tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35895184180992246512024-03-13T05:30:14.303-07:00Special Olympics Team USA World Games Gymnasticsrerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-28592291084977769332011-04-06T19:29:00.000-07:002011-04-06T19:29:53.466-07:002011 USA Gymnastics Special Olympics Championships<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/images/women/events/11sochampionships_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/images/women/events/11sochampionships_300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just a reminder that the 2011 USA Gymnastics Special Olympics Championships are fast approaching! The competition, which will be held Saturday, May 7th, in Marietta, GA, is being held by USA Gymnastics and Special Olympics North America. It is the first event of its kind so we encourage all members of Special Olympics Team USA gymnastics to participate if possible! However, registration is due soon. Full details about the competition are available here: </div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/pages/women/events/2011/specialolympics.html?prog=w">http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/pages/women/events/2011/specialolympics.html?prog=w</a></div><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We hope to see you there! </span>rerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-4122712130378082322011-04-06T19:21:00.000-07:002011-04-06T19:21:50.773-07:00Congratulations to Mark Medora!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28KRo_b1l7A/TZ0fKH4jDiI/AAAAAAAAATY/mLOzFLVS7JY/s1600/193347_209867475692796_119321464747398_847072_1032969_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28KRo_b1l7A/TZ0fKH4jDiI/AAAAAAAAATY/mLOzFLVS7JY/s320/193347_209867475692796_119321464747398_847072_1032969_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8; color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Congratulations to Mark Medora </b></span>who was recently profiled by his local news station. The news station interviewed him about being a member of Special Olympics Team USA gymnastics. The video is available here:</div><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20%20%20%20http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgoFDxWz7Xo"> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgoFDxWz7Xo</a><br />
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Great job Mark!!rerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-40799985227302129002011-03-31T05:59:00.000-07:002011-03-31T05:59:12.743-07:00Training Camp!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQPW0_Uo5gw/TZR6isu1J3I/AAAAAAAAATU/wZPUtar7Tjo/s1600/IMG_1763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQPW0_Uo5gw/TZR6isu1J3I/AAAAAAAAATU/wZPUtar7Tjo/s320/IMG_1763.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Greetings from San Diego!!<br />
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Although most of us are currently either already at the airport or on our way there, we had a great time in San Diego. We had a great time and are sad to leave, but we are very happy to be returning to our family and friends. <br />
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Training camp began on Sunday with every member of Team USA gymnastics flying to San Diego with their respective State delegation. Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania delegation had some hiccups in their journey - they were rerouted through Dallas, Denver, and Las Vegas before they were finally able to join us at about midnight. Thank you to Team USA gymnasts Mark and Jeanette for hanging in there during their long journey!<br />
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For the rest of us who arrived earlier on Sunday, we all met our new coaches and teammates at dinner that night. It was great to get everyone together, make new friends, and reconnect with old ones (Mandy, Lee, Coach Mary, and Coach Glen were all together at the last World Games in China). After dinner, we all went to our rooms for a good night's sleep to prepare for our upcoming training sessions!<br />
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On Monday morning, we ate a healthy breakfast and headed over to Oceanside gymnastics. We warmed up and played a game to get everything going. Then we split up into groups and began concentrating on gymnastics! In addition to working on our skills, we also did yoga, zumba, and learned about sign language with Coach Mary, and Monica, and nutrition with our Sport Managers Jen and Amber. We took a break to have some delicious Subway sandwiches for lunch and then kept practicing for the rest of the afternoon. It was a long day but everyone worked very hard!<br />
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On Monday evening, Team USA put on a fashion show. Team USA gymnastics was represented by Lee, wearing general Team USA wear, as well as Monica and Colby, who modeled our competitive wear for gymnastics. Everyone loved our leotards and warm ups - an extra special thank you to Coach Mary for all her hard work with GK and Snowflake who donated them! Also, an extra special thank you to the rest of our gymnasts who cheered on their teammates and did a great job supporting Lee, Monica, and Colby.<br />
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Tuesday, we headed back to the gym for more practice. We learned about the importance of being a team, Jen taught us all about Greece, and we also practiced more zumba, especially Coach Glen! We once again had Subway for lunch and more practice in the afternoon. We even had a dance party in the vans on the way back to our hotel.<br />
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Tuesday night, we attended a San Diego State University baseball game. This was exciting for all of us but especially for Jan, who had never been to a baseball game before. After the game, we headed back to bed to rest up for our final day of practice.<br />
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Wednesday, we had a "mock meet." Some local gymnastics coaches, including the owner of Oceanside gymnastics, watched our routines and gave us some tips and feedback on what we can continue to improve on as we prepare for Greece. We also got to wear our new Team USA leotards!<br />
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On Wednesday night, we returned to State mode and saw a slideshow of all the Team USA sports and Greece at dinner. We enjoyed traditional Greek dancers and music. Each sport also performed a Team USA cheer, and Team USA gymnastics received second place for their stellar performance! We were all very proud of this award.<br />
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Speaking of awards . . . several were given out during the week. Coach Mary brought a "spirit bear" that was awarded to the gymnast who demonstrated hard work and positive attitude at each training session. The spirit bear was awarded to Monica, Mark, Emily, Mandy, Jan, and Jeanette. Great job!!<br />
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We also had a "smile" award for the athletes who also kept a positive, upbeat attitude and encouraged their teammates throughout practice. Recipients of these awards were Shailah and Colby. <br />
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Wednesday night finished up with a dance and everyone going to bed to head to the airport early.<br />
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We'll update more when we arrive back home and more photos will follow.<br />
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Thanks again for a great time everyone!rerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-28288405853534992192011-03-01T19:48:00.000-08:002011-03-01T19:48:55.591-08:00Meet the Team<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Glen Marks, Coach (Arlington Heights, Illinois)</span><br />
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<div style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Coach Glen has owned Elk Grove Gymnastics School for 26 years</span><span style="font-size: small;">. Some of his many accomplishments include being the 2000 Jr. Pan American Games Coach</span><span style="font-size: small;">; the 2006 Special Olympics Team Illinois National Coach</span><span style="font-size: small;">; the 2007 Special Olympics World Team USA coach in China</span><span style="font-size: small;">; and being the 2009 winner of the 1st Tim Rand National Gymnastics Award.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><div> </div><div>In addition to gymnastics, Coach Glen enjoys spending time with his two dogs, Tom and Jerry (Springer Spaniels), and he also has a cat named Ben. Coach Glen also loves to travel and has been to 6 Olympic games and 2 World Gymnastic Championships. In addition, he has been a clinician at many conferences and Gymnastics Congress. He also choreographed the men's floor and rings routine for Special Olympics that will be introduced in Greece this summer at the World Games.</div></span></span></span></div>rerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-46263880931920721602011-03-01T19:31:00.000-08:002011-03-01T19:31:02.895-08:00DC FundaiserOn Wednesday, February 16, 2011, Coach Rory hosted a fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics Team USA Gymnastics. The fundraiser was a great success thanks in part to donations from fundraiser host Bobby Vans Grill, which donated their space, drinks and appetizers, and many local area businesses which donated raffle prizes. All in all, approximately 100 people attended the event and nearly $2,000 was raised to benefit Team USA! Photos from the event are available below. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rnN3TNxxINs/TW246eAQzDI/AAAAAAAAARg/uy8CTx9qwCg/s1600/IMG_1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rnN3TNxxINs/TW246eAQzDI/AAAAAAAAARg/uy8CTx9qwCg/s200/IMG_1307.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jl-MEpDgrbc/TW25C63sqSI/AAAAAAAAARk/ha-nnO3u6ks/s1600/IMG_1313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jl-MEpDgrbc/TW25C63sqSI/AAAAAAAAARk/ha-nnO3u6ks/s200/IMG_1313.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Hvrihkrqhd0/TW25jySDkvI/AAAAAAAAAR0/4vbKTtlAa_M/s1600/IMG_1357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Hvrihkrqhd0/TW25jySDkvI/AAAAAAAAAR0/4vbKTtlAa_M/s200/IMG_1357.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-txnKK43_TIQ/TW24qWYGcFI/AAAAAAAAARc/ZUxWYdG7Cfs/s1600/IMG_1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-txnKK43_TIQ/TW24qWYGcFI/AAAAAAAAARc/ZUxWYdG7Cfs/s200/IMG_1300.JPG" width="200" /> </a></div>rerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-55717594221439345922011-03-01T19:21:00.000-08:002011-03-01T19:21:41.205-08:00Congratulations to Coach Mary and Danielle Blakeney!<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Congratulations to Coach Mary and Danielle Blakeney! </span></b></span><br />
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The 2010 Special Olympics Kentucky Coach and Athlete of the Year Awards were presented in Louisville on Saturday, Jan. 29 as part of the ceremonies at the 2011 Inspire Greatness Gala. Our very own Coach Mary was awarded Coach of the Year and Danielle Blakeney was awarded Athlete of the Year! The full story of their achievements is available here: <a href="http://www.soky.org/annualawards.htm">http://www.soky.org/annualawards.htm</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kentuckyeliteshowcats.com/Website_-_Mary_Fehrenbach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kentuckyeliteshowcats.com/Website_-_Mary_Fehrenbach.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.soky.org/images/10teamkentucky/7-20_Blakeney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.soky.org/images/10teamkentucky/7-20_Blakeney.jpg" /></a></div> rerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-28842009079095069062011-02-13T18:06:00.000-08:002011-02-13T18:06:24.969-08:00Congratulations to Colby Bannister!<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Colby was recently profiled by his local news station. The story is available here: </b></div><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://video.dallas.cbslocal.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?clipId1=5264286&flvUri&partnerclipid&at1=Health&vt1=v&h1=Local+Gymnast+To+Compete+In+U.S.+Special+Olympics&d1=117433&redirUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.dalla...s.cbslocal.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv&rnd=95476982" target="_blank" title="http://video.dallas.cbslocal.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?clipId1=5264286&flvUri&partnerclipid&at1=Health&vt1=v&h1=Local+Gymnast+To+Compete+In+U.S.+Special+Olympics&d1=117433&redirUrl=http://video.dalla...s.cbslocal.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv&rnd=95476982"><span style="color: black;">http://video.dallas.cbslocal.<wbr></wbr>com/global/video/flash/<wbr></wbr>popupplayer.asp?clipId1=<wbr></wbr>5264286&flvUri&partnerclipid&<wbr></wbr>at1=Health&vt1=v&h1=Local+<wbr></wbr>Gymnast+To+Compete+In+U.S.+<wbr></wbr>Special+Olympics&d1=117433&<wbr></wbr>redirUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.<wbr></wbr>dalla...s.cbslocal.com&<wbr></wbr>activePane=info&<wbr></wbr>LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&<wbr></wbr>clipFormat=flv&rnd=95476982</span></a></span>rerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-46426760149350224292011-02-13T18:04:00.000-08:002011-02-13T18:04:38.291-08:00Congratulations to Lee Dockins<div style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Lee's family was featured in the following video, which is available here: </b></div><br />
<div><a href="http://fridaynight.wkupj.net/?p=50" target="_blank">http://fridaynight.wkupj.net/?<wbr></wbr>p=50</a></div>rerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-828569018413430152011-01-23T16:44:00.000-08:002011-01-23T16:44:53.655-08:00Congratulations!!<div style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Congratulations to Shailah Brousseau!!</b></u></span></div><br />
Shailah was featured in the "inspiring stories" section of the Special Olympics Team USA website. The article is copied below. The original article can be found here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.specialolympicsteamusa.org/2011/inspiring-stories">http://www.specialolympicsteamusa.org/2011/inspiring-stories</a><br />
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<img alt="http://www.specialolympicsteamusa.org/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Shailah3.jpg" height="571" src="http://www.specialolympicsteamusa.org/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Shailah3.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in;" width="761" /><br />
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When you think of the term “blended family,” there’s no such thing as typical. However, rhythmic gymnastics athlete Shailah Brousseau’s family defies the expectations of even that umbrella term. Shailah has seven siblings, four of whom are adopted and have special needs. <br />
<div dir="ltr">“I have planned on adopting my whole life,” says Lynn Brousseau, Shailah’s mother. “I have a special needs sister, Colleen. She is the one who inspired me to adopt.” After adopting her first two children, Cameron and Alex, Lynn had only planned on adopting one more, her son Stephen. However, when Lynn received a call saying that there was a little girl, she couldn’t say no.</div><div dir="ltr">“The only thing we have ever asked for is a girl, and that’s how we got Shailah.” Lynn says. Four years later, she received another call and received her fifth and final adopted child, Hope. </div><div dir="ltr">Lynn’s three biological children had been involved in sports as kids, and she wanted her adopted children to enjoy the same benefits that sports offer. Special Olympics was a natural fit. All of Lynn’s children are involved with Special Olympics Southern California, participating in basketball, bowling, and gymnastics. </div><div dir="ltr">“It’s important for them to be involved, and the more they are like everyone, the better,” Lynn says. “They are more like everyone else than people think. Special Olympics does that for them. It gives them a sense of accomplishment.”</div><div dir="ltr">A sense of accomplishment is just what Shailah strives for – and she should be feeling that when she heads to Greece this summer. Shailah will be representing Team USA in rhythmic gymnastics at the 2011 World Summer Games. </div><div dir="ltr">Shailah began her journey as an artistic gymnast. After a surgery on her knee, artistic gymnastics put too much pressure on her knee, so she made the switch to rhythmic. Shailah had to work hard to get back in shape and to learn the new routines. </div><div dir="ltr">“What I have noticed about her is that she really has a lot of natural dance ability,” says Team USA Coach Mary Fehrenbach. “She is very coachable.” </div><div dir="ltr">Mary has been working with Special Olympics for around 20 years now. “It has really opened my eyes and helped me to not set limits,” Mary says. “I try to allow them to do whatever it is what they want to in sports and in life.” </div><div dir="ltr">Shailah qualified for World Games during Southern California’s 2010 Summer Games, where she received gold medals in ball, hoop, ribbon, club, and best all around events. With five state-level gold medals under her belt, Shailah has her eyes set on gold this summer in Greece.</div><div dir="ltr">“It’s unfathomable that it’s going to be reality,” Lynn says. “We talk about Greece like it’s another entity.” Lynn, all seven of Shailah’s siblings, and several other family members are traveling to Greece to support Shailah in the 2011 World Games. “It wouldn’t mean as much to Shailah unless we all went, so I’m taking everybody.”</div>rerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-53990669345278927772011-01-23T16:39:00.000-08:002011-01-23T16:39:51.194-08:00Congratulations!!<u><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><b>Congratulations to Danielle Blakeney! </b></span></u><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://schoolwires.henry.k12.ga.us/fle/lib/fle/congratulations.jpg" src="http://schoolwires.henry.k12.ga.us/fle/lib/fle/congratulations.jpg" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small;">Danielle Blakeney is receiving the Empowerment Award from the Down Syndrome Association of</span><span style="font-size: small;"> Greater Cincinnati!</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: small;">Here is a recap of the speech that was given when she received her award:</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Just a few highlights about what Danielle has completed during her life. First she graduated with honors while attending High school was on the honor roll all 4 years. She has a love of sewing-because of this she made her junior and senior prom dresses. She is the captain of her hip hop dance team and cheerleading team. She also runs track and field. But her love is rhythmic gymnastics where this year she competed in the national games and won 4 gold and 1 silver medals. She will go with team USA and compete in Athens Greece at the world games. She also works in a day care where she does story time and craft time. For someone who is only 20 years old she has already accomplished more than most parents are told their kids will ever accomplish. We thank you Danielle for showing us there are no limits to what life can bring.</span></span></div>rerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-64992290598532442042011-01-17T08:46:00.000-08:002011-01-23T16:27:25.554-08:00Meet the Team<div style="color: #741b47;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mandy Brookshire </span></u></div><div style="color: #741b47;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Melissa, Texas (Women's Level 2)</span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qXFpzed5mFQ/TTzG4wkUbsI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ebJz5fa_8ZE/s1600/mandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qXFpzed5mFQ/TTzG4wkUbsI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ebJz5fa_8ZE/s320/mandy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<u>From Mandy: </u><br />
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My name is Amanda "Mandy" Brookshire and I am 35 years old (I will turn 36 in Greece on June 27th). I live at home in Melissa, Texas with my mom and dad and I have two married sisters who live close by in Frisco, Texas. I work at Centennial Hospital in Frisco, Texas, in dining services. The sports that I participate in are: Gymnastics, Swimming, Bowling and Basketball. I love to travel. I got to go to Nationals in Ames, Iowa with Team Texas and to the 2007 World Games in Shanghai, China with Team USA. My family usually goes to the beach each summer and I got to visit Chicago when my youngest sister went to college there. I am excited to go to training camp in California and World Games in Greece. Other than special olympics I love babysitting my 3 nephews and niece. They are fun. I enjoy going to movies. Momma Mia is one of my favorites! I am looking forward to meeting everyone and seeing old friends. <br />
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Mandy's mother and father will be attending World Games in Greece.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qXFpzed5mFQ/TTzG-KoGzII/AAAAAAAAAQ4/KuzaoSnrjDE/s1600/mandy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qXFpzed5mFQ/TTzG-KoGzII/AAAAAAAAAQ4/KuzaoSnrjDE/s320/mandy+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>rerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-35216340626107928972010-12-27T20:38:00.000-08:002011-01-23T16:24:39.428-08:00Meet the Team<div style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rory E. Riley (Assistant Coach)</span></u></div><div style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Washington, DC</span></u></div><br />
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Rory is originally from Auburn, MA, and currently resides in Washington, DC. She was a gymnast for many years, which was how she first became involved with Special Olympics gymnastics. Despite a very busy schedule, which currently includes working as an attorney at the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, she has remained involved with Special Olympics gymnastics for the past 14 years. Rory's favorite thing about Special Olympics is how much fun she has working with the athletes and staying involved with gymnastics. <br />
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Interesting fact: Rory has done a handstand in 32 different states and in 16 different countries. She has yet to do a handstand in Greece, and therefore is very much looking forward to checking that off her list at World Games!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Kansas</u></span></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><u>From our Sport Manager: </u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"><u> </u> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">My name is <span class="il">Amber</span> <span class="il">Hellwig</span> and I am the Sport Manager for Team USA Gymnastics. I have worked for Special Olympics Kansas for the past 11 years and have loved every minute of it. Every day with Special Olympics is a new adventure full of challenges. The athletes and program bring a smile to my face and make me so thankful to work for such an inspiring organization.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">I am 35 years old and my husband Kelby and I have been married for 9 years. We have 2 beautiful boys, Kody and Grayson. Kody is 6 years old and is in first grade. He loves to play soccer, basketball & baseball. Our youngest, Grayson, is 15 months old and he loves to run around, chase the dogs and cats, and play with his toys. In our free time as a family we love to hike, ride bikes, play games, swim and be simply be outdoors!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";">Quote to live by: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” - Helen Keller</span></div>rerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-51855352244392809802010-12-27T19:49:00.000-08:002011-01-23T16:20:37.217-08:00Meet the Team<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Shaila Brousseau (Rhythmic, Level 2) </span></u></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Beaumont, California</span></u></div><div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qXFpzed5mFQ/TTzFW-YAhqI/AAAAAAAAAQY/EgcVww6HRgs/s1600/Shailah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qXFpzed5mFQ/TTzFW-YAhqI/AAAAAAAAAQY/EgcVww6HRgs/s320/Shailah.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div>Shailah is 16 years old. She is one of five adopted special needs children and one of a family of eight children. She lives in Beaumont, California with her Mom, 3 brothers, and one sister. Her older brother and 2 sisters live on their own.</div><div></div><div>Shailah is a junior in high school. Her favorite subject is reading. She spends most of her time listening to Taylor Swift and dancing. She has been in Special Olympics for eight years. She has been competing in Gymnastics, swimming, basketball and bowling.</div><div></div><div>Shailah's 4 special needs siblings, Cameron, Alex, Stephen, and Hope will also be going to World Games. Her older sister Heather, her father and her mother are will all be attending. She also has family in Ireland that are also planning on going. Her aunt, Nana and Papa will also possibly attend.</div><div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qXFpzed5mFQ/TTzFrAmY4fI/AAAAAAAAAQc/opToVOW0RbQ/s1600/Shailah+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qXFpzed5mFQ/TTzFrAmY4fI/AAAAAAAAAQc/opToVOW0RbQ/s320/Shailah+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qXFpzed5mFQ/TTzFuSvFn1I/AAAAAAAAAQg/Y_PtJm0txtQ/s1600/Shailah+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qXFpzed5mFQ/TTzFuSvFn1I/AAAAAAAAAQg/Y_PtJm0txtQ/s320/Shailah+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>rerileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16996498270178613153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589518418099224651.post-90338427548437913322010-11-28T16:01:00.000-08:002011-01-23T16:34:45.996-08:00Welcome!<noscript>&amp;lt;meta HTTP-EQUIV="refresh" content="0;url=http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.specialolympicsteamusa.org/2011/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/athens2011-logo.jpg&amp;amp;imgrefurl=http://www.specialolympicsteamusa.org/2011/press/emblem&amp;amp;usg=__BV1bvkA58ZXcCbKaSoltnCxx8fg%3D&amp;amp;h=322&amp;amp;w=275&amp;amp;sz=74&amp;amp;hl=en&amp;amp;start=0&amp;amp;zoom=1&amp;amp;tbnid=NllDQHDiZqxiVM:&amp;amp;tbnh=154&amp;amp;tbnw=132&amp;amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dspecial%2Bolympics%2Bteam%2Busa%2Bathens%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D587%26tbs%3Disch:1%26prmd%3Div&amp;amp;itbs=1&amp;amp;iact=hc&amp;amp;ei=2ubyTMKvJYep8Aa9w92yCg&amp;amp;oei=2ubyTMKvJYep8Aa9w92yCg&amp;amp;esq=1&amp;amp;page=1&amp;amp;ndsp=19&amp;amp;ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0&amp;amp;gbv=1&amp;amp;ei=AOryTKflDoOglAfM7LT8CQ"&amp;gt;&amp;lt;style&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- body{display:none} --&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/style&amp;gt; </noscript><br />
<div id="il"><div id="il_m" style="text-align: center;"><div style="padding: 12px;"></div><div style="padding: 12px;"></div><img alt="http://www.specialolympics.ca/en/images/10000002/0220webso_athens_logo_reducedto75.jpg" src="http://www.specialolympics.ca/en/images/10000002/0220webso_athens_logo_reducedto75.jpg" /><div style="padding: 12px;"></div><div style="padding: 12px;"></div><div style="padding: 12px;"></div><div style="padding: 12px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Welcome to Special Olympics Team USA's gymnastics blog! </span></span></div><div style="padding: 12px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is our goal to use this blog to share information amongst athletes, coaches, and families so that we all may get to know one another prior to training camp and world games. </span></span></div><div style="padding: 12px; text-align: left;"><u>Important Dates:</u></div><div style="padding: 12px; text-align: left;">March 27, 2011 – Management Team arrive for Training Camp<br />
March 28-April 1, 2011 – Training Camp in San Diego, Calif.<br />
May19-20, 2011 – General wear/uniforms delivered to U.S. Programs<br />
June 17, 2011 – Directors/Sport Managers arrive at send-off location<br />
June 18, 2011 – Delegation arrives at send-off location<br />
June 19, 2011 – Delegation departs for Host Town – Isle of Rhodes<br />
June 20-24, 2011 – Host Town Program<br />
June 24, 2011 – Delegation departs Host Town for Games in Athens<br />
June 25-July 4, 2011 – World Summer Games in Athens, Greece<br />
July 5, 2011 – Delegation departs Athens<br />
July 6, 2011 – Athletes/coaches return to home states<u> </u></div><div style="padding: 12px; text-align: left;"><br />
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