WESTBOROUGH UNIFIED SPORTS 1996-2001
Celebrating our first 5 years!

Westborough Unified Sports
Westborough Unified Sports is a Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) program.  It was started here, in town, in June of 1996 and was adopted by the Westborough Recreation Department a year later.  There are about 25 children and young adults participating in the program.  They range in age from 8 to 18 years old.  Our purpose is to create a social network and promote inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in the community through training and competition in a variety of year-round sports and social events. Enclosed is information and news that will help us to plan for the best program we can offer to the 25 athletes and families now participating throughout the year.  Please help us to spread the word to other families that could benefit from such a program. Parents and volunteers, please pass this newsletter on to friends, family, teachers, coaches or youth leaders who may be interested in supporting our program!

UPCOMING SEASONS

Please POST these dates.
  • SOCCER:  Practices will continue to be held every Saturday morning from 9-10AM at the Upton ballfield.  Our last practice is on Saturday, November 3rd.  The Final Fall Tournament is that Sunday, the 4th in Byfield, MA at Governor Dummer’s Academy.  Directions will follow.  This is a long ride but well worth the trip.  It is well done and a lot of fun but COLD. Dress warmly.  Bring layers of clothes with gloves and hats!

  • SWIMMING: Swimming will be coached this year by Allie Dettorre of the Westborough Rec. Dept.  The new YMCA that we had hoped to use has been delayed from opening in January to June of 2002.  We are hoping to begin practices in March and run up until Summer Games in June.  Allie is looking into using a “Y” in Framingham on Saturday mornings, possibly around 10AM.  Please let us know if this would work out for you.  You can email Marie at marie_prescott@yahoo.com or call 870-0845 or contact Allie at adettorre@town.westborough.ma.us or 366-3066.

  • BASKETBALL begins toward the end of January.  You’ll receive information from the Rec. Dept. closer to that season.

 

Social and Support Events

 

St. Luke’s Teen Socials – 

The following dates have been set aside for our monthly teen socials from 2:30 ‘til 4PM at St. Luke’s Parish Center:

 

Teen socials are a time for our teens to get together with the St. Luke’s Youth Group for an hour and a half once a month for social time.  They listen to music, play card or board games, talk and just hangout for the fun of it.  Have your teen bring their favorite activities each month and/or a CD to listen to. Where it is noted “WUS refreshments”, we will need volunteers to supply snacks and cold drinks.  Please RSVP to Marie Prescott as the date approaches and let me know if you can bring refreshments.  Please save these dates.
  • Maryanne Sannicandro organizes TEEN DANCES.  The next dance is October 20th, from 5-8PM.  RSVP to Maryanne at mas@ziplink.net or (508) 881-7533.  You can also check out her web site at  www.teendance.webjump.com
  • Cheryl Chan organizes free monthly kids movies at the Willows.  This month’s movie is October 27th  at 10:30AM.  Movies are shown in the Willows Community Center.  For more information contact Cheryl Chan at (508)8323282 or crchan@charter.net

  • November 2nd is our ANNUAL DANCE AND PIZZA PARTY with Miss Carrie.  This year it will be held at St. Luke’s Parish Center, 2nd floor, from 6:30 to 8PM.  Please RSVP to Marie with the number of family members that will be attending and your preference for cheese or pepperoni pizza.  You can email or call me.

  •   An ADULTS ONLY PARTY for parents, coaches and adult volunteers (SORRY KIDSL): Saturday, December 1st from 7PM- whenever at Neal and Marie’s home, 43 Morse St., here in Westborough.  It’s a potluck dinner, so call and let us know what you would like to bring.  As Coach Paul always says, “LET”S HAVE FUN!!!”  RSVP by Thanksgiving.HELP NEEDED:(Please see Marie or Allie if interested.)

  • Team Reporter to write brief articles with team photo for local papers, after qualifier and tournament. 

  • Parent liaison for each school to call in the names of athletes and competition results to be announced with pride at their school and enter the team reporter’s article in the school newsletter.

  • Organizing Social Events - If you would like to plan a social activity, that would be great!  It can be very simple, and we have funds available for this purpose.

  • Fundraising – to provide for uniforms, registration fees, pool time, etc. Volunteers:  Would you be interested in volunteering to spend one on one time with an athlete?  Please contact Allie (info. above) and ask to be placed on the “mentor list”.  Parents would be given your name and number to contact you directly to make arrangements.  Parents will assume all responsibility for those dates. 

 

DON’T FORGET TO:

  • Register through the Rec. Dept. on time.
  • Complete the Rec. Dept.’s Waiver Form.  It is sent out with the registration and is necessary before your child will be allowed to practice.  It is now good for one year.  Volunteers must also complete a volunteer application and have a signed waiver form on file at Rec.
  • Everyone, be sure to let Allie know of any changes in your personal information, such as, emergency telephone numbers and health info.  It is important to always include Social Security numbers on registration forms.
  • Let us know whenever your child will not be attending practice or competition. Coach Paul is at 839-1964 or Coach Ned is at 898-9148.  
  • Please post all of the enclosed dates for your information.
  • Check your email or give us your email address, if you haven’t already.  You will find lots of information and reminders there.  Allie or I keep those without email up to date by phone or mail.
  • Check out our web site at www.westborough.com Look  for “Unified”

 

CONGRATULATIONS WESTBOROUGH WALLABIES!!!  

On September 30th, Westborough Unified competed in the Junior, Unified Soccer Qualifier in Oxford.  The team placed 5th, and was chosen by all referees for having the best team sportsmanship at the tournament.  The team was presented with a fancy trophy to take home.  It is being passed around so that each of the players can share their accomplishment at school! We hope this program will be a great help in meeting some of the needs of your child and family.  Please let us know how you think we are doing, any ideas you may have, and any ways that you can help. 

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