MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

      2011/2012 Winter Season Message

      We’ve completed successful Summer and Fall sports seasons and I want to thank all the
      dedicated volunteers and sponsors who supported our athletes in Northern Virginia. In
      addition to the numerous local competitions, we sent athletes to the World Games in
      Athens, Greece in June, a softball team competed in the NIT event held in Elgin, IL in August
      and our golf team participated in the NIT in Florida. We added an “Athletes Corner” to our
      website that will feature speeches by athletes and global messengers, pictures of events and
      other items of interest to our families and friends.

      The Area 26 Council remains focused on meeting its goals for the 2011/2012 season and
      welcomes your suggestions. We want to continue to focus on fundraising, developing
      strategic partnerships and recruiting new volunteers and athletes.

      I know everyone is looking forward to Basketball and the Winter sports season. The Winter
      season brings basketball, speed & figure skating, downhill and cross country skiing,
      gymnastics and two person bowling. Contact the sport coordinator for details of each
      program. There are also several fundraising events scheduled including:

      Nysmith “Make a Point” on January 13th
      Fairfax Adult Softball Bowling on January 29th
      Tim’s Rivershore Plunge event on February 25th
      Corn Hole Tournament at GMU in April 2012

      By supporting the events, you are supporting all of our athletes and volunteer coaches. Our
      newly trained global messengers Kevin Ogletree, Rose Pleskow, and Katy Sanchez promote
      our programs by sharing their perspectives on the world of Special Olympics. If you are
      looking for a person to speak about Special Olympics at any type of function, please
      contact Pat Hammeke to schedule a Global Messenger.

      The Area 26 Council members for the 2011/2012 year are:

      Greg Updike Member at Large       
      Bob Britton Medical Coordinator/Travel Requests       
      Pat Hammeke Community Outreach/Training
      Jay Hoffmeier Gymnastics/Cheerleading
      Kristin Hughes Volunteer Recruiting
      Tom Ingoldsby School Outreach
      Nancy Julia Spring/Fall Sports/Basketball
      Jeff McGiboney Track & Field
      Terry Mitchell Recognition awards
      Bill Ogletree Council Chair
      Kevin Ogletree Athlete Representative
      Eileen Oviatt Fundraising Chair
      Donna Parfitt Referee Coordinator
      Bernie Woolfley Council Treasurer

      The operating committees and chairs are:

      Eileen Oviatt Fundraising
      Joe Sanchez Grant Writing
      Tom Ingoldsby Athlete Recruitment
      Pat Hammeke Strategic Partnerships
      Kristin Hughes Volunteers
      Tim Hartle Communications
      Terry Mitchell Athlete/Volunteer Recognition
      Kevin Ogletree Thank You Letters
      Pat Savage Dances

      Several committees need volunteers so we can maintain and further develop our support
      forthe 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 by
      contacting one or more of the following sport coordinators for more information on how
      you can contribute to the success of each program. Suggestions for who might be interested
      in filling any vacant positions are welcomed.

      Alicia Troncoso Alpine Skiing
      Joan Metzendorf Aquatics
      Nancy Julia Basketball
      Barb De Lisa Bowling-adult
      Megan Dane Bowling-youth
      Jay Hoffmeier Cheerleading
      Nancy Julia Cycling
      Mark Emery Golf
      Jay Hoffmeier Gymnastics
      Allan Phillips Cross Country Skiing
      Bob Britton Powerlifting
      Allen Flanigan Sailing
      Heather Jeffries Speed Skating
      Ellie Stone Figure Skating
      Barbara Wille 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 continue to strive to achieve our goal of having a sponsor and/or
      fundraising event for every sport program.

      It continues to be 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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