Special Olympics Gaston County

Don't forget about our amazingly fun game night coming up this Thursday 11/7 from 6-7:30pm at the Phillips Center in Gastonia!

Don't miss the fun! Light snacks provided and plenty of games for hours of fun! Hosted by our athlete leadership committee.

Congratulations to our co****le winners from tonight's tournament. A great way to end the season!

Special Olympics Gaston County is in the process of updating our contact list. This helps you to receive up to date information, bi-monthly newsletters, and stay connected with us.

Please add your name and email to this list by completing this google form no later than next Friday, November 8th, if you would like to ensure that you are on our e-mail list to receive updates and information.

Questions? Please email us at [email protected]. Thank you!

Special Olympics Contact Information Update Hi. Special Olympics of Gaston County is in the process of updating their contact list. If you would like to recieve more information about Special Olympic activities and opportunties, please complete and submit the form. You may also check out the Gaston County Special Olympics Website or The Speci...

Part 2 of our Halloween social!

We had a SPOOKY good time at our annual Halloween social tonight. This year our Athlete Leadership Committee hosted the event and worked behind the scenes to plan and execute every detail. We hosted over 70 athletes at the party tonight, which is our biggest turn out yet!

Athletes and friends enjoyed the well loved game of BINGO, playing a game of "broomstick racing", tic tac toe, and even building marshmallow tower stacks. To end the night they competed in a dance-off and the famous costume contest.

Congratulations to our costume contest winners and thank you for everyone who came out tonight to celebrate the holiday!

Congratulations to Natalie Hullander for being recognized as SOGC Person of the Week! 🎉

Natalie’s dedication as a member of the local planning committee has made a lasting impact. She generously donates her time, energy, and resources to support various events throughout the year. Her advocacy for her son and her readiness to assist others truly embody the spirit of community.

Thank you, Natalie, for your invaluable contributions!

Want to donate to our amazing athletes and programs? We are currently accepting donations to send our athletes to the 2024 Fall Tournament in Charlotte, being held November 21st-23rd. Over 60 SOGC athletes and unified partners will compete in roller skating, tennis, softball, softball skills, soccer, bocce, and soccer skills at the tournament.

Please share and donate. Proceeds benefit the athletes and help cover registration costs, meals, transportation, and equipment. Thank you!

Check out Special Olympics Gaston County's team fundraising page for Special Olympics North Carolina Special Olympics Gaston County 2024 Fall Sports Fundraiser

Congratulations to our bocce athletes and unified partners who had a great day competing at the bocce invitational in Lincolnton!

More from our local Fall Games 2024 at Liberty Lanes on 10/25/24!

Check out more pictures from our 2024 local Fall Games at Textile Lanes on 10/25!

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This is the type of joy we all want to have! Check out Timmy's excitement after he bowled a strike yesterday at fall games!

The 2024 Fall Games (bowling) were AMAZING today! Thank you to all of the volunteers, teachers, and athletes who made today possible.

Some of our athletes enjoyed the monthly 4th Friday night dance at the Adult Recreation Center tonight with the City of Gastonia Parks and Recreation. It was Halloween-themed. They always do such a good job of supporting individuals with IDD in our community.

As a reminder...there will be NO dance in November and the December dance will be held on December 13th.

A special congratulations to our 2024 Jonathan Henley Athlete of the Year award receipient.....Ms. Greyson Beasley. Greyson was presented with the annual award this morning at our local fall games in bowling at Liberty Lanes alongside her parents and Mr. and Mrs. Henley, Jonathan's parents.

This annual award recognizes an outstanding athlete of Special Olympics Gaston County who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the program, sports, and community. In memory of Jonathan Henley, an avid and active athlete for over 40 years before his passing several years ago, this award is given to one arhlete each fall. Nominated athletes must embody not only qualities of commitment and dedication, but leadership skills and compassion towards fellow teammates. This year 4 athletes where nominated and presented with certificates of nomination throughout the last few months.

The winner of this year's award, Ms. Greyson Beasley, was selected as the winner of this prestigious award. Greyson has been an active athlete with SOGC for over 8 years. She has enjoyed participating in over 7 different sports. In her time she has also held numerous leadership positions, including being the cheerleading team co-captain and serving on the athlete leadership committee. Greyson takes her role as an athlete leader very seriously, truly understanding what it means to have an impact on her fellow athletes. She can often be found having in depth conversations about her activities, impact, and what she would like to see in the future as a Special Olympics athlete. She is a strong advicate not only for herself, but for her fellow athletes as well. She has won awards at local competitions for her sportsmanship as well. Greyson demonstrates a strong commitment not only to her respective sports, but to her community as well. She not only maintains employment in her community, but also spends her spare time volunteering with her church. She loves her role at church and works with the children selflessly in her role.

Greyson is a true inspiration to her fellow athletes, coaches, and friends in Special Olympics. We couldn't be more proud of her for her achievements. She is truly deserving of this award. Way to go!

A big congrats to the Ashbrook High School Unified Club! They held their 2nd Annual Unified Kickball Game on Friday 10/18/24.

Athletes and families...

A few reminders:

There is NO practice for co****le tomorrow, 10/24 due to a previously scheduled event at the recreation center. The final co****le practice will be your tournament held next Thursday 10/31 (Halloween). Costumes are encouraged. Prizes will be given out. Please contact coach Kenyetta with any questions.

There is also NO practice for tennis this Saturday 10/26. Practices will resume on 11/2 and 11/9 before Fall Tournament.

Happening this Friday: Fall games (bowling) at Liberty Lanes and Textile Lanes.

Happening Monday (10/28): Annual Halloween Social 6 to 8pm @ First Unitrd Methodist Church. Please wear a costume and bring a dish or beverage to share.

Thank you!

Please consider helping out at this FUMC event. They do so much for Special Olympics Gaston County

https://www.facebook.com/share/1uJqrVAEvSJrdZbf/

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and helped at the 2024 MedFEST event at Webb Street School this past Monday, October 21st. MedFEST is an opportunity for athletes to have free physicals conducted while also learning about how to sustain a healthy lifestyle. A special THANK YOU to those who volunteered on the medical team and our athletes and friends who attended.

A special thank you to Special Olympics Cabarrus County for hosting an awesome bocce invitational last Saturday for athletes from surrounding counties. They had an awesome time.

Congratulations to Jason Rowe, our SOGC Person of the Week! 🎉

Jason has been an active athlete with SOGC for over 15 years, fully engaging in both sports and social events. He cherishes the friendships he's formed, which he knows will last a lifetime. Currently, he participates in a variety of sports, with bowling being his favorite, alongside soccer, swimming, basketball, co****le, and more. His positive attitude and commitment to his teammates truly shine through.

Beyond sports, Jason maintains a daily routine that includes volunteering, exercising, and helping others. This year has been particularly special for him as he recently turned 30 and became an uncle!

Keep up the amazing work, Jason! Your dedication and spirit continue to inspire us all!