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November 2004 In attendance: Therese, Robbie, Levon, Robert, Miriam, Leslie, Shawn and Jill Regrets: Gordon and Megan Current Business: - The committee elected Levon to be the chairperson for this meeting. - The committee then reviewed the minutes from October 4th, 2004. - Members of the committee took turns bringing up issues which were then discussed by committee members as a group: Upcoming Events/News/Updates: 1. The next Provincials will be held at Brock University. Gymnastics will be held at Brock (St. Catherines), while soccer will be held in Welland, baseball will be held in St. Catherines, and track and field will be held in Niagara Falls. 2. At the recent Toronto Special Olympics Day, the Police Chief of York Region presented an award. Athletes felt that it was very nice of him to take the time to do this. 3. This Saturday coming up (November 6th), athletes will be at the Staples Business Depot at Empress and Yonge Streets doing some promoting. Also on this day, TSN will be spotlighting Special Olympics. 4. On Friday October 29th, there was a 50-50 draw at the Raptors game. Special Olympics Athletes sold tickets at the game. It was an exhibition game against Cleveland. Athletes received t-shirts and a hat for their help. 5. Recently, the National Vice President for Special Olympics Canada, Frank Selke Jr., was inducted into the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame. 6. There will be a Sports Celebrity Game on December 8th where the Toronto Maple Leafs will play against the All Stars. This will take place at the Westin Harbour Castle. 7. Last month the Toronto Metro Leafs were honoured at Wayne Gretzky¡¯s. Additionally, at the Regionals meeting, they received the Team of the Year Award. They were also named Team of the Year at Special Olympics Day. Their Coach (Bob Burnett) received an ward for coach of the year. 8. There are now four people helping out Bob with the Metro Leafs. There are also new coaches with Scarborough this year. 9. On November 27th there will be an invitational tournament in Peterborough. There are five spots open for the B-team and members of the C-team are competing for these spots. 10. One athlete with Special Olympics will be coaching floor hockey this year (rather than playing). 11. One team takes turns being goalie each week at practice. However a goalie needs to be quick and fast. Floor hockey is very physical and high paced. 12. Athletes discussed their Holiday party this year. They would like to order pizza from Loblaws and possibly have it at the head office again this year (since they are unable to have outside food at Metro Hall). The date would be Monday December 13th. 13. There is a budget meeting coming up this month (Wednesday November 3rd, 2004) at Metro Hall. Budget/Financing/Fundraising: 14. Special Olympics Ontario went over their budget for last year¡¯s fiscal year. Therefore, this year¡¯s budget will be lower. 15. The committee should discuss doing some more fundraising. One member will soon be canvassing for donations in the near future. Athlete Empowerment Issues: 16. The washrooms were a major inconvenience at Provincials this year. Since they were located on the third floor, it was difficult for some athletes who have problems with mobility. It was especially a concern in the evening when people had to travel from their rooms to the washroom (could have been an emergency). 17. Many athletes had no problem with the cafeteria situation at Provincials. However, their was a suggestion that there may be too many athletes (there were almost 800 athletes). Perhaps this should be cut down closer to 500 athletes to make things easier for everyone (it would also decrease the cost substantially). 18. There were divided feelings about whether the seating at Metro Hall for TSO Day was better this year (as opposed to last year¡¯s table set up). The tables were definitely better for eating and drinking, however the seating was better for mingling, moving around and ensuring that everyone had a good view of the podium (with the tables, people had to turn their chairs around to see the podium). Also, with the seating layout this year, people at the podium could make eye contact with the rows. More people were able t fit because there were no tables. There were more people this year than last (over 200 people). 19. Volunteers with Special Olympics get 5, 10 and 20 year recognition. Athletes should also receive a certificate or something for their involvement with Special Olympics. Many athletes have been involved for a long time, which is a great achievement. There is a Hall of Fame for coaches and volunteers, but not for athletes. Some athletes have been involved in Special Olympics for more than 20 years. Additionally, many former athletes have made a difference in Special. Olympics. 20. The National Office chooses teams/athletes from across Canada to attend the World Games. Region 11 is often not chosen for this. The Athletes Committee feel they should protest this by writing a letter or developing a petition to be sent to the President of the Nationals. Other Important Issues: 21. Many athletes know whether or not they will be attending Provincials. Some still do not know, however. 22. All athletes attending Provincials must wear a photo I.D. which tells their Sport/Region/Name/and the name of their accommodations. This is for security purposes. It is especially important for athletes who are non-verbal. 23. Police officers are necessary at Special Olympics events for security purposes. Sometimes they are dressed as plain clothes officers. It feels good to have that kind of protection. As well, police officers may be able to handle a severe medical emergency that is beyond the scope of coaches. 24. Coaches do a report on each athlete at out-of-town events. 25. Special Olympics buy their office supplies from Staples. This makes it cheaper for us to do newsletters etc. because we can do them in the office now. 26. There is a new colour printer in the office now that is not used everyday. All machines at the office are rented. Therefore the service contract looks after any repairs when they break down. 27. One member of the committee has recently joined the Penguins swim team. 28. There are over 1475 athletes in Region 11, and nearly 400 coaches and volunteers. 29. Athletes who move should give their new address and phone number to head office. Often when an athlete registers with their teams, this information is updated. 30. The athlete from Vancouver who was supposed to be the next Global Messenger has backed out. The next meeting will take place on Monday December 13th, 2004. Home || Sports || Events || Volunteering || Donations || Links || Contact Us |
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