I am an Associate Professor in the College of Education at Wichita State University. I'm the founder and international spokesperson for Project SOS (Support our Students).
The Polar Plunge. Saturday Janurary 30th. Longview Lake, Missouri. The Polar Plunge is a special event that raises money for Special Olympics. There are plunges taking place all over the country during the winter months. Today Lauren Sages Dad Scott, and her brother Hunter plunged into the 27 degree water to raise money to support Special Olympic Athletes! Lauren Sage sang the National Anthem during the opening ceremony! There were 35 heats of plungers... WOW!!! Thanks to everyone who donated and supported our team!
Special Olympics mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with mental disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
Friday January 22nd. Lauren Sage headed to Snow Creek Ski Resort in Weston Missouri for the winter Special Olympics. Special Olympic Athletes from all over the Midwest gathered for the event. Lauren Sage gave water to the athletes as they came off the ski runs! She made lots of new friends on the slopes! Hot Chocolate and snow boots were essential today. Although the weather has improved it was wet and chilly at the ski resort. However, watching the althletes and their amazing dedication, drive and endurance warmed our hearts.
Today Special Olympics Kansas... touches the lives of 5,580 athletes who train and compete year-round in 22 sports, including Unified Sports®. Through Special Olympics the athletes improve physical fitness, acquire new skills, develop lifelong friendships and encourage widespread community understanding and acceptance.
The Benefits... of participation in Special Olympics for people with intellectual disabilities include improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence, a more positive self-image, friendships, and increased family support. Special Olympics athletes carry these benefits with them into their daily lives at home, in the classroom, on the job, and in the community. Special Olympics believes that competition among those of equal abilities is the best way to test its athletes' skills, measure their progress, and inspire them to grow. Special Olympics believes that its program of sports and training and competition helps people with intellectual disabilities become physically fit and grow mentally, socially, and spiritually. Special Olympics believes that consistent training is required to develop sports skills. The Spirit of Special Olympics skill, courage, sharing, and joy transcends boundaries of geography, nationally, political philosophy, gender, age, race or religion.
Next week Lauren Sage will be hosting a team to raise funds for Special Olympics. The event is the Polar Plunge. Lauren Sage's brother Hunter and her Dad Scott will be plunging into a cold and partially frozen lake to raise funds. Please consider supporting Special Olympics and pledging your support for the team: "Burrownings" visit the web site: www.ksso.org Thanks in advance for your support!
Sunday January 10th, the Tony Bowls Fashion Show in Kansas City, Kansas. Lauren Sage and lots of other young ladies from all over greater Kansas City, along with a few young men participated in the Tony Bowls Fashion Show. The show was to benefit the Blue Valley Education Foundation and other School District Foundations. Lauren Sage was delighted to be asked to participate again this year in the show. She wore a beautiful pale blue (her favorite color) short cocktail style dress. TLC was there filming for their new pilot show on Tony Bowls. The show was incredible the gowns were amazing! Lauren Sages state sister teen queen Katie was in the show as well! Tony gave each girl in the show a rose on stage! What a fun event and a weekend to remember!
Friday January 8th. Lauren Sage was so excited to attend a Fashion Forum for Tony Bowls. The Forum was held in Overland Park at the Deer Creek Country Club. TLC is following Tony doing a pilot program for a show. Lauren Sage was asked to do an interview with TLC after the Forum. Saturday January 9th, Lauren Sage tried on gowns and had one of her gowns that was designed by Tony signed by him! Saturday was also the practice for the Tony Bowls fashion show in Kansas City. The Show is highly focused on prom wear! Lauren Sage and many other young ladies from all over Kansas City practiced walking the runway. The stage is amazing, what a great show it will be! Lauren Sage had a second interview with TLC on Saturday! What a weekend so far and the fashion show is tomorrow!
