Special Olympics Open Meeting

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Greetings All:05/19/2026

Subject: Thank You & Next Steps – Building Our McAlester Area Special Olympics Family

Dear Athletes, Families, Volunteers, Community Members, and Supporters,

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for attending our very first initial meeting for McAlester Area Special Olympics program. Seeing so many people come together with excitement, compassion, encouragement, and belief in what we are building is truly inspiring.

This first meeting was more than just a gathering—it was the beginning of something meaningful. Together, we are creating opportunities for athletes to grow in confidence, friendships, leadership, teamwork, health, and independence while building a strong, supportive community around them.

We are excited to invite you to our next meeting as we continue turning ideas and love into action.

Next Meeting Information:

Date: June 26^th
Time: 10 am.
Location: McAlester Fire Department Administration & Training Center, 1052 E South Ave. McAlester, OK 74501

Proposed Meeting Agenda:

1. Welcome, Introductions and Review of Minutes from 1^st meeting.
2. I’d like to make an introduction of an Athlete Ambassador.
3. Discussion of 501 C3 and Accreditation.
4. Discussion of Name for Area.
5. Nailing down Bowling Alley for possible 6 month area competition.
6. LETR Torch Run for Year 2027.
7. Discussion of Athlete Registration & Medical/Paperwork.
8. Discussion of Sports Interests and Program Opportunities.
9. Volunteer & Committee Opportunities.
10. Fundraising, Sponsorships, and Community Partnerships.
11. Upcoming Events & Area Planning.
12. Questions, Ideas, and Open Discussion.
13. Next Action Items and Closing.

Next Steps Moving Forward:

As we continue building this program together, here are some of our immediate next steps:

• Finalize athlete interest lists and participation needs.
• Begin required athlete paperwork and medical compliance requirements.
• Identify volunteers, coaches, and committee members.
• Develop fundraising and sponsorship opportunities to support for our Area Special Olympics and Area Athletes.
• Plan upcoming practices, activities, and Area Events.
• Continue building partnerships within our community to help our athletes thrive.

This program will only grow because of the hearts, time, encouragement, and belief of people like you. Every conversation, volunteer hour, donation, and act of support helps create opportunities for athletes to shine both on and off the field.

We are incredibly grateful you chose to be part of this journey. Together, we are not just building a team—we are building a family, a community, and a place where every athlete is seen, valued, encouraged, and celebrated.

We look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting and continuing this exciting journey together.

With gratitude and utter excitement, I thank you. Our Special Olympics Motto:

‘Let Me Win. But If I Cannot Win, Let Me Be Brave In The Attempt’

Tara R Conner

Special Olympics Area Coordinator/Coach

Oklahomans for Independent Living
201 E Cherokee Ave

McAlester, OK 74501

918-426-6220 x 106

918-470-7380

tarac@oilok.

tararclark73@gmail.com

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