) 414-9390 ext. 111.

Did you know that every time you shop at Kroger Community Rewards makes supporting

Amazon you can support SOGA athletes? Thanksto the Am azonSm i leAm azonSm i le program, 0.5% of theprice of your eligible purchases will be donated toSOGA. Instead of going to Amazon's main homepage, go to Am azonSm i leAm azonSm i le. AmazonSmile is thesame Amazon that you know - same products,same prices, same service. If you click the linkabove, Special Olympics Georgia automaticallywill be selected as your charity. If it isn't, selectit from the list. Now, every time you make apurchase from Amazon throughsm i le.am azon.comsm i le.am azon.com you'll be supporting SOGAathletes!

SOGA super easy... all you have to do is shop atKroger and swipe your Plus Card! Sign up withyour 12 digit Kroger Plus Card numberat www.kroger .com /com m unityr ewardswww.kroger .com /com m unityr ewards and in the Community Rewards section, selectSpecial Olympics Georgia (code 57973) as theorganization you wish to support. Once you'reenrolled, you'll earn rewards for SOGA everytime you shop with your Plus Card, whileearning rewards/fuel points for yourself. Enrol lEnrol lnow for the Kroger Com m unitynow for the Kroger Com m unityRewards Pr ogramRewards Pr ogram (you must re-enroll eachyear to continue earning rewards for SOGA). Ifyour Kroger Plus Card is not registered, you willneed to create an account and register.

DialAm er icaDialAm er ica will donate 10% of your paidmagazine subscription to SOGA. To subscribeto amagazine, call (877) 872-2362 between 8:00 a.m.and 8:00 p.m. or cl ick her ecl ick her e.

Thinking of selling or trading in that old car,boat or RV? Donate it instead! SOGA haspartnered with CARS to turn your old vehicle,whether it's running or not, into much neededfunds for our programs. CARS accepts most cars,trucks, trailers, boats, RV's, motorcycles, offroad vehicles, heaving equipment, and mostother motorized vehicles. CARS will make all thearrangements at no cost to you. They handle thetitle transfer requirements and will provide youwith a written acknowledgement of yourdonation and tax deduction information. Cl ickCl ickhere for m ore in form ation or to donatehere for m ore in form ation or to donateyour veh icle.your veh icle. A helpful representative willcontact you within 24 hours to schedule apickup, or call CARS seven days a week at 1-844-404-SOGA (7642) to speak with a representative.

KidCents is a program created by the Rite AidFoundation that allows Rite Aid customers toround up their purchases to the nearest dollar anddonate their change to SOGA athletes. Make yourchange be the change for SOGA athletes! Cl ickCl ickhere for m ore in form ation or to sign uphere for m ore in form ation or to sign upand star t donating your change today!and star t donating your change today!

Stay Connected

Forward to a Friend

We're fortunate enough to have you as part of the

Special Olympics Georgia family. Our goal is to reach

as many potential sponsors, volunteers, and athletes

as possible; so, please help us grow the family even

more. Please forward this e-newsletter to your

friends and family so they can sign upsign up to also

receive the monthly

e-newsletter!

Tell Us Your Story

We want to tell your stories! Email Meghan DavesMeghan Daves with a story about a

Special Olympics event or person who has brought out the champion in

you!

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