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...

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 ...

May you crush personal records, leave race times in the dust, and reach for new goals in the year 2020! Here are 10 inspirational quotes to get you jump-started on your best year yet!  Geannette Wittendorf fully appreciates the camaraderie that often comes with sports . The true meaning behind any sport, are the people who play . Each player has their own passion and spirit that they bring to the game, and it's important to fuel that flame with inspiration. A new year brings an endless amount of new opportunity to athletes old and new. Whether you just started on a new team or you're a seasoned all-star, athletes from all walks of their athletic career could use an inspirational boost , especially rounding the end of a decade. 1.) "Never forget why you started." 2.) "The body achieves what the mind believes." 3.) "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you." 4.) "Some people want it to happen. Some people wish i...

Geannette Wittendorf is a strong supporter of the Special Olympics , along with many other sports charities and nonprofit organizations. Among her favorite ways to support the Special Olympics is the through the Polar Plunge.  The Polar Plunge is a spirited winter event involving participants to "plunge" into a body of water despite freezing temperatures - hence "polar" - in order to raise money for a charitable organization. This year there are several Polar Plunges to choose from in Massachusetts  to help raise money for the Special Olympics. Money raised goes towards helping 13,000 athletes with an opportunity to participate in sports training. The Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization that provides opportunities for disabled athletes to participate in sports. Not only does the cause provide training and competition, it helps the athletes live happier and healthier lives. Every dollar raised goes toward aiding an ath...

Winter can sometimes be a difficult time to stay on track with sports training for even the most experienced athletes. Here are 4 simple ways to stay on track  during those months where motivation is lacking. Geannette Wittendorf can appreciate the time and dedication it takes for her favorite athletes and sports teams to prepare and maintain game-ready physiques throughout every season. However, even elite athletes are susceptible to lack of motivation. During the cold, dark months of winter, some athletes need a little extra motivation to push through their bulking or off seasons, but it doesn't need to be as difficult as we sometimes make it seem.  Here are 4 simple ways to stay active and game ready this winter:  First thing's first, set your goal Setting a concrete goal can help keep yourself accountable and keep your motivation high by visualizing what you're really aiming for. It can also help keep things in perspective of how often and how har...

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...

Getting enough physical activity during winter months can sometimes become very difficult when temperatures reach freezing! However, staying active can alleviate the unforgiving symptoms of seasonal depression that is also likely to effect many adults dealing with the hardships of winter.   Geannette Wittendorf is no amateur when it comes to winter sports , but one overlooked option to practice in winter is indoor rock climbing! Climate controlled, challenging and fun - this sport is a perfect adventurous activity that doesn't involve freezing. 1st time climbers can look forward to working with an indoor rock climbing professional to show them the ropes - literally!  Staff members will usually manage a climber's safety while taking them on an easy high wall while they have full control over the climber's ropes to ensure safety while they learn how to climb. Once the climber becomes more comfortable, they could also try their hand at "belay" climbing whic...

Geannette Wittendorf is no amateur when it comes to Olympic sports history. Snowboarding came to the Winter Olympics in 1998, pioneered by Jake Burton Carpenter, founder of Burton Snowboards .  Jake Burton Carpenter, 1954 - 2019 | Burton.com In 1977 Jake Burton Carpenter founded what is now a multimillion dollar company, out of a barn in Vermont. Burton Snowboard's humble beginning helped drive snowboarding to be one of the most popular games in the Winter Olympics to date. Geannette Wittendorf has always been a supporter of Burton - his passion and dedication for his love of sports is something that Geannette Wittendorf has in close common with the Olympic winter game king. Sadly, his legacy has come to an end at age 65 following his ongoing battle with cancer. Jake Burton Carpenter's legacy lives on through the Olympic games, and proud supporters like Geannette Wittendorf. 

Geannette Wittendorf is a steadfast supporter of the Special Olympics , along with many other sports charities that empower their athletes.  Geannette Wittendorf is passionate about supporting sports charities , organizations, and nonprofits that help create a positive and encouraging environment for individuals who are faced with physical and mental challenges. As an Olympic sports enthusiast herself , Geannette Wittendorf understands the sense of community that sports can create for athletes and their supporters. To express her personal interest, Geannette Wittendorf regularly shows her support for both the Special Olympics and Paralympics . Both organization's main purpose is creating an outlet for those with physical and mental disabilities, giving them a place to enjoy their love for sports while participating in healthy competition on a global scale. Both the Special Olympics and Paralympics aim to provide their athletes with life changing tools - freedom, confidence an...

Growing up, Geannette Wittendorf developed a love for the Olympics at a young age, and has continued to support this worldwide sporting event throughout her entire life. Ice sports are among the some of the favorites that Geannette Wittendorf proudly cheers on as a bystander , though hockey reigns supreme in her eyes. Ice hockey and figure skating may appear to be two similar sports played on the ice, but in reality they lie on completely different ends of the spectrum, sharing more differences than commonalities. Through years of watching her favorite Olympians compete against the greatest on the world, Geannette Wittendorf considers herself well versed i n the commonalities and differentiators between the two. Though Wittendorf may be biased to hockey , she fully understands that an equal amount of blood, sweat and tears goes into each sport. How does figure skating and ice hockey compare out on the ice?    Footwear Figure skates and ice hockey skates vary due t...

Hockey fan, Geannette Wittendorf is proud to support Hockey is for Everyone, a grassroots hockey organization that helps to make hockey an accessible and inclusive sport. No matter where you are or who you are, the NHL believes that the love of hockey is for you. That’s why the League supports 26 official grassroots hockey organizations that bring the sport to youths across North America. Founded on the belief that the love of the game is universal, Hockey is for Everyone is dedicated to inspiring youths through hockey. Since 1998, the initiative has provided over 120,000 young hockey players with equipment and training programs. Geannette Wittendorf is a proud supporter of this initiative, not only as a hockey fan, but as someone who truly believes in the valuable lessons that the sport presents. The core values of hockey are commitment, perseverance and teamwork -- all three represent the staples of Hockey is for Everyone. The organizers of Hockey is for Everyone believe ...

Tokyo 2020 is already looking to be quite the thrilling series of events! Olympics fan, Geannette Wittendorf discusses the five new sports set to debut at the summer games. According to many Olympics fans -- including Geannette Wittendorf -- the Olympic Games have been long overdue for a shake up! When Japan welcomes the world to Tokyo for the 2020 Summer Olympics, they’ll also be introducing new sports to the mix. According to the official Olympic Games Committee, the new sporting events are being introduced to keep pace with currently popular athletic activities. The five new sports coming to the Olympics at Tokyo 2020 are Karate, Skateboarding, Baseball/Softball, Karate, Surfing and Sport Climbing. Karate For some fans of the Olympics, the debut of karate at the Games feels long overdue. Many other martial arts have been thriving at the Olympics for decades already. Karate will now join the ranks of judo, boxing, wrestling and tae kwon do. Finally, martial artists...