|
Daily Newspaper and Travel Guide
for Pecos Country of West Texas
Lifestyle
Friday, March 12, 1999
Special Olympics topic at club meeting
The Modern Study Club met on Feb. 24, in the parlor of the
First United Methodist Church, 301 S. Elm at 3:30 p.m., for
an Educational Department Program. The thought-quote for the
meeting was, "Let me win. If I cannot win let me be brave in
the attempt." - Special Olympic Creed.
Laura Teal, Special Olympic volunteer, presented the
program. Teal told how Special Olympics was founded by
Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Shriver established and headed the
President's Commmitee on Mental Retardation in 1961. Her
task was to research recreation and sports programs
available to people with mental retardation. After close
investigation Shriver's report was all of three words,
"There are none." The next year, she created the Kennedy
Awards in Mental Retardation.
Texas has figured prominently in the development of Special
Olympics worldwide. Long recognized as the forerunner of
developments in training, outreach and competition, and
games, Texas Special Olympics has also added programs in
motor activities and unified sports to its roster.
Businesses and corporations in Texas have supported the
Special Olympics with cash and in-kind donations that give
the program a solid operating base.
The Teal family became involved in Special Olympics in 1981,
when their son, David, first competed in TSO. He won his
first medal at that competition in the 25 meter run at the
Area 18 Track meet held in Big Spring. Special Olympics has
taken the Teals to 11 competitions across the state of Texas
in the cities of Austin, Denton, Houston and San Marcos.
Side trips for the athletes have included visits to the
State Capitol, various airports, one zoo, two Texas Rangers
baseball games and the three major theme parks in Texas.
Texas joins the other 49 states, as well as 29 countries, in
holding a Torch Run. This Run converges on the host city in
each state or country where the Special Olympics are being
held. The combined Torch Runs in 1997, have received awards
for the highest revenue in the country and the third highest
revenue program in the world.
The dedication of 50,000 law enforcement personnel in the 50
states and 29 countries generates over $11 million annually
for Special Olympics. Eighty-six Texas law enforcement
agencies participated in the Texas Torch Run that same year.
They covered 3,400 miles, with 900 runners involved and they
raised $800,000 for Texas Special Olympic programs.
Teal also told that in recognition of the remarkable
advances that these athletes make in all aspects of their
lives, Special Olympics International has begun a campaign
to honor those achievements. The "Training for Life"
campaign reflects the spirit of Olympic competition while
recognizing that many of the hardest-won victories occur off
the playing field.
President Lena Harpham conducted the business meeting. The
Club Collect was led by Lena Harpham and the Pledges to the
United States of America Flag and the Texas Flag were led by
Laura Teal, as members repeated all in unison.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Bobbi Lang,
secretary. Pearl Gustafson, treasurer, presented a report of
the club finances.
Hazel Barmore, Ways and Means chairman, thanked club members
for participating in the club's fund raiser bake sale, which
benefits The Modern Study Club Pecos High School Senior
Scholarship for 1999.
Pearl Gustafson reported on her delivery of Valentines,
signed and given by club members, to the Pecos Nursing Home.
Catherine Travland read a letter from Margie Williamson,
Scholarship Chairman, reporting that Nancy Quezada's
application for the TFWC Western District Alma Van Sickle
Scholarship Competition was complete and ready to mail.
Doris Moorman reported that books for the New Born Babies at
the Reeves County Hospital have been ordered but have not
been received at this time.
Travland read a letter from Margie Williamson nominating
Etta Sullivan for a District Life Membership in the Western
District of Texas Federation of Women's Clubs.
Club members voted to send a donation to the Alma Van Sickle
Scholarship in memory of club member Callie Holloway, who
died Feb. 19, 1999. Hollway was a charter member of the club
at it's inception in 1930, and served as the second
president of the organization in 1931-32. She also served
The Modern Study Club as president in 1973-74, 1976-77 and
1977-78, as well as in various other offices and areas of
service. She also served on the Western District Board of
The Texas Federation of Women's Clubs.
Roll call was a answered with a Special Olympic event.
Hostesses Betty Smith and Catherine Travland used a red,
white and blue theme for the refreshment table. Travland
served sandwiches, chips, nuts, fresh applecake, punch and
coffee to members Hazel Barmore, Pearl Gustafson, Lena
Harpham, Bobbi Lang, Doris Moorman, Laura Teal and Etta
Sullivan.
Pecos Enterprise
York M. "Smokey" Briggs, Publisher
Division of Buckner News Alliance, Inc.
324 S. Cedar St., Pecos, TX 79772
Phone 915-445-5475, FAX 915-445-4321
e-mail news@pecos.net
Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
Copyright 1999 by Pecos Enterprise
|
