August Update

Quote of the Month

“Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.”

King Whitney Jr.


One for All Summer Day Camps

With summer half over, we only have 3 more camps left. So far the kids and leaders have been having a blast.

5 to 8 years August 8 –12 at Glenrose
8 to 13 years old August 15- 19 at Millwoods
Adults 18+ August 22 – 26 at ACT


Track & Field Day Sunday August 14th - Cancelled

Unfortunately due to low registration the Track and Field Day planned for this up coming Sunday has been cancelled. Please keep watch in the Fall/Winter Program Guide for future T & F days this next program year.


LOCAL STARS

Over the past 2 months, there have been a few PSA members who have achieved a great level of success and I would like to take this opportunity to brag about them.

Ken Thomas recently participated in the World Masters Games Road Race last month. You can read about it in an article written by Cam Tait from the Edmonton Journal in the following web link:
Read the Full Story

Alyssa Kenny, PSA’s newest Track & Field star participated in the BC Wheelchair Games last month. She took home 3 gold medals at the competition. Congratulations. It seems the new track chair has come in handy. Keep up the training.

Stephen Arsenault, of our PSA Sledge Dogs team is the most recent PSA member to become a part of a National Team. That is right, he has made the Canadian Sledge Hockey team, flying back and forth for training all summer. Congratulations Stephen. All your hard work and discipline has paid off. We look forward to cheering you on.


Dhamaka Dance Sunday July 17th

The Paralympic Sports Association is honoured to be promoting the Dhamaka Dance group Dance Festival, which was held on Sunday July 17th at the Myer Horowitz Theatre (U of A). This was a great opportunity to experience some East Indian Dancing with all proceeds of the event going to PSA. Thank you to Venita Malhotra, one of PSA soccer volunteers, who approached the PSA with this wonderful fundraising opportunity.


Klondike Breakfast Saturday July 23

Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to help out with the Klondike Breakfasts at local Sobey’s Stores. The weather was mildly temperamental, with winds gusting plates and tables all over, we were still able to feed many. We raised over around $4000, so a great thank you to all our wonderful volunteers.


Camp Unity July 24 – July 29

Well with Camp Unity over for another year, I can definitely say that I am already missing it. Camp this year, once again was a blast. The Sea Doo and tubing were definite highlights for those adventurous kids and myself. Along with the ever favourite water fight, we also had a blast swimming, wall climbing and at the luau that wrapped everything up the last night. Thank you to all the wonderful staff who made this camp a success, Angie Folkinga, Dan Magnan, Colin Lacey, Craig Roberge, Brandon Jacobs, Trish Aire, Laura Griffiths, Robin Williams, Alyson Bosch, Erin Stuart, Kim Walker, Keri Hafso, Sarah Barton, Stephen Arsenault, Natalie Webster, Takeshi Kodamo, Ben Krysa. Also a quick thank you to all the kids who camp out to Camp Unity 2005. I look forward to an ever bigger and better one next year.


Workshop on Sensory Integration Dysfunction

There will be a workshop on Sensory Integration Dysfunction September 24 & 25th from 9 am – 4 pm at the Robin Hood Learning Centre. For more information please open the included with this email.


Sincerely,

Fiona, Angie, Tricia, Laura, Dan & Craig
Paralympic Sports Association
(780) 439- 8687
[email protected]

July Update

Monthly email for The Paralympic Sports Association (PSA)- JULY EDITION

Quote of the Month

“If you want to be free, there is but one way; it is to guarantee an equally full measure of liberty to all your neighbors. There is no other.”
Carl Schurz


PSA 40th Anniversary Awards Banquet & Dance
Saturday, June 11

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who attended the PSA 40th Anniversary Banquet. We had a fabulous time. I would also like to thank Gary McDonald who was our patron award winner as well as all our Life Time members who were able to make it out, and give us a wonderful history lesson.

I would like to congratulate all the recipients:

Richard Rozka Memorial (Volunteer of the Year) - Terry Thomas (Sledge Puppies)
Joseph Reichert Merit Award - Kim McDonald
Robert Fertile Memorial - Doug Cockburn
Sheila Thomas Memorial - Celina Pietrusik
Dan Steadward Memorial (Athlete of the Year) - Stephen Arsenault
Dr. Maurice Van Vliet (Rookie of the Year) - Hayden Fairley
Rod McPherson (Most Improved) - Davis Abele
Bill & Pat Reynolds (Most Sportsmanlike) - Corey McDonald

Program MVP’s:
Floor Hockey - Ian Frankfurth
Square Dancing - Cathie Kinnee
Novice Sledge Hockey - Ben Biermann
Intermediate Sledge Hockey - Bobbi Belsek
Novice Swimming - Katie Sauve
Intermediate Swimming - Crystal Smith
Tae Kwon Do - Ben Butler
Soccer - David Kelmer
Curling - Don Munro

Life Time Member Awards:
Ken Thomas
Celina Pietrusik
Anne Charchuk

Patron Award (first time presented)
Gary McPherson

Special Thanks To: Kuhlmann’s Greenhouses, Vertically Inclined, Independent Jewellers, Verb Productions Inc., Edmonton Motors Ltd, Keytech Water Management, Edmonton Cracker Cats, Wild Prairie Soap Company, Access TV.


SMOKE FREE - BINGO UPDATE

PSA has a handful of bingos coming up this summer, with many opportunities to volunteer. If you are interested in working a bingo, please contact Fiona at 439-8687. And remember starting July 1st all Bingo halls are smoke free.

July 24 Sunday Evening & Late Night
July 31 Sunday Evening & Late Night (Special)
September 5 Monday Matinee (Special)


PSA Family Paddle & Picnic Saturday, July 9th

Well unfortunately we had to postpone the Family Paddle & Picnic due to very poor weather conditions. However this does mean that all of you that could not make it out in June have another opportunity to come out. This is a great way to spend the day with family and friends! Come work up an appetite and try our new Paddle Program, then fill your belly with a picnic lunch!
$10/ family---- includes canoeing equipment, instruction, sandwiches and drinks
To register call Fiona in the PSA office. PLEASE REGISTER BY JULY 5.


One for All Summer Day Camps

Teens 13 to 17 years old
July 4 – 8 at Glenrose

8 to 13 years old
July 11 – 15 at Glenrose

5 to 8 years
July 18 - 21 at Millwoods

5 to 8 years
August 8 –12 at Glenrose

8 to 13 years old
August 15- 19 at Millwoods

Adults 18+ A
ugust 22 – 26 at ACT

Call Fiona at the PSA office for more information or to register---- 439- 8687!
SPACE IS LIMITED


Dhamaka Dance Sunday July 17th

The Paralympic Sports Association is honoured to be promoting the Dhamaka Dance group Dance Festival Sunday July 17th at the Myer Horowitz Theatre (U of A). This is a great opportunity to experience some East Indian Dancing and all proceeds of the event go to PSA. For more information or to get tickets, please contact Venita Malhotra at
990-7993 or [email protected]


Klondike Breakfast Saturday July 23

Once again PSA is pairing up with Sobey’s (formerly IGA) to hold a pancake breakfast at 8 local Sobey’s stores across the city. We need 3 - 5 volunteers per store, from 8 am- 11am to act as representatives for the PSA. In past years some volunteers have done jobs from helping with cooking the pancakes, to clearing tables, to sitting at the donation table and greeting the people. You are welcome to help out or just be there to represent PSA. All donations go to PSA and last year we raised over $6500. If you are available to come out please contact Angie at the PSA office at 436-8687.


Track & Field Day Sunday August 14th

Do you like to Run, Jump or Throw? If so, come out with PSA as we join forces once again with Sport Ability Alberta and put on another day of Track & Field fun. The day will be filled with introductions to different events as well as a mini-paralympics to follow.
It will be held at Rollie Miles Field (72 Ave, 104 St) on Sunday Au gust 14th from 11 am – 1 pm. To register, please contact Fiona at 439-8687.


Camp Unity July 24 – July 29

Well space is filling up, however if you have not got your registration in you have only 8 days left. As mentioned in the program guide, this years Camp Unity will be better than ever with two components, a Youth Program and a Young Adult/Teen program. The two will share in many activities, however some activities will be different. For more information please contact Fiona at 439-8687 or [email protected]

PLEASE REGISTER BY JULY 7th


Sincerely,

Have a great summer and Happy Canada Day!

Fiona, Angie, Tricia, Laura, Dan & Craig
Paralympic Sports Association
(780) 439- 8687
[email protected]

June Update

Monthly email for The Paralympic Sports Association (PSA)- JUNE EDITION

Quote of the Month:
Summer afternoon - Summer afternoon...
the two most beautiful words in the English language.
Henry James
British (US -born) author (1843 - 1916)


Faces Behind the Voices

The Paralympic Sports Association is back to full staff with the office buzzing about with Summer Students and PSA new Marketing & Fundraising Coordinator, Angie. We have one returning summer staff member, which most of you will remember, Tricia Aire and new to our team is Laura Griffiths. The curly haired twosome will be in charge of planning the Summer Day Camps, so if you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to email them to [email protected] and I will pass them on.


PSA 40th Anniversary Awards Banquet & Dance Saturday, June 11

Come celebrate 40 years at the Annual Awards Dinner and Volunteer Recognition Banquet!
Bring your friends and family---- $5 for individual members ($10 for non-members) and $20 for Family with membership.
For more info and/or to register please contact Fiona in the PSA office at 439-8687. PLEASE REGISTER BY June 6th.


BINGO UPDATE

PSA has a handful of bingos coming up this summer, with many opportunities to volunteer. If you are interested in working a bingo, please contact Fiona at 439-8687.

June 14 Tuesday Matinee
July 24 Sunday Evening & Late Night
July 31 Sunday Evening & Late Night (Special)
September 5 Monday Matinee (Special)


Mother’s Retreat Weekend May 13- 15

The 3rd Annual Mother’s Retreat was another success. With 19 mother’s attending, we all enjoyed the scenery, food and jokes by the fire pit. The weather held up nicely, with no rain nor snow, we could not complain. Thanks to all the mother’s who attended and to Black Cat Ranch for their hospitability and great memories.


PSA Family Paddle & Picnic Saturday, June 18

A great way to spend the day with family and friends! Come work up an appetite and try our new Paddle Program, then fill your belly with a picnic lunch!
$10/ family---- includes canoeing equipment, instruction, sandwiches and drinks
To register call Fiona in the PSA office. PLEASE REGISTER BY JUNE 1.


DISABLED CANOEING PROGRAM

The Canoeing Program has started up this past week with 11 participants, with parents welcome to participate. The program started off with some get to know you games, followed by some water safety and stroke instruction, and finally everyone was loaded into boats. The weather was perfect for the first day. With everyone on the water and having fun, we only had one boat tip, but I won’t mention any names, Don and John. With more instruction to come from Extraordinary Erin, Crazy Kim, Macho Mike and Kamikaze Karen, it looks to be great fun.
The program will run for the next 4 weeks at the Rundle Park Paddling Centre. For more information you can contact Fiona in the PSA office at 439-8687.


Track & Field Day Sunday June 26th

Do you like to Run, Jump or Throw? If so, come out with PSA as we join forces once again with Sport Ability Alberta and put on another day of Track & Field fun. The day will be filled with introductions to different events as well as a mini-paralympics to follow.
It will be held at Rollie Miles Field (72 Ave, 104 St) on Sunday June 26th from 11 am – 1 pm. To register, please contact Fiona at 439-8687.


Camp Unity July 24 – July 29

As mentioned in the program guide, this years Camp Unity will be better than ever with two components, a Youth Program and a Young Adult/Teen program. The two will share in many activities, however some activities will be different. For more information please contact Fiona at 439-8687 or [email protected]

PLEASE REGISTER BY JUNE 15th
**** Space is limited so register early****


One for All Summer Day Camps

Teens 13 t o 17 years old July 4 – 8 at Glenrose
8 to 13 years old July 11 – 15 at Glenrose
5 to 8 years July 18 - 21 at Millwoods
5 to 8 years August 8 –12 at Glenrose
8 to 13 years old August 15- 19 at Millwoods
Adults 18+ August 22 – 26 at ACT

Call Fiona at the PSA office for more information or to register---- 439- 8687!
SPACE IS LIMITED SO REGISTER EARLY


Casino

On May 15th & 16th, PSA had a casino at Yellowhead Casino. It went off without a hitch and we would like to send out a big Thank You to all the volunteers who donated their time to help raise funds for the PSA.



Sincerely,

Carla & Fiona, Angie, Tricia & Laura
Paralympic Sports Association
(780) 439- 8687
[email protected]

May Update

Monthly email for The Paralympic Sports Association (PSA)- MAY EDITION


Top 5 Things to do in May:
1. Pull out the BBQ.
2. Register for PSA 40th Anniversary Awards Banquet.
3. Get stung by an early mischievous mosquito while enjoying the spring sun.
4. Catch some Wheelchair Basketball National Play Offs.
5. Register for Camp Unity Youth or Teen Portion and/or Day Camps.


Annual General Meeting

The PSA Annual General Meeting took place on Monday, May 2, 2005. Minutes of meeting to come later this month.

Staff Update:
The Paralympic Sports Association is excited to add Angie Folkinga to our office of staff as the Marketing/Fundraising Coordinator. She begins on Monday May 9 and is looking forward to meeting all our PSA members. Welcome Angie.


THINGS TO DO IN MAY:

PICTURE THIS FILM FESTIVAL- MAY 11
What: The first film festival in Canada that celebrates disability culture AND the only film festival where the popcorn is free!!
When: Thursday, May 11, 2005
Morning session – 10 am – 12 noon (Doors open at 9:30 am)
Afternoon session – 1 to 3pm (Doors open at 12:30pm)
Where: Prince of Wales Armouries (accessible facility)
10440 108 Avenue, Main Floor, Jefferson Room
Price: Pay what you can. Suggested donation is $2 to $5
Program: An excellent selection of witty, comical, romantic, and dramatic films will be featured
For more information, please contact:
Karen at 496-4917 email [email protected]
OR
Jillian at 415-1747 email [email protected]
Check out www.ptff.org


Canadian Wheelchair Basketball Finals May 20 – 22

The Women’s Canadian Wheelchair Basketball Nationals will be held in Edmonton over the May long weekend, May 20 – 22nd at the Grant MacEwan City Centre Campus. The game schedule is not yet available but you can keep yourselves posted by logging on to the national website at www.cwba.ca. There will be players participating who are the bronze medallists from Athens 2004, which means guaranteed action.


BINGO UPDATE

PSA has a handful of bingos coming up this summer, with many opportunities to volunteer. If you are interested in working a bingo, please contact Fiona at 439-8687.

May 22 Sunday Matinee
June 14 Tuesday Matinee
July 24 Sunday Evening & Late Night
July 31 Sunday Evening & Late Night (Special)
August 11 Thursday Matinee

Mother’s Retreat Weekend May 13- 15

The Mother’s Retreat Weekend is a time for mom’s to GET AWAY and do… well… whatever THEY want to do. They can relax, chat, read a book, do crafts, get spoiled with a foot rub or try some Yoga. The Mother’s Retreat will take place at the Black Cat Ranch near Hinton. This year we are full with 19 moms attending and are looking forward to a weekend of fun with a side of relaxation.


PSA 40th Anniversary Awards Banquet & Dance
Saturday, June 11

Come celebrate 40 years at the Annual Awards Dinner and Volunteer Recognition Banquet!
Bring your friends and family---- $5 for individual members ($10 for non-members) and $20 for Family with membership.
For more info and/or to register please contact Fiona in the PSA office at 439-8687.
PLEASE REGISTER BY MAY 21st.


PSA Family Paddle & Picnic Saturday, June 18

A great way to spend the day with family and friends! Come work up an appetite and try our new Paddle Program, then fill your belly with a picnic lunch!
$10/ family---- includes canoeing equipment, instruction, sandwiches and drinks
To register call Fiona in the PSA office.
PLEASE REGISTER BY JUNE 1.


DISABLED CANOEING PROGRAM

The Paralympic Sports Association and Edmonton Community Services are partnering to offer this exciting opportunity for people with disabilities and friends and family members to learn canoeing skills. A certified canoe instructor and volunteers will be on hand to work closely with the participants and provide instruction. Skill development, safety and FUN will be emphasized. All equipment including safety and adapted equipment will be provided. The program will run for 4 weeks starting May 27 – June 30th. More information will be in the Spring/Summer Program Guide, or you can contact Fiona in the PSA office at 439-8687.


Track & Field Day Sunday June 26

Do you like to Run, Jump or Throw? If so, come out with PSA as we join forces once again with Sport Ability Alberta and put on another day of Track & Field fun. The day will be filled with introductions to different events as well as a mini-paralympics to follow.
It will be held at Rollie Miles Field (72 Ave, 104 St) on Sunday June 26th from 11 am – 1 pm. To register, please contact Fiona at 439-8687.


Camp Unity July 24 – July 29

As mentioned in the program guide, this years Camp Unity will be better than ever with two components, a Youth Program and a Young Adult/Teen program. The two will share in many activities, however some activities will be different. For more information please contact Fiona at 439-8687 or [email protected]
PLEASE REGISTER BY JUNE 1
**** Space is limited so register early****


One for All Summer Day Camps

Teens 13 t o 17 years old July 4 – 8 at Glenrose
8 to 13 years old July 11 – 15 at Glenrose
5 to 8 years July 18 - 21 at Millwoods
5 to 8 years August 8 –12 at Glenrose
8 to 13 years old August 15- 19 at Millwoods
Adults 18+ August 22 – 26 at ACT
Call Fiona at the PSA office for more information or to register---- 439- 8687!
SPACE IS LIMITED SO REGISTER EARLY


Curling Update

On April 22 our Edmonton Wheelchair Curling team played host to a Calgary Wheelchair team at the Saville Curling Club. The Alberta Curling Federation put on the afternoon bonspiel. It was a great opportunity to see the talent in the south and start up some competition with hopes of putting together a Provincial Team for the National to be held in the Fall of 2005. Thank you to all who were able to attend and we look forward to many more events of this kind in the future.


Sincerely,

Carla, Fiona and Angie
Paralympic Sports Association
(780) 439- 8687
[email protected]