|
BACK Sports Events Volunteering Donations Links Contact Us |
October 2003 In attendance: Levon, Robert, Miriam, Robbie, Leslie, Gordon, Jill (Absent were Shawn and Tony) Athletes elected a chair person (Leslie) for this meeting. Athletes then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Current Business: Some responses from Marcia… · In response to item #2 from September 8th meeting minutes, the Metro Leafs need to raise $17,000 (not $25,000). The cost is $1,000 per athlete. · Marcia will be sending Jill a sheet which shows where fundraising money goes (90% goes back to the clubs). · Marcia gave the Athlete’s Committee a coupon for a pizza party for 12 (Courtesy of Pizza Pizza). o The committee has chosen to have the party on December 1st (before the holidays). Jill will make the arrangements. · Marcia sent all coaches a copy of the committee’s ideas of how to alleviate stress. Athletes took turns bringing up issues which were then discussed by committee members as a group: Upcoming Events/News/Updates: 1. There is no longer a concern about swimming practices for some of the members on Monday. The North Toronto Penguins will swim on Sundays starting on October the 19th. 2. One member spoke with Marcia who suggested that the athlete should write the script for the phone line. 3. Entertainment booklets (may or may not still be available). The cost of one ticket is five dollars, or you can get three for ten dollars. 4. Provincials normally take place every four years during the month of May. This year they will take place in June (Peterborough has other events scheduled for May). Committee members feel that June will be better weather-wise. 5. Scarborough hockey starts tomorrow. The Metro Leafs are starting on October 23rd. 6. At the regional qualifier, Region 11’s soccer club was unable to play. There was not enough space on the field, and therefore it would have been too dangerous. The regional management team is not holding this against the soccer team. However, next year it is crucial that they play at the qualifier. Athletes were upset about not being able to participate. Committee members feel that next year there should be two days to qualify for the provincial summer games. 7. The Seals aren’t going to be charging a registration fee but are concentrating on fundraising. 8. A Liberal government will be starting next month. The government will serve a term of four years. 9. The Scarborough Cyclones will be having five minutes of silence for Jennifer Chamberlain at the upcoming opening practice. Kevin Timberlake will be leading it. A memorial card will also be passed around. 10. Five pin bowling will be having a mini-tournament at Parkway Mall. There are 115 athletes all together. Some lanes have up to 7 athletes during practices, making for a long game. There is a new electronic system that has been implemented. Athletes will now be paying $10 for two games to pay for the new system. 11. One member suggested that there may be an opportunity for an athlete speaker to give a presentation to the Cubs. 12. There will be three more dates in which Special Olympics will be selling tickets for a 50/50 draw at the Air Canada Centre. Pizza Pizza usually provides a meal for athletes who assist. Athlete Empowerment Issues: 13. Two members of the Athlete’s Committee received an ambassador’s package from Marcia. Each kit contains business cards, information on Ontario Special Olympics and Toronto Special Olympics, frequently asked question sheets, fundraising pamphlets, newsletters, and background information on Special Olympics (history, mission, objectives). Committee members reviewed a few of the sheets. Ambassadors play an important role in promoting Special Olympics for both fundraising purposes and in getting more athletes involved. 14. Many members of the committee would like an ambassador package. Athletes feel it is a good tool for Athletes to have in promoting Special Olympics. 15. Committee members are very happy with the current staff in the Special Olympics Office. They are appreciative of all of the work that staff are doing. Members expressed how they would not be having these meetings if it weren’t for Marcia. They are also appreciative of other staff including Jennifer Applebee and Karen Richards. These people are working beyond 100% to make sure that things are happening. 16. Many Athletes felt that previously they were not being treated like adults within Special Olympics. For instance, when attending a tournament, athletes were unable to attend movies, shows, or other forms of entertainment (such as going to a mall). There has been a significant shift in attitude towards athletes over the past few years. 17. Members showed concern that some athletes are in group homes and do not get the chance to travel very much. Other athletes may not have the opportunity to travel very much as well. Therefore, members feel it is very important that they have a certain amount of extracurricular activities during out of town tournaments. 18. On other occasions in the past, some members were treated unfairly during tournaments (ie. Reprimanded for things beyond their control). 19. Members feel that sitting on committees such as these shows others how capable people with intellectual disabilities are. Budget/Cutbacks/Fundraising: 20. At the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey practice, President Rupert Hamilton accepted $45, 000 from Pat Quinn and Mats Sundin. 21. Money is coming in to Special Olympics, but not quickly enough. Members expressed that Special Olympics need more athletes to get out and talk to the public, and possibly solicit donations. 22. One fundraising idea is go to Bayview Village to promote Special Olympics. 23. One member attended the Community Council meeting last month. He updated the group. Money is coming in to Special Olympics through pledges that have been sent out in the mail. Athlete Numbers and Recruitment: 24. One member will be giving a speech at his workshop tomorrow about Special Olympics. This will get the word out about Special Olympics and hopefully recruit more athletes. Other Important Issues: 25. Some athletes went to Sports Check on Wednesday October 1st (at two locations - Yorkdale and Eaton Centre). Athletes were there to promote awareness of Special Olympics. Two members of the committee expressed concern over poor treatment by staff at Sports Check while at these locations. One athlete followed up with the head office of Sports Check regarding this situation. Special Olympics head office is aware of the situation and has followed up regarding it. Members are displeased that such places make a commitment to have them come in and then treat them poorly. Athletes have, however, had good experiences with staff and the public at many other venues. 26. Some members expressed concern over athletes who do not want to participate in socializing with other athletes. Many members love meeting new people. 27. Some athletes are shy or reserved and do not enjoy mingling with other athletes. One member felt mixing up different regions (encouraging athletes to get to know others) is a great idea, which she has enjoyed in the past. Another idea would be for outgoing members to help others meet each other by introducing them to friends/fellow athletes. Committee members feel it helps to be motivated by coaches to participate with their peers. 28. Some members experience jealousy from athletes who do not receive medals. They feel this is not good sportsmanship. One member would like to remind athletes of the Athlete’s Oath. He would also like to remind athletes to try their best, and have fun. Other members would like to see more good sportsmanship (ie. Congratulating others when they have won a medal). 29. Athletes must give their contact information to head office when they move. 30. The Toronto Maple Leafs recently cancelled the Easter Seal Skate for Children. i. Members feel that this is a shame. ii. Members are concerned that the Maple Leafs may decide to stop supporting them. iii. Members feel that this is the result of the General Manager. iv. Members are greatly appreciative of the Leafs support. 31. Many times the Maple Leafs donate tickets to the Special Olympics (for example to the Open Leafs Practice and the Old Timers Game). The Toronto Blue Jays also give tickets. Members have also received tickets to concerts, Mohammed Ali, the Argos, etc 32. Members expressed concern over members who have not been able to attend meetings. Some members wonder if those who do not fulfill the requirements for these meetings should allow others to take over their spots. This issue will be further discussed at the next meeting. 33. Athletes also expressed support that after their one year term on the committee, other athletes should be given the opportunity to serve. The next meeting will take place on Monday November 3rd, 2003. Home || Sports || Events || Volunteering || Donations || Links || Contact Us |
|