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...

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...

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 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...

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...

Recently, a lucky handful of Special Olympians were honored with the opportunity to celebrate their wins with POTUS Donald Trump. Active Special Olympics supporter, Geannette Wittendorf shares her thoughts on this exciting highlight. A team of Special Olympians represented Team USA at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The efforts of the team proved victorious, with several members of the team bringing home shiny Gold medals! When they returned home, a special fan awaited their arrival: President Donald Trump. The occasion at the Oval Office was an exciting moment for both the Special Olympians and the President himself. Matt Millett, an athlete representing Special Olympics Massachusetts , described the meeting as “a phenomenal experience.” The atmosphere of the White House was filled with positivity and power as the President congratulated these incredible athletes on their accomplishments. To commemorate the meeting, Special Olympics In...