Statement of Newsletter Purpose: To inform the entire Tippecanoe County Community about the opportunities available for participation as athletes, partners, coaches and volunteers in our local Special Olympics Program.

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Special Olympics of Tippecanoe County has a new Fundraising Coordinator

Hello.  My Name is  Steve Gebhart.  I am the new Special Olympics Fundraising Coordinator for Tippecanoe County.  I have been involved with Special Olympics for approximately twenty years.  I have coached basketball, and I love being with the athletes and sharing their enthusiasm for sports and life.  One of my objectives is to make Tippecanoe County more aware of Special Olympics programs and to have the community more involved in the process, as well as sponsorship.  My vision is to give back to these Athletes a place, and sense of achievement, where they can hold their Special Olympics programs.  I would like to see the community's involvement increase, not only financially, but also by giving time, and sometimes simply a smile, to a very determined cause.  Together, we can all make a difference in someone's life.  Thank you.

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Thank You!!!!

Special Olympics of Tippecanoe County has a great number of individuals, companies and organizations that we would like to say 'Thank You' to for your support over the past several months.

In-Kind donations:

• Lafayette Printing Co. & Ken Livengood for printing for Athletes' Fundraising Week
• Burger King Teal Road for facilities for the car wash
• Sports Etc. for gift certificates
• The Athletes and Volunteers who worked on Special Olympics Week
• Lafayette School Corp, Tippecanoe County School Corp, West Lafayette Community School Corp. for use of sports facilities
• Lafayette School Corp. for use of buses
• Wabash Center for use of vans

A special thanks goes out to Cindy Roberts, Gene and Betty Cummins for the great job of staging the State Swim Meet at Hamilton Southeastern High School.  There was nothing but praise for their hard work, which made the meet a great success.

Your donations of your time as well as your financial backing (both monetary and in-kind) are greatly appreciated.

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FUNDRAISER -- You Can Help

Special Olympics of Tippecanoe County has Krispy Kreme certificates to sell.  Each sells for $5 with our program receiving $2.50 for each.  You can buy a dozen donuts at Krispy Kreme on State Rd. 26 with a certificate, saving $1 per dozen.  
     This will be an ongoing fundraiser.  If you would like to sell some certificates, contact Jan Beeker at 589-8252.

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ATTENTION ATHLETES:

SPECIAL OLYMPICS RECOGNITION BANQUET  |  Sunday - Feb. 22, 2004
St. Mary's Catholic Church, Bishops Hall from 4 pm to 6 pm

Bring your tableware and a dish to share.  Meat and drinks will be provided.  Families and any interested person are welcome -- come se what we're all about!  RSVP: Jan Beeker at 589-8252.

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MEET OF CHAMPIONS

Kappa Kappa Gamma and Phi Kappa Tau will host Meet Of Champions on Sunday, April 4, from 1:00 to 3:30 pm at Lambert Field House at Purdue.
     Let Jan Beeker know if you will attend!

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Volleyball is now a Spring Sport -- not a fall sport.  Callout is April 3 at the Jeff High School Track with the other spring sports.

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Athlete Encourages Others to Join  Special Olympics

I tried out for the golf team at my school in 2002 and didn't make the cut.  My aunt suggested the Special Olympics.  I thought I wouldn't qualify for that just like the team at school.  But, they didn't turn me down because I tried.  I partnered up with a family friend who thought it would be a good idea and was excited because it's free.
     We challenged ourselves each week to see if we could bring our score down.  In the 2002 State Tournament, we placed 6th but in 2003 we improved so much we brought home the bronze.
     I suggest that any one, disabled or not, get involved in the Special Olympics.  It's rewarding to all who participate.

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