NEWS

The cycling program, started in 2000, provides cycling training to Special Olympics athletes from May thru August, two days per week, two hours per day. The athletes ride in groups for distances ranging from six to twelve miles per training session. All equipment is provided free of charge to both the athletes and the volunteers who ride along with the athletes, including bicycles, helmets and water bottles. The program currently has a fleet of 23 standard 21 speed bicycles, seven adult three-wheel bicycles and four standard 21 speed bicycles with adult training wheels.

In addition to the athletes and volunteers, the athletes’ families and friends are invited to join the program and this gives them the opportunity to become more involved in the activities of the athletes.

Ferragonio Distributing Company is a family-owned and operated, full-service office supply and equipment dealer located in the Murry Corporate Park in Export. FDC services all businesses from a one-person office in the home to Fortune 500 companies.

Ferragonio Distributing Company has supported Special Olympics for more than eleven years after being introduced to the organization through business contacts. "When I realized the extent of the positive impact that Special Olympics has on not only the athletes and their families but also the community, I wanted to provide FDC’s support anyway I could," said Joseph Ferragonio when talking about his first impression of the organization. "When I attended my first event as a medal presenter, I saw the effort that the athletes showed and how proud their families were. This is especially true with the cycling program. Since we are a family-owned business, I know first hand what it is like to work closely with family each day. And with the cycling program, it is not only the athletes who benefit but also their families and friends, and ultimately the community."

The athletes, volunteers and directors of Special Olympics Westmoreland County Cycling want to thank Ferragonio Distributing Company and their employees for their support. Without them, our program would not be what it is today.

The bowling event has grown to be on of the largest events conducted at the county level.  More than 50 bowlers will be selected to compete at the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Regional Bowling Tournament in Pittsburgh in March 2006.  From there, county athletes may be selected to attend the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games at Penn State University in June 2006.

Special thanks to Hillview Lanes who once again donated the use of their lanes so that our athletes may compete.

This year, we raised $1,107.20, raising our three year total to more than $2,758 raised for the Citizens Advisory Board.  The money raised is used to for the acquisition of property for the addition of hiking and biking trails in Westmoreland County.

TEAM Special Olympics is a program where our athletes give back to the same community that supports our programs.  To learn more about TEAM Special Olympics visit our web page at TEAM Special Olympics.

To ensure that the programs will continue, you can make a tax deductible donation by printing out the Donor Form and mailing it to the address on the form.  The athletes thank you for your financial support.

This is an easy alternative to cash donations that will also help the environment.

Cans will be accepted Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.  Go to the side door at the facility and let them know you are donating the cans for Special Olympics.  For additional information, call Dens-A-Can International at
724-834-8080.

Thank You for you Donation!
 

Brian, who has participated in Special Olympics for more than 25 years, was selected because he has "promoted the philosophy and mission of our organization", stated Val Jean McCracken, Director of Field Services and Outreach for SOPA.

Over the years, Brian has competed in many sports at all levels of Special Olympics, including the World Games.  But his involvement has not been limited to his own competitive spirit.  Brian has served as a coach at the State Summer Games, is a member of the Westmoreland County Management Team as the Athlete Representative and has given a speech or two, hundred that is.  Brian serves as a Global Messenger for Special Olympics, working hard to inform the public of our program, the benefits that he and the other athletes get from their participation and assisting with fund raising activities.

Congratulations Brian on a well deserved honor!

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