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July 2004 In attendance: Robbie, Levon, Robert, Miriam, Leslie, Therese and Jill. Regrets: Gordon. Athletes welcomed a new member to the committee (Therese). Athletes elected Therese to be the chairperson for this meeting. Athletes then reviewed the minutes from June 7th, 2004. Current Business: Athletes took turns bringing up issues which were then discussed by committee members as a group: Upcoming Events/News/Updates: 1. On Wednesday night (July 7th), there will be a meeting regarding Special Olympics at Metro Hall. 2. Five people will be going from swimming to the Nationals. Two teams of five pin bowlers will also be attending. 3. At the crucial Regionals there will be baseball, track and field and soccer. Those who qualify at these Regionals will attend the Provincials next year. Athlete Empowerment Issues: 4. Some members of the committee feel it is unfair for athletes attending the Provincials (or other out of town competitions) to have to be responsible for fellow athletes. Athletes want to enjoy themselves at events and not have to feel responsible for others. Some athletes need assistance with eating, sleeping and/or personal hygiene. Some athletes may not stay with the group. This poses a huge responsibility for fellow athlete who are held accountable for them. Most athletes don’t’ mind showing their fellow athletes the ropes, but otherwise they should not be responsible for fellow athletes. 5. Athletes who are in need of assistance at events (such as Provincials) for personal care/support or medications, should inform coaches prior to the event. 6. There is no competition for B and C teams in soccer in Toronto. 7. One member of the committee posed the question: How do athletes feel when they get chosen to go to Provincials? Responses were as follows: - Honoured; Great to have the chance to represent your team. - Feel happy and look forward to having a good time. - Feel great (one of my goals was to move up to higher levels of competition). - Glad and surprised. - Happy to get away from the city for a few days. - Chance to show how you stack up. - It’s a chance to meet other people from different regions. 8. One member of the committee posed the question: Why do people decline to go to tournaments such as the Provincials? Responses were as follows: - People don’t feel it is important. - People don’t want to travel the distance. - People are scared to go on the plane if needed. - People may be nervous of competition. 9. Coaches who phone up athletes before competitions (Coaches who are overseeing teams from various regions/provinces at nationals etc.) and take the time to find out about them are doing a great job. This helps athletes to feel more comfortable with the coach and the team. 10. It’s a great feeling to meet other people at tournaments/competitions and click with them immediately. 11. People who display inappropriate behaviour should not be invited to Provincials/Nationals because: - It causes stress for everyone (coaches, other volunteers, fellow athletes). - Athletes are already stressed out about their events, and shouldn’t have to worry about other people causing disruptions. 12. At all times people should respect their fellow athletes and coaches. 13. Sometimes athletes living in group homes do not get the respect they deserve. Many times, they are unable to speak up when something is going wrong. In these cases, they need advocates to assist them. 14. People who back out from tournaments last minute need to realize the amount of paperwork involved. As well, staff needs to find replacements at the last minute, which is very inconvenient. Teams can get disqualified if there are not enough players. Other Important Issues: 15. The accommodations in Niagara Falls have not been determined yet. It is possible that Special Olympics may be renting facilities offsite. 16. The Delta Inn is one of our sponsors. It costs $49 for two people per room (rooms may be doubled up, but there are only two beds per room). 17. Several members of the committee felt that the track suits at provincials this year (especially the pants which could turn into shorts) were fantastic. 18. Grand Ravine will be getting new uniforms this year. 19. It would be great to organize a baseball game with athletes and staff at head office before the summer is over. 20. Athletes appreciate it when coaches devise a list of required items for athletes to bring to Provincials. This list is very important, especially when athletes need to where certain dress to their competitions. Athletes can be disqualified for not wearing the appropriate uniform. Also, it serves as a guideline for athletes. They may over/under pack otherwise, or not bring clothing that suits the weather. Additionally, it helps prevent athletes from forgetting important items. 21. Coaches need to supervise/be present at events during provincials. They should not leave their athletes unattended. This places athletes in uncomfortable and awkward positions, especially if they must wait for their coach to return before they can participate in events. 22. Athletes and coaches should be aware of the signs of heat stroke and how to avoid it. 23. The meals served at the Provincials this year were very good. The next meeting will take place on Monday August 9th, 2004 Home || Sports || Events || Volunteering || Donations || Links || Contact Us |
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