A Chilly Philly Leprechaun Run Warms Hearts

A Chilly Leprechaun Run Warms Hearts of Special Olympics Pennsylvania Philadelphia athletes and participants. The 2017 Leprechaun Run presented by TMNA Services was held on Saturday, March 11th at MLK Drive starting by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As runners arrived, the temperature was already a chilly 20 degrees. The cold weather didn’t stop over 750 participants from coming out to partake in this St. Patrick’s Day tradition.

The program before the race was kicked off by the Celtic Flame School of Irish who performed a traditional Irish dance for spectators. After a few short words from the Director of Special Olympics PA, Philadelphia, Britt Kleine, and VP of Development for Special Olympics PA, Eric Cushing, the running portion was about to start! The Lucky 7-Mile Race launched for the first time as it started alongside the Classic 5-Mile Race. Shortly after our racers took the course, our 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk participants headed for the course. As our Leprechaun Chasers finished, they were greeted by warm Philadelphia Pretzel Factory pretzels, Bai beverages, bananas, and water. After all the numbers were added up, the 2017 Leprechaun Run raised close to $40,000 for athletes right here in Philadelphia!

Thank you to all of our participants who attended this year’s race – we can’t wait to see you next year! HUGE thank you to all of our volunteers who made this race run smoothly; we hope to see you at more of our events!

The Philadelphia Program's 28th Annual Bowling Tournament

119 athletes from all around Philadelphia met at Erie Lanes on Sunday, March 26th for the 28th Annual Bowling Tournament. Five bowling teams took over the 48 bowling lanes at Erie Lanes. Athlete, Sharon Quarles helped kick things off as she emceed Opening Ceremonies along with Special Guest, Joe Conklin. Each team participated in the Parade of Athletes and stood shoulder-to-shoulder on the bowling lanes. Our athletes lined up spanned almost the full alley! Colors were presented by Frankford JROTC as the national anthem played on a track. Then the moment everyone waits for is the carrying in of the Flame of Hope. Christopher Sferra carried in the Flame of Hope and walked down the 48 lanes at Erie Lanes to ensure everyone could see the Flame of Hope.

Everyone was looking sharp in their bowling uniforms, but South Philadelphia athletes had an extra special part of their uniform as they all donned purple ribbons. The reason for these ribbons is that two athletes’ fathers passed away right at the start of the bowling season. Because of this, the coaches and athletes at this site decided to dedicate this bowling season in memory of the two fathers who passed. The two athletes and mothers were very touched by the thoughtfulness of keeping their fathers’ memory alive and we are sure that both fathers are looking down on their athletes and the South Philadelphia program with smiles on their faces.

After Opening Ceremonies, competition began and Erie Lanes got loud with many strikes and spares. Cheers came from proud family members and volunteers keeping score. After competition was complete, athletes were awarded at their lanes and got a lunch to take home. Thank you to everyone who made this event a huge success and good luck to those athletes and coaches going on to the Eastern Bowling Sectional!

Lycoming County Program to Benefit From “Raise The Region 2017”

Help us by participating in “Raise The Region 2017,” a huge 30-hour online fundraising campaign in Central PA that starts on Wednesday, March 8 at 6 p.m. and continues through Thursday, March 9 until midnight. The fundraiser benefits 327 nonprofit organizations, one of which is our very own Lycoming County Special Olympics program. Thanks WNEP-TV for supporting this fundraiser and featuring Special Olympics this morning! Donate at: http://bit.ly/2mx7CNg.

To learn more about "Raise the Region 2017," check out this WNEP-TV news segment.  

Philadelphia IUS Bocce League Play Days

Eight Philadelphia high schools competed in two League Play Days starting on Valentine’s Day to show off their bocce skills. High schools included Abraham Lincoln High School, Creative & Performing Arts, George Washington High School, Hill Freedman, Parkway West, School of the Future, South Philadelphia High School, and Thomas Edison High School. Besides their skills, each school brought their spirit as they cheered for their team and their other school teams – some schools even brought Fans in the Stands to root on their team. Each school also showed sportsmanship with friendly handshakes and cheers for extraordinary rolls. We are looking forward to the Philadelphia’s IUS Bocce Championship on Thursday, March 9th!