This page provides information for leadership volunteers across North Carolina to keep them informed of new resources and opportunities from SONC while also sharing regular reminders on practices and policies. Visit it regularly to stay informed!
Plunge in Place Incentives Update
Updated: 4/16/21
We apologize for the delay, but are pleased to provide an update that all 2021 Plunge in Place incentive items have now been shipped. Items should be in hand to your participants by the end of next week. Thanks again for going freezin’ for a reason for Special Olympics North Carolina athletes!
The 2021 Triad Chill Polar Plunge returns to Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro on May 1. This year, we’re making waves by plunging into Thunder Bay Wave Pool! Don’t want to attend in person? Even more brrr-ave individuals can show their support for Special Olympics NC this year by participating in the virtual Plunge option!
2021 Triad Chill
Updated: 4/12/21
The 2021 Triad Chill Polar Plunge returns to Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro on May 1. This year, we’re making waves by plunging into Thunder Bay Wave Pool! Don’t want to attend in person? Even more brrr-ave individuals can show their support for Special Olympics NC this year by participating in the virtual Plunge option!
Golf Opportunity in May and the 2021 SONC Golf Tour
Updated: 4/9/21
The Olde Beau Golf Club and Resort in Roaring Gap, North Carolina is opening up their course to Special Olympics athletes on Sunday, May 16. Tee times start at 1 p.m. and are limited. Golfers will play the front 9 of the course but all levels of golfers are welcome to play. This is a great opportunity for your golfers to get back on the greens and enjoy a day in the North Carolina mountains. The cost is $35 per athlete or Unified pair and all costs will be billed to the local Program’s pooled account. To reserve your tee time, contact the Olde Beau Golf Club directly at (336) 363-3333 and mention Special Olympics North Carolina.
In addition, SONC is excited to move forward in planning for the 2021 SONC Golf Tour. We are looking for local courses to join the tour by hosting a tour stop this fall. If you know of a golf course in your community that would be interested in hosting a tour stop, let us know. Email Nathan Brookins at nbrookins@sonc.net with the course name, contact information and your local Program.
We will be holding an informational session on plans for the 2021 SONC Golf Tour. This webinar is open to programs interested in learning more about the golf tour and to your local golf course contacts that are interested in hosting a tour stop. You must register in advance using the link here.
For general questions about the golf opportunity at Olde Beau Golf Club or the 2021 SONC Golf Tour, contact Nathan Brookins at nbrookins@sonc.net.
Train from Home Golf Videos by PGA Tour Golfer Padraig Harrington
Updated: 4/12/21
Special Olympics has partnered with PGA Tour professional golfer and Special Olympics International Global Ambassador Padraig Harrington to bring golf training videos covering drills that can be done at home. The videos cover topics from managing short game, to perfecting a mental routine to knowing when to chip versus putt. The videos are free and can be found on the SOI Golf Resources page.
Fall 2021 Advisory Call
Updated: 4/8/21
All local programs are invited to join us at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21 to discuss fall training opportunities, share your feedback on virtual and in-person activities and hear plans for the remainder of 2021. Registration is required.
The Rest of 2021!
Updated: 4/8/21
April/May:
- Partner Up Power Up
- Limited sports training (in person)
June/July/August:
- Summer Challenge Series (at-home/virtual)
- Late July/Early August: Virtual leadership conference and networking dinners
- Event leadership training series (virtual)
September:
- Fall Partner Up Power Up begins (at-home/virtual)
- Fall sports training season begins (in person)
October/November:
- Fall invitational competitions held (in person)
Partner Up Power Up is Moving Along!
Updated: 4/7/21
Over 10,000 people are now halfway through participating in the 10-week Partner Up Power Up program. The deadline for coordinators to submit summaries of the first five weeks of tracker activity and to place T-shirt orders is April 13.
We have another five weeks of great Zoom sessions with our daytime classroom sessions, as well as our evening sessions, which are described in this document. It’s not too late to join a few!
Limited In-Person Activities Are Now Allowed
Updated: 4/7/21
Based on current trends, SONC has decided to allow in-person trainings and gatherings for counties that are not identified by NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) as having critical community spread. At this time, all counties are cleared for in-person activities. The status of counties can be monitored online through the NCDHHS website, in case there is an increase of spread.
A thorough explanation, along with all of the guidelines and support documents, can be found on the Healthy & Active at Home webpage. Please reach out to your Community Resource Director with any questions.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Updated: 4/7/21
All all North Carolina residents over the age of 16 are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and can schedule a vaccine now. For information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit NC DHHS. Also, check out SO’s Vaccine Myth vs. Fact.
As a reminder, SONC will not require vaccination for participants to return to in-person activities at this time. We will continue to monitor, evaluate and evolve the guidance as appropriate. Please, see the Return-to-Activities Guidelines for the latest on how SONC plans to safely return to in-person activity.
Special Olympics NC Style Guide
Updated: 3/30/21
Using a consistent writing style and form in all Special Olympics communications enhances the clarity and professionalism of our materials. It’s easy to do – and the SONC Style Guide makes it easier! Check out our newest version of the Style Guide here.
