Geannette Wittendorf

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 ...

Hershey Bears  Hockey fans of Hershey, Pennsylvania helped beat their own Teddy Bear Toss world record on December 1st. A total of 45,650 teddy bears and stuffed animals were tossed onto the ice, surpassing the club's previous world record of 34,798 collected in 2018. This world famous event is all for a good cause. All 45,650 of the teddy bears and stuffed animals were collected to be donated to roughly 40 local charities, just in time for the holiday season. Geannette Wittendorf is a proud supporter of the Teddy Bear Toss, along with several other sports charities .  The Teddy Bear Toss is not reserved solely for Hershey Bear Hockey fans. This popular Christmas season charitable donation is a spirited donation common at most ice hockey games around the globe. Ice hockey fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals and teddy bears to the  ice hockey  game and celebrate their home team's first goal by throwing them onto the ice. The stuffed toys ar...

Geannette Wittendorf is a proud supporter and fan of the Olympics. She is incredibly inspired by the courageous efforts of Olympian Gabriele Grunewald, who isn’t letting her battle with cancer keep her from running to victory. The Olympic games are always full of inspiration.  The victories, the ups and downs and the energy of the atmosphere is powerful enough to grip spectators in a motivational way.  What’s even more inspiring than the actual events are the incredible athletes who compete. Their backstories are often awe-inspiring, with many Olympians having overcome adversity in amazing ways.  In particular, Team USA’s middle-distance runner, Gabriele “Gabe” Grunewald is an Olympian with a tremendous story of perseverance. In 2009, Gabriele Grunewald was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland.  In 2010, with treatment for the condition under her belt, she crossed the 2010 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships finish...