Geannette Wittendorf

Due to COVID-19, Special Olympians across the nation are going digital for the Virtual Special Olympics. In Vermont, collegiate student-athletes showed support for the state’s Special Olympics chapter with words of encouragement. COVID-19 has made times confusing and difficult for many. Special Olympians are no exception to the times. As we covered previously , many Special Olympics chapters across the country are opting to host their Special Olympics events virtually to overcome social distancing regulations that keep the organizations from hosting their normal events. In Vermont, student-athletes on Saint Michael’s College’s varsity teams logged in with their own words of encouragement for the Special Olympians. In a video spearheaded by rising sophomore athlete, Marisa Carignan, the Purple Knights cheered Special Olympians on and wished them luck in the Virtual Special Olympics.

For Special Olympians, the Games must go on! In opposition of cancellations brought on by COVID-19 , some Special Olympics chapters are going digital with the first-ever Virtual Summer Games. When the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially announced that Tokyo 2020 was at risk of being cancelled -- fans and Olympians were certainly disappointed. For Special Olympians, similar news was more than just disappointing -- the news was devastating. Mona Hjerpe, head coach of the Hutchinson, Minnesota Special Olympics chapter, explained the difficulty Special Olympians are facing. “...they miss the social aspect, just to be able to give each other a hug,” said Hjerpe . In an effort to brighten the spirits of Special Olympians, the organization is going digital with the 2020 Virtual Summer Games. Participants who have been active in their chapter of Special Olympics throughout the past year are eligible -- and encouraged -- to take part in the Games. Athletes are welcome to ...

Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), both the 2020 Summer Olympics and Special Olympics events have been postponed until further notice. To keep spirits high, Special Olympians, coaches and families in Texas are staying connected online. Recently, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the 2020 Summer Olympics will be postponed . This devastating news is also impacting Special Olympians who were eagerly anticipating their own Olympic events. With social distancing in full effect, everyone is being impacted by a lack of human interaction. This has been especially difficult for Special Olympians who’ve grown to view their coaches and fellow athletes as family. In Texas, Special Olympics athletes and coaches, like Tank Shottle, are spreading positive vibes by keeping connected via social media. Together, athletes, coaches and their families are posting fun videos, daily puzzles and maintaining contact -- all online. Special Olympics Texas chapter president, Tim Co...

Needless to say, the Coronavirus pandemic (also known as COVID-19) is shaking up everyone’s way of life at this time. This week, Olympians and fans of the Olympics learned that Tokyo 2020 is no exception to the pandemic’s devastation. It’s a sad day for fans of the Olympic Games. On Monday, March 23, 2020, International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound told USA Today that the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo “probably won’t happen.” With shutdowns going into effect around the globe, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is to blame for this announcement. IOC, however, has yet to release an official statement regarding postponement of the Games. This news is a devastating blow to Olympians and fans of the Olympics alike. A whopping 1 million spectators attended the 2018 Winter Olympics. This was a surprising feat for the Winter Games, which often fall behind in attendance when compared to the Summer Olympics. With this number in mind, it is clear why postponement i...

The Special Olympics is not just an organization that serves individuals of the United States. The Special Olympics is a global organization created specifically to offer support to individuals of all ages facing life while living with intellectual disabilities worldwide.  That is why Geannette Wittendorf is such a proud supporter of this sports charity - it offers an outlet for all athletes and their families to live a life of fulfillment despite other difficulties. The organization brings people together , reassuring in the fact that we are all different; we all have different capabilities, but no one person is better than the rest - we are all important in our own unique ways.  The organization utilizes their strong efforts on inclusion to highlight athletes across the globe on their " Global Athlete Input Council " page on their website. All athletes, regardless of region, are able to recognize their worth with the help of competitive sports. ...

Geannette Wittendorf is a huge proponent for the Special Olympics and all the organization does for the athletes, families and volunteers that participate.  The main goal of the Special Olympics is not focused on sports, it's about supporting those who deal with intelectual disabilities. Sports are used as a tool to create a safe space for athletes of all ages to come together and compete, finding the support they might need to overcome personal obstacles along the way. Though athletes are the heart of the organization, helping the families and loved ones is just as important as supporting the athletes. The Special Olympics is a place for fitness and fun , that can be used as an outlet for joy in the lives of those facing intelectual disabilities. What is an intellectual disability?  According to the organization, intellectual disabilities, or ID, are the most common developmental disabilities. " Intellectual disability (or ID) is a term used when a person ha...

As part of her blog series on the Special Olympics and their "revolution on inclusion," Geannette Wittendorf will be highlighting different aspects of the games to showcase just how much the organization gives back and makes a positive change in the world. One way you can get involved with the Special Olympics if by volunteering : "Volunteers are the backbone of the Special Olympics movement. They are coaches, trainers, officials, event organizers, fundraisers and managers. They can also be unified partners—playing alongside athletes with intellectual disabilities—or fans cheering in the stands." - Special Olympics, Get Involved  Volunteers of all ages are welcome to get involved with the sports organization , aiming to help athletes and their families who are faced with the challenges of living with mental disabilities. Volunteering opportunities include: Coaches Trainers Officials Event Organizers Fundraisers Managers Partners/Fans Anyone ...

The Crossfit world is ever-evolving and growing more and more popular since the first official Crossfit games in California in 2007. Sport fanatics from all around the world now tune in and cheer on their favorite competitors first hand in the Crossfit stadium every year!  Crossfit is a sport designed to separate the fittest in the world from all other athletes. In order to be a top competitor in the official Crossfit games, athletes must train year round in every aspect of the sport, waiting until the day before each event for each individual course to be announced. The objective of Crossfit itself is to master training across all platforms of sport, focusing on functional fitness, heavy weight lifting and agility. The games change every year, adding to the mystery and mastery of the sport while adding a challenging edge for all competitors.  Some of the fiercest competitors include Sara Sigmundsdottir, Katrin Davidsdottir, Anna Thorisdottir, Tia-Clair T...

Michigan Troopers geared up in full “force” for the benefit of Special Olympics Michigan at the Livingston County Polar Plunge on January 25, 2020. Longtime Special Olympics supporter, Geannette Wittendorf tells the tale . At this year’s polar plunge for the Michigan chapter of Special Olympics was backed by the force! Keeping tradition by picking a costume theme, the Michigan Troopers decided on entering the realm of Star Wars. Every year, the Troopers attend the Livingston County Polar Plunge to show support for Special Olympians and their families. For the Troopers, it’s a tradition to show up to the Polar Plunge in themed costumes. Lt. Mike Sura explains that it’s all about having fun and raising “as much as they can” for the Michigan Special Olympics. Inspired by the December 2019 release of The Rise of Skywalker, the Michigan Troopers chose a Star Wars theme this year. Yet again, they showed up as the best dressed Polar Plunge team for the fourth year in a row. Onloo...

Geannette Wittendorf is a proud supporter of the Special Olympics, among many other sports centered charities and non profits.  Between her love for charitable giving, hockey and the Olympics , the special olympics take up a special place in her heart. The Special Olympics is an even centered around fostering team camaraderie and sports offerings to those who are mentally disabled. The charity offers each individual an opportunity to compete in several different sports among other teammates dealing with similar issues. The even fosters those facing mental disabilities, reassuring each competitor that they perfect just the way they are and can compete just like everyone else. Visit the Special Olympics home site if you and your family, friends or loved ones would like to volunteer wit other charity supports like Geannette Wittendorf.

Being an athlete is not just reserved for the tween to young adult crowd. Becoming an athlete later in life is easy when you have the right kind of support and participate in the right activities. It's not only doable, it can even be a fantastic way to improve your overall health , both mind and body.  Geannette Wittendorf is a supporter of all things sports and athletics. Though her interests are heavily influenced by the Olympics, Geannette Wittendorf is passionate about supporting anyone who is trying to live a healthier lifestyle and or get into fitness at any point in life, regardless of age, gender, ability or goals. How to become an athlete later in life:  1.) Is it too late to become an athlete?  No, it's never too late! The first step to becoming an athlete later in life is believing in yourself. No matter what your age, your level of fitness, your gender or your ability, there is a sport out there waiting for you to practice it and have fun ...