Post 50 RX

  • Home
  • About Me
    • Privacy / Cookie Policy
  • Health
    • DISabilities
  • Fitness
    • Running
    • runDisney
    • Run Walk Run
    • Virtual runDisney
  • Top PT Tips

Join Me and Carry the Torch | ESPN to Showcase the Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America

March 27, 2015 By D Marie 20 Comments

“The world is coming.”  For the first time in 16 years, the Special Olympics World Summer Games will return to the United States this July and August.  The city of Los Angeles will play host to over 7,000 Special Olympics athletes and 30,000 volunteers and I will be one of them!  After a life-changing experience at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Greece, my family is eager to once again volunteer in California this year.  Making that same journey from Athens to Los Angeles will be the Olympic torch; this spring, the first-ever Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America will transport this Flame of Hope to the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.  I am beyond honored to announce that I will have a “hand” in that too!  As part of my participation with Special Olympics Long Island, I have been asked to be a Unified Relay team captain and run a half mile segment through New York City, torch held high!

Special Olympics Long Island runDead 5K- I promise to dress differently on June 3rd!

Special Olympics and its message of respect and inclusion is something I implicitly believe in; our relationship pre-dates my son’s diagnosis of autism and has only deepened since.  The “Dignity Revolution” has evolved dramatically in the past thirty years and changed attitudes in ways we only dreamed of.  That Eunice Shriver dreamed of.  The Flame of Hope is a powerful and inspirational symbol of that movement; “a beacon of hope to unite communities in acceptance.”  As the torch is carried and passed hand-to-hand across America, millions will bear witness through spectatorship and the power of ESPN and ABC.

2015 Special Olympics

Starting May 26, 2015, three simultaneous torch runs will kick-off from Maine, Washington, D.C., and Florida.  Approximately 20,000 Torch Runners will carry those flames across the country in 46 days and ESPN will bring you there.  As the official media partner of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, their multiple social media platforms will follow the Flame of Hope daily and update the world via “torch tracker” and “Countdown to 2015” on ESPN.com..

ESPN, The Walt Disney Company, and Special Olympics has collaborated on a 2-year initiative to “leverage the power of sports to promote an environment of social inclusion and acceptance.”
When I started DIStherapy blog four years ago this week, I was looking for a platform to showcase my lifelong loves; 35 years of service to the DISability community and 50 years as a DISney superfan. Throughout the years, the two have often intersected, but no more so than today.  The magic of Disney strikes again!

Won’t you join the movement with me?

–   Stand on the sidelines and cheer the Torch Runners in your town!
–   Support the social media campaign @LA2015 #LA2015
–   Please consider a small donation to my “Get Donna Torched” fundraising.  Though I typically runDisney with a charity partner, I always write my own check and have never asked for funds.  This time is different.  I have agreed to request participation from the community and create an “all in” campaign.  EVEN A DONATION OF $5.00 WILL ACCOMPLISH THIS.

I thank you for four years of friendship, for your goodwill and your virtual chEARs.  Join in.  Help me carry the torch!

My Special Olympics Journey:

A Tale of March Madness: How Basketball Rescued My Autistic Son

10 Simple Ways to Support the Special Olympics

Top 10 Highlights and Lessons From Special Olympics World Games

The Walt Disney, runDisney, Special Olympics Connection

4 Simple Ways to Support the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games

Rose Parade to Highlight the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015

Disney and ESPN to Champion the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games 

Related Posts:

  • build a better life
    How to Take COVID-Related Changes and Use Them to Build a…
  • senior caregivers
    Side Jobs for Senior Caregivers: How to Make the Most of…

Filed Under: Blog, DISabilities, DISney, Running

Comments

  1. Donna Kay Anderson says

    March 27, 2015 at 5:59 pm

    A much deserved honor Donna! I have made a donation and will spread the word to help you surpass your goal.

    Reply
    • blogging says

      March 27, 2015 at 7:50 pm

      Bless you friend!!

      Reply
  2. Healthy Disney Family says

    March 27, 2015 at 8:38 pm

    Congrats, Donna! So happy for you that you're taking part in such a magnificent event that will impact and change so many lives for the better. You rock!

    Reply
    • blogging says

      March 28, 2015 at 3:26 pm

      Thank you- I really can't wait!!

      Reply
  3. Emily says

    March 28, 2015 at 3:54 pm

    That's great news about ESPN! Good luck in your part in it! Stopping by from the Sharefest.

    Reply
    • blogging says

      March 28, 2015 at 4:35 pm

      Thanks for stopping by Emily! Yes, it is exciting that this year's Special Olympics World Games will get almost as much publicity as the other Olympics. Bravo ESPN and Disney!

      Reply
  4. Nicole Oman says

    March 30, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    This is so cool. I had no idea.

    Reply
  5. Lisa Cameron says

    March 30, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    Congratulations! What an honor! We would love to chEAR you on as you run. Let us know when and where! Thank you for all you do for Special Olympics!

    Reply
  6. Kate K says

    March 30, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    Wow this is awesome! Congrats!

    Reply
  7. Natalie says

    April 3, 2015 at 11:50 am

    Special olympics is such a great organization!

    Reply
  8. Julie Wood says

    April 3, 2015 at 2:22 pm

    Congratulations on getting to carry the Torch! How amazing and I think Special Olympics is an incredible organization!

    Reply
  9. LauraJJ says

    April 4, 2015 at 12:31 am

    Oh how very special!! I just get goose bumps thinking about this happening! What an honor to carry the torch!! So happy for you!!!

    Reply
  10. Amanda Evans says

    April 4, 2015 at 10:42 pm

    What a wonderful organization and honor…best of luck in the race and continued efforts of support for them! Thank you for linking up at #MeetUpMonday with thequinntessentialmommy.com (and me, but I missed it this week)!

    Reply
  11. Amanda Sakovitz says

    April 5, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    Congrats! What a huge honor!

    Reply
  12. Beth Green says

    April 6, 2015 at 3:08 am

    What an honor for you! I'm so proud of you and what you have been able to accomplish with your blog and your love for others!

    Reply
  13. Birdie Bee says

    April 6, 2015 at 3:50 am

    I love the Special Olympics. I used to be a Special Education Teacher and participated in the Special Olympics each year.

    Reply
  14. Birdie Bee says

    April 6, 2015 at 3:50 am

    I love the Special Olympics. I used to be a Special Education Teacher and participated in the Special Olympics each year.

    Reply
  15. Semmi says

    June 19, 2015 at 6:22 am

    event

    Reply
  16. It's great says

    August 5, 2015 at 4:13 am

    This is really a wonderful post.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

about me

"Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.” ~ Walt Disney

Physical therapist, doctor at 60!, special needs advocate, and late-in-life runner, I offer prescriptions for a happy and full lifestyle for all.

Jeff Galloway Blogger

about me

Search This Blog

senior caregivers

Side Jobs for Senior Caregivers: How to Make the Most of Your Free Time

If you're among the cache of senior caregivers, you know that free time is a precious commodity. However, picking up a side job can be a … [Read More...]

build a better life

How to Take COVID-Related Changes and Use Them to Build a Better Life

COVID! The pandemic very likely took a toll on your life in one way or another. From shifting to remote work to spending more time at home, … [Read More...]

How to build the ultimate home gym on a budget

How to Build the Ultimate Home Gym for Every Budget

In the times we live in today, a home gym sounds better than ever. Just one problem- the price tag that comes with renovations. Gym … [Read More...]

DISciple


Privacy / Cookie Policy

Copyright © 2023 · The Tiffany Theme by Blogelina · Built on the Genesis Framework