MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

      2010 Winter Season Message

      I hope everyone enjoyed the Holiday season. I know the athletes are ready for a busy winter
      sport season of basketball, bowling, speed & figure skating, cross country & alpine skiing,
      gymnastics and cheerleading.

      As 2010 begins, we welcome three new global messengers: Brendan Hammeke, Khang Le,
      and Kirsten Stone. They are ready, willing and able to promote our program by sharing
      their perspectives on the world of Special Olympics. We have 36 full-court basketball teams
      competing this season: the largest group we can remember. This includes new teams at the
      Davis Center, Oakton High School, and juniors and masters teams practicing at White Oaks
      Elementary School in Burke. Plus, in mid-February, seven Area 26 tri-athletes will represent us at
      the Latin American Games.. We’ll be cheering for ironmen and women Catie Cunningham,
      Michael England, Khang Le, Bruce McGiboney, Jennifer Mitchell, Katy Sanchez, and Tony
      Ward as they go for the gold in Puerto Rico. We are midway through the sports year and I
      want to thank all the dedicated volunteers and sponsors who have supported our athletes in
      Northern Virginia. The Area 26 Council is focused on meeting its goals for the 2009/2010
      season and welcomes your suggestions. We want to have a successful year of fundraising,
      developing strategic partnerships, and recruiting new volunteers and athletes.
      The Area 26 Council members for the 2009/2010 year are:

      Bill Ammann Asst. Secretary       
      Bob Britton Medical Coordinator/Travel Requests       
      Debra Dill Council Treasurer
      Mary Donovan Fundraising
      Ashley Counts Athlete Representative
      Pat Hammeke Community Outreach/Training
      Tim Hartle Council Secretary
      Jay Hoffmeier Gymnastics/Cheerleading
      Kristin Hughes Member at Large
      Tom Ingoldsby School Outreach
      Nancy Julia Spring/Fall Sports
      Jeff McGiboney Track & Field
      Terry Mitchell Member at Large
      Bill Ogletree Council Chair
      Donna Parfitt Referee Coordinator
      Rich Strzelecki Member at Large
      Bernie Woolfley Volunteer Recruiting

      The operating committees and chairs are:

      Mary Donovan Fundraising
      Vacant Grant Writing
      Tom Ingoldsby Athlete Recruitment
      Pat Hammeke Strategic Partnerships
      Bernie Wolfley Volunteers
      Tim Hartle Communications
      Terry Mitchell Athlete/Volunteer Recognition
      Ashley Counts Thank You Letters
      Pat Savage Dances

      We have set up a new committee to coordinate the dances that are held during the season
      at different venues. It will be chaired by Pat Savage. Several committees need volunteers so
      we can maintain and further develop our support for the athletes. The quality of our programs
      depends on the support of our sponsors and volunteers. You really can make a difference in
      the lives of our Special Olympics’ athletes. Please contact one or more of the following sport
      coordinators for more information on how you can contribute to the success of each
      program, including suggestions for who might be interested in filling any vacant positions. (We
      have another new volunteer orientation session scheduled February 22nd (7pm) at Tysons
      Pimmit library.)

      Alicia Troncoso Alpine Skiing
      (Vacant ) Aquatics
      Nancy Julia Basketball
      Eileen Oviatt Bowling
      Jay Hoffmeier Cheerleading
      Nancy Julia Cycling
      Mark Emery Golf
      Jay Hoffmeier Gymnastics
      Allan Phillips Nordic Skiing
      Bob Britton Powerlifting
      Allen Flanigan Sailing
      Heather Jeffries Speed Skating
      Ellie Stone Figure Skating
      (Vacant ) Soccer
      Paul Cole Softball
      Jeff McGiboney Track & Field

      As a result of the efforts made by the Council and the fundraising committee, we continue to
      raise funds in a very challenging economic environment. We would appreciate your
      assistance with donations and especially business contacts for future fundraising opportunities.
      We are still striving to achieve our goal of having a sponsor and/or fundraising event for every
      sport program.

      Again, it’s a privilege to work with this dedicated team of volunteers and serve Special
      Olympics athletes by making all of our sports programs available. As always I appreciate your
      suggestions and comments.

      Sincerely,
      Bill Ogletree
      Chairman & Parent       
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