Second Annual Cornhole Classic Tournament Energizes Portland YouthBuilders

Second Annual Cornhole Classic Tournament Energizes Portland YouthBuilders

Portland, August 11th, 2014. The second annual Cornhole Classic to benefit Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) drew 150 players and spectators, including a special appearance by Timber Joey. The highly anticipated beanbag tournament was held at the East Concourse of Providence Park, where 40 teams competed in either experienced or novice divisions.

The PYB Advocacy Board (Back row, L-R: Kara Carmosino, Bennett Barnwell, Mike Nierengarten, Tonia Kovtunovich (staff), Andrew Fadenrecht, Abe Kats, Sam Pogue. Front row, L-R: Natalie Whitlock, Danielle Radcliffe, Kamauri Yeh, Ally Ramirez, Leah Rinta, Cassady Kennebeck.

The PYB Advocacy Board (Back row, L-R: Kara Carmosino, Bennett Barnwell, Mike Nierengarten, Tonia Kovtunovich (staff), Andrew Fadenrecht, Abe Kats, Sam Pogue. Front row, L-R: Natalie Whitlock, Danielle Radcliffe, Kamauri Yeh, Ally Ramirez, Leah Rinta, Cassady Kennebeck.

The 2014 Cornhole Classic Novice Division Champions were teammates Anthony Devenuta and Megan McKee of team “A-Maize-ing”.

The 2014 Cornhole Classic Novice Division Champions were teammates Anthony Devenuta and Megan McKee of team “A-Maize-ing”. 

 Scott Eberly and Sky Rousse of team “Vanagons” were the Champions of the 2014 Cornhole Classic Experience Division.

Scott Eberly and Sky Rousse of team “Vanagons” were the Champions of the 2014 Cornhole Classic Experience Division.

The Top 4 teams of both experienced and novice teams compete!

The Top 4 teams of both experienced and novice teams compete

Amidst the intense rounds of cornhole games, guests enjoyed checking out the Cornhole Classic photobooth, incredible raffle prizes that were awarded to six lucky winners and the silent auction that comprised of five custom-designed Cornhole board sets created by local Portland artists.

The Cornhole Classic was created by PYB’s Advocacy Board, which consists of young professionals ages 35 and younger, to encourage awareness and support of PYB from other young professionals in Portland. Organizers thanked the 2014 Cornhole Classic sponsors from Microsoft, Portland Timbers, Wieden+Kennedy, BCI Broup, Big Wings Media, Dr. Martens, Walsh Construction Co., Starbucks, Revelry Agency, Widmer Brothers Brewing, and Waltronic Press.

About Portland YouthBuilders:

At Portland YouthBuilders (PYB), low-income youth work on completing their high school education while learning a trade that can help them enter a career in either construction or computer technology. Whether building affordable homes for local families or creating websites for nonprofit organizations, all Portland YouthBuilders students learn the value and importance of hard work, caring for the community, and becoming positive leaders. PYB’s goal is to move young people out of poverty and into self-sufficiency.

2014 Pacific University Legends Hosted by Tommy Thayer Once Again Scores Big for Boxer Athletics

2014 Pacific University Legends Hosted by Tommy Thayer Once Again Scores Big for Boxer Athletics

Dayton, Oregon, July 11th, 2014. The 2014 edition of Pacific University Legends hosted by Tommy Thayer took place at the Stoller Family Estate near Dayton, Ore., with proceeds benefiting the university’s 24-sport NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics program. At the event, The Doors’ Robby Krieger joined KISS lead guitarist Tommy Thayer and Chicago founding member Danny Seraphine the benefit for Pacific University’s NCAA Division III athletics department. Thayer is a member of Pacific’s Board of Trustees who has hosted the event for eight consecutive years. This year’s edition raised nearly $250,000.

Stimson Lumber board chairman Dan Dutton were among the attendees at Legends 2014. Stimson was the presenting sponsor of Legends 2014.

Stimson Lumber board chairman Dan Dutton were among the attendees at Legends 2014. Stimson was the presenting sponsor of Legends 2014.

Pacific University alumni Paul and Nancy Phillips, co-founders of Pac/West, enjoy Pacific University Legends hosted by Tommy Thayer. Nancy is a current member of the university’s Board of Trustees, and Paul is a trustee emeritus.

Pacific University alumni Paul and Nancy Phillips, co-founders of Pac/West, enjoy Pacific University Legends hosted by Tommy Thayer. Nancy is a current member of the university’s Board of Trustees, and Paul is a trustee emeritus.

Bill Stoller, founder of Express Employment Professionals and a Pacific University alumnus and trustee, addresses the attendees. Legends 2014 was held at the Stoller Family Estate.

Bill Stoller, founder of Express Employment Professionals and a Pacific University alumnus and trustee, hosted Legends at the Stoller Family Estate.

Thayer, the lead guitarist of KISS and a member of the Pacific University Board of Trustees, has hosted Legends since 2007, and indoing so, helped raise more than $600,000 for the Boxer Athletics.

Tommy Thayer, the lead guitarist of KISS and a member of the Pacific University Board of Trustees, has hosted Legends since 2007, and indoing so, helped raise more than $600,000 for the Boxer Athletics.

Presented by Stimson Lumber, Legends 2014 provided an exclusive and intimate evening of wine tasting, a gourmet dinner, an auction, fabulous music and fellowship, for approximately 120 invited guests who had bid on the dinner at Legends 2013 along with other generous sponsors.

Auction items included several vacation getaways, spa packages, handcrafted home furnishings and a Denver Broncos VIP football experience. In all, Legends 2014 helped secure nearly $250,000 in funding for athletics department operations and facilities improvements.

Joining Thayer for the much-anticipated concert this year were The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger, Chicago founding member and former drummer Danny Seraphine and others. 

Other attendees included Pacific University president Lesley Hallick, former Stimson Lumber chief executive and current board chairman Dan Dutton; Pacific alumnus, trustee and Express Services co-founder Bill Stoller ’74; retired Weyerhaeuser executive and Pacific University trustee Rich Hanson and wife Joy; and PAC/WEST co-founders and Pacific alumni Nancy ’77, ’82 MAT and Paul Phillips ’78. Nancy is a current member of the Board of Trustees and Paul is a trustee emeritus.

Nearly half of the undergraduate student body participates in intercollegiate athletics at Pacific University. Success from Legends has helped pay for athletic equipment, uniforms, travel and facilities upgrades, and been instrumental in the expansion of opportunities for Pacific students.

The Hansons provided the lead gift for the roof project at the 2013 and 2014 Legends events. The stadium, formerly Lincoln Park Stadium, has has been renamed Hanson Stadium in their honor. A ceremony recognizing their leadership and generosity will take place during the football team’s home opener at the stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Search Engine Marketing Rooftop Networking Party a Hit

Search Engine Marketing Rooftop Networking Party a Hit

Portland, Aug 12th, 2014. A sprinkle of rain did not dampen spirits on the rooftop of the Embassy Suites Hotel. Board members at the event included: Michael Cottam, Ben Lloyd, Mike Rosenberg, Scott Hendison, Jessica Ward, Alan George, Mike Arnesen, and Tony Svoboda. Over 550 people raised their glasses at the SEMpdx Rooftop Networking Party. This sixth annual event drew local marketing executives and also raised money for the nonprofit, Harper’s Playground.
For children challenged with physical and developmental disabilities and for those who love them, there is a strong desire to belong, but the obstacles can seem insurmountable. Harper's Playground promotes more play for more people.

For children challenged with physical and developmental disabilities there is a strong desire to belong. Harper’s Playground is a local nonprofit building user friendly playgrounds for all children.

10% of all funds raised by SEMpdx this year will be donated to Harper's Playground.

Ten percent of all funds raised by SEMpdx this year will be donated to Harper’s Playground.

The networking event was also sponsored by Yelp, Oregonian Media Group, PSU's Center for Executive and Professional Education (CEPE), American Marketing Association PDX Chapter (AMA PDX), Webfor and Mac's List.

The networking event was also sponsored by Yelp, Oregonian Media Group, PSU’s Center for Executive and Professional Education (CEPE), American Marketing Association PDX Chapter (AMA PDX), Webfor and Mac’s List.

SEMpdx will offer ten percent of all its 2012 revenue to the charity, along with providing in-kind digital marketing expertise, such as advice on social media campaigns and solid SEO strategy, to all Charity of Choice recipients.

SEMpdx offers ten percent of all its 2014 revenue to the charity, along with providing in-kind digital marketing expertise, such as advice on social media campaigns and solid SEO strategy, to all Charity of Choice recipients.

SEMpdx, the Search Engine Marketing Professionals of Portland, is a nonprofit group dedicated to nurturing the development of the search engine marketing (SEM) and social media marketing (SMM) industries in the greater northwest. Created as a resource for both local industry professionals and area businesses, SEMpdx strives to build national credibility for Portland as a hub for the SEM/SMM industry, as well as improve the quality of work and life for its professionals. SEMpdx is committed to giving back to the local community by supporting charitable organizations. Each year, SEMpdx selects a charity of choice to support for a 12 month period. Visit www.sempdx.org for more information.

Joey Harrington’s Great Summer Chef Off Benefits Local Kids

Joey Harrington’s Great Summer Chef Off Benefits Local Kids

Sauvie Island, July 26, 2014.   The Harrington Family Foundation launched a new fundraiser this summer. Guests of the former NFL quarterback and Portland native Joey Harrington enjoyed a one-of-a-kind cook off by watching five of the region’s top chefs in a culinary battle.The Great Summer Chef Off drew over 185 people to Bladberry Farm on Sauvie Island. The benefit raised $45,000 for the Harrington Family Foundation to go toward bringing high quality health care and education to Oregon’s youth.

Congratulations to chef Rick Gencareli of Lardo. He received $5,000 to donate to an Oregon children’s charity of his choice: Friends Of The Children. The winning dish was a Smoked Pig Burger with American Cheese, Shredded Lettuce, Pickled Watermelon + Dirty Mistard and sides of Cheesy Corn and a Sun Gold Tomato Grilled Bread Panzanella.

Ben Ives, Sara Delepine and Brian Huck enjoy the whiskey tasting bar.

Ben Ives, Sara Delepine and Brian Huck enjoy the whiskey tasting bar. 

Chef Rick Gencareli of Lardo

Chef Rick Gencareli of Lardo was the winner. 

Scholarship Winner Jessica Trinh gets a hand from the crowd.

Scholarship Winner Jessica Trinh gets a hand from the crowd.

The Harrington Family Foundation was created by Joey Harrington. Since its inception in 2003, the Foundation has donated more than $1 million to Oregon nonprofits that support education and health care for in-state youth. The inaugural Chef Off event brought together five Portland chefs for a BBQ cook-off event to support the Foundation and its mission. The event included a silent auction and raise-the-paddle segment.

Portland Brain Tumor Walk Brings out the Best

Portland Brain Tumor Walk Brings out the Best

Portland, July 27th, 2014. Nearly 1,000 people turned out for the Portland Brain Tumor Walk at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The Walk connected brain tumor survivors, patients, family members, caregivers, and friends for an inspiring, family-friendly day. The event raised more than $95,000, with proceeds going to the National Brain Tumor Society.

Dawn Evans and her team Wilson’s Warriors, comprised of her colleagues at Orrick, Herrington, and Sutcliffe, LLC.

Dawn Evans and her team Wilson’s Warriors, comprised of her colleagues at Orrick, Herrington, and Sutcliffe, LLC.

Portland brain tumor survivors gather together to fight for a cure.

Portland brain tumor survivors gather together to fight for a cure.

Nearly 700,000 people in the United States are living with a primary brain tumor and experts estimate 69,000 more people will be diagnosed this year. Individuals looking to support the brain tumor cause and help increase awareness beyond this event can take action by becoming an advocate, making a gift, hosting a community event, or sharing their personal experiences. Learn more at www.braintumor.org/takeaction

National Brain Tumor Society is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the brain tumor community in the United States. We are fiercely committed to finding better treatments, and ultimately a cure, for people living with a brain tumor today and those who will be diagnosed tomorrow. This means aggressively driving strategic research and advocating for public policies, which meet the critical needs of the brain tumor community. To learn more, visit www.braintumor.org

The Fourth Annual Big Float Goes Swimmingly

The Fourth Annual Big Float Goes Swimmingly

Portland, July 27th, 2014. The Big Float 4 took over the Willamette River in downtown Portland. The goal was to encourage people to “get into the river” and support its preservation and healthy development as a recreational resource. People also had a whale of a good time in the process. Floaters gathered at Tom McCall Bowl then carried their flotation devices and march south along Waterfront Park to the put-in point at “Poet’s Beach” beneath the Marquam Bridge. Floaters paddled down river and landed on the west bank at the Tom McCall Bowl. There they found Portland’s downtown beach party, complete with music barge and live bands, food carts, beer/wine garden, sponsor booths, and a kids’ activities area. (Photo credit,  Point West Credit Union)

The Human Access Project is part of the movement to reclaim the Willamette River - to improve access to it, restore its health, and preserve it as a natural resource for generations to come.

The Human Access Project is part of the movement to reclaim the Willamette River – to improve access to it, restore its health, and preserve it as a natural resource for generations to come.

The Human Access Project was conceived in November 2010, when founder Willie Levenson began organizing an event called “The Big Float.”  The Big Float (TBF) is a group innertube float of the Willamette River in downtown Portland, Oregon.

The Human Access Project was conceived in November 2010, when founder Willie Levenson began organizing an event called “The Big Float.” The Big Float (TBF) is a group innertube float of the Willamette River in downtown Portland, Oregon.

The idea behind TBF is that getting a large number of people in the water, in human-powered water vessels of all kinds, would be a powerful way to demonstrate that the Willamette is safe for swimming and human habitation.

The idea behind TBF is that getting a large number of people in the water, in human-powered water vessels of all kinds, would be a powerful way to demonstrate that the Willamette is safe for swimming and human habitation.

TBF had its first launch in 2011 with 1,300 participants.  2012 was the second year for TBF, and the event attracted 1,400 participants. The even has continued to grow each year. Money raised from TBF, and from grants and sponsors, has helped HAP take on more projects every year, and get more done.

TBF had its first launch in 2011 with 1,300 participants. 2012 was the second year for TBF, and the event attracted 1,400 participants. The event has continued to grow each year. Money raised from TBF, and from grants and sponsors, has helped HAP take on more projects every year, and get more done.

Beyond TBF, the Human Access Project has completed several Willamette River beach clean-up and habitat restoration projects, which are ongoing. One is on the eastside of the river by the Hawthorne Bridge at Audrey McCall Beach. HAP has to date removed 50 yards of concrete during six individual clean up events at this beach. Another project is beach creation effort on the west side of the Willamette River. HAP hosted a community kickoff event called UnRock the Bowl, where 60 volunteers moved riprap rock from the water’s edge back to the bank where it was initially installed 30 years ago as bank protection.  HAP will continue to undertake beach clean-up activities to support its mission.

Beyond TBF, the Human Access Project has completed several Willamette River beach clean-up and habitat restoration projects, which are ongoing. One is on the eastside of the river by the Hawthorne Bridge at Audrey McCall Beach. HAP has to date removed 50 yards of concrete during six individual clean up events at this beach. Another project is beach creation effort on the west side of the Willamette.

HAP also hosted a community kickoff event called UnRock the Bowl, where 60 volunteers moved riprap rock from the water’s edge back to the bank where it was initially installed 30 years ago as bank protection. HAP will continue to undertake beach clean-up activities to support its mission.

 

 

 

Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington Provides National Leadership

Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington Provides National Leadership

Washington, DC., July 14th, 2014. Ovarian cancer survivors and awareness advocates met with staff of the Washington state and Oregon delegations on Capitol Hill in mid -July. Gina Gess Taylor posed in front of the US Capitol with more than 100 other women, who were on the Hill lobbying for ovarian cancer research funding and awareness. Gina is on the board of the OCAOSW. Activists were on the Hill as representatives of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington to lobby for federal funding for ovarian cancer research and for a resolution naming September National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Portland area survivor, Diane O’Connor opened the national conference in her new role as national board president.

Amy Kirschbaum, Betsy Marvin, Angel Gnau, Monica Marvin, Gina Gess Taylor (left to right) following a meeting with staff of US Senator Ron Wyden, D-OR. Angel and Monica are both survivors of ovarian cancer. Gina Gess Taylor is on the board of directors of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington.

Amy Kirschbaum, Betsy Marvin, Angel Gnau, Monica Marvin, Gina Gess Taylor (left to right) following a meeting with staff of US Senator Ron Wyden, D-OR. Angel and Monica are both survivors of ovarian cancer. Gina Gess Taylor is on the board of directors of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington.

Gina Gess Taylor, Diane O’Connor and Chris O’Hara, board members of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington at the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance conference in July. Diane O’Connor is also the national board president of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

Gina Gess Taylor, Diane O’Connor and Chris O’Hara, board members of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington at the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance conference in July. Diane O’Connor is also the national board president of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

Amy Kirschbaum, Rebecca Coulson, Chris O’Hara, Diane Elizondo, Monica Marvin, Betsy Marvin (left to right), with Gina Gess Taylor in front. The delegation from the Pacific Northwest regroups midway through Advocacy Day on the Hill.

Amy Kirschbaum, Rebecca Coulson, Chris O’Hara, Diane Elizondo, Monica Marvin, Betsy Marvin (left to right), with Gina Gess Taylor in front. The delegation from the Pacific Northwest regroups midway through Advocacy Day on the Hill.

Diane Elizondo, Chris O’Hara, Rebecca Coulson, Diane O’Connor (left to right) following a meeting with staff of US Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-WA. Diane, Chris and Diane are on the board of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington. Diane, Diane and Rebecca are ovarian cancer survivors.

Diane Elizondo, Chris O’Hara, Rebecca Coulson, Diane O’Connor following a meeting with staff of US Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-WA. Diane, Chris and Diane are on the board of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington. Diane, Diane and Rebecca are ovarian cancer survivors.

The mission of the organization:

  • To promote awareness of ovarian cancer and to provide education to women and the health care community;
  • To offer support to all ovarian cancer survivors by providing opportunities for networking, education and community outreach;
  • To advocate for public policy and funding for ovarian cancer research.
Oregon Humane Society’s Benefit is Fetching

Oregon Humane Society’s Benefit is Fetching

Oregon Humane Society Portland, July 12th 2014. The heat of the day did not stop people from attending this year’s summertime party called Fetch: Silver Edition. The party celebrated Executive Director Sharon Harmon’s first 25 years of leadership and the animal welfare group’s 145th anniversary. OHS welcomed nearly 300 people to celebrate on site with tours, cocktails and pets! Guests enjoyed a three course menu from The Vibrant Table and raised $388,000 for the pets of OHS. Dolorosa Margulis getting to know an OHS puppy up for adoption.

Pat Smith, Ellyn Bye and OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon celebrating 25 years of Sharon’s leadership and 145 years of OHS.

Pat Smith, Ellyn Bye and OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon celebrating 25 years of Sharon’s leadership and 145 years of OHS.

Auctioneer Justin Timm, OHS Investigator Wendy Reimer and KATUs Helen Raptis raising money to help the pets of OHS

Auctioneer Justin Timm, OHS Investigator Wendy Reimer and KATUs Helen Raptis raising money to help the pets of OHS

Sharon Harmon being toasted by party chair Nancy Tonkin-Zoucha. Note the shot glasses in their hands, instead of a champagne toast we wanted everyone to get their shots at OHS.

Sharon Harmon being toasted by party chair Nancy Tonkin-Zoucha. Note the shot glasses in their hands, instead of a champagne toast we wanted everyone to get their shots at OHS.

Senator Betsy Johnson with OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon happy to work together to create tough animal cruelty laws.

Senator Betsy Johnson with OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon . They are happy to work together to create tougher animal cruelty laws.

From the Oregon Humane Society:

Our Mission Statement

To foster an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals through education, legislation, and leadership. To care for the homeless, to defend the abused, and to fight with unrelenting diligence for recognition of the integrity of all animals.

 

 

Kaiser Permanente’s Grin and Share it Brings Smiles to Needy People

Kaiser Permanente’s Grin and Share it Brings Smiles to Needy People

Salem, July 11th, 2014. Thirty-two Kaiser Permanente providers and staff volunteered at the 2014 Oregon Mission of Mercy, where more than $738,000 worth of donated dental services were provided. The event took place at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, and 1,255 patients received free dental care.

Thirty-two Kaiser Permanente providers and staff volunteered at the fifth annual Oregon Mission of Mercy, including (from left) Michelle Lee-Veentjer, manager of Rockwood Dental Office; Dawn Januik, registered dental hygienist at Cascade Park Dental Office; Jodeen Callaghan, DMD, general dentist at Cascade Park and Kaiser Permanente's lead community benefit dentist; Macy Bienerth, Cascade Park dental assistant; Mary Robinson, Dental Contact Center member assistant and patient line management lead for the event; Richard Del Togno Armanasco, DMD, general dentist at Gresham Dental Office; and Edariz Castilla, DDS, general dentist at North Lancaster Dental Office.

Thirty-two Kaiser Permanente providers and staff volunteered at the fifth annual Oregon Mission of Mercy, including (from left) Michelle Lee-Veentjer, manager of Rockwood Dental Office; Dawn Januik, registered dental hygienist at Cascade Park Dental Office; Jodeen Callaghan, DMD, general dentist at Cascade Park and Kaiser Permanente’s lead community benefit dentist; Macy Bienerth, Cascade Park dental assistant; Mary Robinson, Dental Contact Center member assistant and patient line management lead for the event; Richard Del Togno Armanasco, DMD, general dentist at Gresham Dental Office; and Edariz Castilla, DDS, general dentist at North Lancaster Dental Office.

For someone who had just received a couple fillings — and who had been lined up since 3:30 a.m. for a turn in the dentist’s chair — Gregorie “Mike” Towai had an awfully big smile on his face. That’s because, for the first time in a long while, he wasn’t embarrassed by his teeth.

Towai was among the 1,255 patients who received free dental care at the Oregon Dental Association’s fifth annual Mission of Mercy, which took place July 11 and 12 at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Ore. Thirty-two Kaiser Permanente providers and staff volunteered at the event, where more than $738,000 worth of donated services were provided. Kaiser Permanente has had a long volunteer presence at Mission of Mercy, which was held last year in Portland at the Oregon Convention Center.

Towai’s new smile came courtesy of Richard Del Togno Armanasco, DMD, a general dentist at the Kaiser Permanente Gresham Dental Office. Dr. Del Togno Armanasco removed the visible decay from Towai’s front teeth and placed natural-looking composite fillings.

“I think this whole thing is awesome,” said Towai. “It’s such a blessing that we have doctors who are willing to give up their time to do this. I think I’ll get to smile more.”

As part of its mission, Kaiser Permanente makes significant contributions to community health, including oral health. Kaiser Permanente Northwest invested more than $104 million in community benefit initiatives in 2013.

Kaiser Permanente has 17 dental offices from Salem to Longview and hosts free dental care days throughout the year. In addition to participating in community events such as Mission of Mercy, Kaiser Permanente hosts “Give Kids a Smile” free dental clinics and participates in the Dental Access Program in the Portland metro area to provide urgent care for low-income, uninsured patients at no charge.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 9.1 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia, including more than 495,000 people in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/share.

Oregon’s Special Olympics Summer State Games Sizzle

Oregon’s Special Olympics Summer State Games Sizzle

Newberg, July 12th, 2014. The Summer State Games are the state championship competitions in the sports of athletics (track & field), bocce, golf, and softball for Special Olympics athletes in Oregon.  All participants have trained in their hometowns for eight weeks prior to the Summer Games and have qualified to compete at the Summer Games at a regional level competition. Law enforcement agencies from all over Oregon were represented at the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the 2014 Summer State Games.

Jerome Kersey of the Portland Trail Blazers meets the athletes.

Jerome Kersey of the Portland Trail Blazers greets the athletes.

Michael Hart runs in the Newberg games.

Special Olympian Michael Hart runs in the Newberg games.

Area residents rolled out the red carpet including balloonist who added spectacular color.

Area residents rolled out the red carpet including balloonist who added spectacular color.

Champions are not the ones who always win races . champions are the ones who get out there and try. And try harder the next time. And even harder the next time.

“Champions are not the ones who always win races . champions are the ones who get out there and try. And try harder the next time. And even harder the next time.” – Simon Sinek 

Victory Dance & Social – Newberg High School Stadium is always a highlight.

Victory Dance & Social – Newberg High School Stadium is always a highlight.

From Special Olympics Oregon:

Here in Oregon, while Special Olympics Oregon serves 12,000 participants throughout the state, nearly 70,000 people with intellectual disabilities could benefit from participating in Special Olympics. Still growing, Special Olympics Oregon is efficiently expanding programs to get closer and closer to serving every individual with intellectual disabilities that qualifies to participate in Special Olympics.

Special Olympics Oregon offers training and competition opportunities in 14 different Olympic-style sports. There are three sports seasons throughout the year, with statewide competitions and training in winter, summer and fall.

Special Olympics Oregon holds events in every region of the state, every month of the year, providing athletes the opportunity to be competing and training as often as they choose.

Special Olympics athletes train intensely for eight weeks prior to each State Games event. Volunteer coaches are responsible for training the athletes. Volunteers must complete a certification program prior to becoming Special Olympics coaches and must attend training schools before each season.

Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in the state of Oregon to provide sports training and athletic competition for persons with mental disabilities. SOOR is accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) and responsible for following the policies and rules established by SOI in the delivery of services in Oregon. It is known as a Program of SOI. A volunteer Board of Directors provides policy decisions and long-range planning for SOOR. The Board employs a staff of people to implement the day-to-day operations.