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SPORTSCENTER STUDENTS TEAM UP WITH THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS IN TWO EVENTS
11-2-2007
It was a thrilling day of raffle prizes, Rodney the Ram, trick shots, and of course...competitive bowling! Last month, eight of the VCU SportsCenter's students went to AMF Hanover Bowling Lanes to help run the annual Special Olympics Bowling Tournament.
The day began wtih a photograph shoot with the athletes, their partners, and VCU's very own Rodney Ram. After the pictures, the athletes were given an opportunity to participate in some exciting "trick shots." These trick shots included using their non-dominate hand, between the legs, backwards shots, through the legs, backwards shots, and the two favorites: blindfolded and the 360 degree twirl! A handful of the athletes were able to squeeze in a spare of two, but only one was able to make a strike! Afterwards, he rejoiced, "I knew it right away! That's not luck!"
Next began the bowling contest. The athletes and their partners were focused from the beginning, making each match competitive but very fun! Every participant received a team award at the end of the tournament, announced by SportsCenter students. Afterwards, first-year student Andy Farrell remarked, "It was a great experience. The smiles on the athletes' faces really made it worth it! One athlete told us that he loved us and we were his best friends after he received his first place ribbon. Things like that you can't put a price tag on."
Finally, in between bowling frames, the SportsCenter was able to raffle off various athletic prizes including tickets to volleyball games, men's and women's soccer games, volleyball shirts, basketball shirts and shorts, and VCU SportsCenter shirts. The most heralded of prizes were the four signed basketballs provided by the men's and women's basketball teams at VCU. One athlete who won one of these exclaimed, "I love VCU. Go RAMS!" This event got all of the students excited for their next challenge with the Special Olympics...the 2008 Polar Plunge!
The VCU SportsCenter is jumping in! On February 2nd, 2008 all ten members of Cobra Kai will brave the icy waters of Virginia Beach in support of the 2008 Polar Plunge. It may sound bizarre, but it is an exciting experience. We have teamed up with Special Olympics Virginia's Polar Plunge. The event is dedicated to raising money for Special Olympics and these extraordinary athletes. 2008 marks the 16th anniversary of the Polar Plunge. Cobra Kai is extremely excited about next year’s Virginia Beach Polar Plunge. People from all over Virginia come to take part in this amazing event.
As members of the SportsCenter we have taken the responsibility of promoting the event via Myspace and Facebook. We are in charge of marketing the Polar Plunge on the web and reaching out to the millions of individuals who are connected to Myspace and Facebook. We are currently raising money to support Virginia’s Special Olympics. To date, we have recorded nearly $700 in total money raised.
In addition, we will be hosting a fundraising event at Cold Stone Creamery where a percentage of all purchases will be donated towards the Polar Plunge! We are raising money and reaching out to the community for donations. The 2008 Polar Plunge hopes to attract 3,500 plungers, 6,000 spectators, and over 400 volunteers. The event will be broadcasted live by way of 106.9 The Fox Radio.
If you are interested in helping, the steps to online donating are below! Come take part of this wonderful day and event, and give back to these incredible, talented athletes.
1. Go to www.firstgiving.com/sova
2. Click on “Get Started”
3. Click “Select” next to the Polar Plunge event
4. Type in your email address and select the response that indicates you are new to the site
5. Fill in all your personal information
6. Select that you did read the terms and agreements for the website
Almost done….
7. Select JCOBRA KAIJ for your team!
8. Add your name to the end of your VERY OWN website!
9. Set your Fundraising Target!!!
At least $200 each plunger-Cobra Kai’s Challenge!!!
•Personalize your page!
•You can add in off-line donations
•All team member’s donations get added up for a Team Total (prizes for the top team)
You can put your personal link everywhere (facebook, myspace, send out emails etc.)
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