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May 2004 In attendance: Shawn, Robbie, Levon, Robert, Miriam, Leslie, Gordon and Jill. Regrets: Tony Athletes elected a chair person (Shawn) for this meeting. Athletes then reviewed the minutes from April 5th, 2004. An adjustment was made to April’s minutes: On May 7th (not May 6th) a member of the committee will be speaking at a track meet. Current Business: Athletes took turns bringing up issues which were then discussed by committee members as a group: Upcoming Events/News/Updates: 1. One member of the committee cannot attend on May 7th for the speaking engagement at the track meet. Another member of the committee will take her place. 2. On April 12th there was an athlete empowerment committee meeting. 3. On April 25th, there was a speaking engagement at a school. Many speaking opportunities are coming up. 4. On Thursday June 3rd there will be a torch run starting at Queens Park. It will begin at 1:00p.m. Participants will receive a free t-shirt. There will then be a lunch at Vinnies. 5. Some members of the committee attended a fundraiser at Shoeless Joe’s. There was a buffet lunch offered. The cost was $20 per person. The lunch was donated by Shoeless Joes. Highlights were shown from the games in P.E.I., which aired on TSN. There was an auction for a donated computer. One member of the committee won it. There were many excellent highlights to this event including athlete speakers, a stand up comedian, a professional football player, and an auction including valuable sports memorabilia. 6. There have been several job changes at head office. People have been switched from offices all over Canada to give employees the opportunity to see different parts of Canada. 7. Baseball starts on May 13th for Grand Ravine. 8. Soccer starts on May 14th, before the long weekend. Some members of the committee feel that this is too soon and that it could have started after the long weekend. 9. Some members of the committee attended a 50/50 draw at a Raptors game recently. 10. Four members of the committee will go to the Eaton Centre on Saturday June 5th to do some fundraising and promote Special Olympics. Budget/Cutbacks/Fundraising: 11. Special Olympics have graciously paid for the committee’s cheques. The account will gain interest every month. Every month, a statement will come in the mail, and the treasurer will update the committee on its balance. The committee feels that the role of a treasurer is a big responsibility. 12. Special Olympics have a lot of money in the bank now. There have been lots of fundraisers and this is adding up. Some of this money has to go to the provincials (uniforms and transportation). Trent University will be donating the food and rooms for the provincials. Athlete Empowerment Issues: 13. Some members of the committee are concerned over other athletes not getting a chance to be on the committee. 14. Regarding athletes who complain about boasting when they win a medal, members of the committee agree that athletes should feel good about themselves for winning and/or beating their personal best. Nothing beats winning a medal. This also goes for athletes who do so as a result of team effort. In fact, Athletes are already winners just by competing. 15. There is a challenge of trying new sports. It gives you the opportunity to meet other athletes and go to other tournaments. 16. There was a poor turnout for the fundraiser at Shoeless Joe’s. Members of the committee were disappointed in the poor turnout. Committee members were also disappointed that more athletes were shown from P.E.I than any other regions during the TSN program. The Metro Leafs hardly got any recognition (about 2 seconds at the end). 17. At the fundraiser at Shoeless Joes, people came to the front of the restaurant and turned away went they discovered that it was a fundraiser. The problem is that the public doesn’t care or is ignorant towards Special Olympics athletes. Special Olympics needs more media coverage and positive articles. Sponsors should include athletes in their commercials (i.e. Subway or Staples). Athletes should be shown as independent and capable. Many people still live by the old stereotypes associated with Special Olympics athletes and are surprised to hear when athletes tell them that they participate in Special Olympics. 18. There is a huge cost to commercials. However, Special Olympics should consider doing their own. People need to know that people with an intellectual disability are valuable contributors to society. 19. It is frustrating when age groups (such as those at Variety Village) clump athletes into categories which are unfair. For instance, the highest level is the over 30 age group. A fourth category is needed for older athletes. Both swimming and track and field (individual sports) are grouped according to age. There used to be a 40-45 age category. 20. Sometimes the pools in a school are too small with too many people in them. Athletes can accidentally injure themselves or others. 21. In a recent swim meet, several athletes were interviewed by the press. The interview never made it to the newspaper. Since the other Olympics were going on at the same time, the Special Olympics were overshadowed by it. 22. One member of the committee raised the question about whether or not year round soccer was too much for athletes. Some members of the committee use it as part of their cross training to improve flexibility, speed and keep in shape. 23. People should not drink alcohol while selling raffle tickets. Other Important Issues: 24. One athlete received the same ribbon twice for the same event. This will be corrected. 25. While in P.E.I., members of the Metro Leafs had to record their nutrition, train regularly, and do cross-training exercises. 26. Swimming pools in schools aren’t being closed down. There is the possibility that Special Olympics will be able to use them. The next meeting will take place on Monday June 7th, 2004. Home || Sports || Events || Volunteering || Donations || Links || Contact Us |
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