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Georgia parent leadership coalition (2009)
Babies Can't Wait - SCEIS (Skilled Credentialed Early Intervention Specialists)
Bright from the Start, the Georgia Division for Early Childcare and Learning, including Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
Center for Leadership in Disabilities at Georgia State University Georgia
Council on Developmental Disabilities Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Georgia Department of Education, Divisions for Special Education Supports and Services, Parent Mentor Partnership
Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia
Georgia Family Connection Partnership
Parent to Parent of Georgia
Standing in our shoes
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Stories from our Parent Mentors
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Special Olympics 2011 |
Journey to the Olympics - Part 4
A tour of the Special Olympic Games in Athens, Greece with Debbie Currere, Family Outreach Coach for the Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership
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How do I put into words my experience of going to Special Olympics World Summer Games 2011 in Athens, Greece and watching my son Christopher compete in Powerlifting at this prestigious level?
The countless inspiring stories of the athletes that I had the honor of being around or just hearing about. The volunteers that worked tirelessly to make sure that the athletes had an experience of a lifetime. The respect that was shown to family members of the athletes. The stories of coaches going above and beyond. The beautiful sights of Greece that I had the extraordinary opportunity to see. |
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Proud mom, Debbie Currere with Chris, her Olympic Athlete son - Athens, Greece, 2011 |
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The pride that swelled inside of me as Christopher became a well liked member of Team USA Powerlifting, of his determination to do his best in the competition and for accepting his ribbons with the sportsmanship of an OLYMPIC athlete! |
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With all the beauty and pageantry of the World Special Olympics Summer Games 2011 Opening Ceremony, those present in the stadium were entertained by many. |
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Watch TEAM U.S.A. in the Athens 2011 Parade of Athletes
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Vanessa Williams hosted and Stevie Wonder performed, to name just a few. |
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TIM SHRIVER: "THE SECRET IS YOU!"
One of the most moving moments for me, was when Tim Shriver, the Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics got up to the podium. He told us he had been asked what the secret of Special Olympics was. He said he answered, “You." He went on to say,"Athletes never compete with anyone but yourself. You aim to do one thing, beat your best by risking yourself with no fear. And how You strive to improve everyday and that with doing so the impossible fades away and everything becomes POSSIBLE!” |
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"Lead the Dignity Revolution!" |
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He then spoke directly to the athletes, saying, “Athletes, Lead the Dignity Revolution! And if anyone asks you, ‘What about the REAL Olympics?’ Raise your arms in triumph and tell them clearly, I am here to compete in the REAL Olympics and I am the carrier of the REAL Olympic Spirit, too!” |
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Christopher truly beat his best by risking himself with no fear! His determination was impressive and joyous! He lifted his personal best in all of his events in a very difficult division. |
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He received 4th place in all events as well as the combo. Congratulations to Chris! |
Here are the final results: Weight Class: 100kg Squat 176.2 lbs Bench 137.7 lbs Deadlift 253.5 lbs
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Before we left for Greece, there were many articles written about him and the other Georgia athletes. Most of the articles referred to bringing home the “Gold”. In my heart, he brought it home! |
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All about Chris' Journey to the Olympics
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Like us on Facebook and view all Debbie Currere's stunning Olympic photos! |
| Chris' article featured in Making a Difference, the GCDD's magazine (page 28) | |
| Journey to the Olympics, Parts 1 and 2, by Debbie Currere | |
| The Confidence to Succeed, Journey to the Olympics, Part 3, by Debbie Currere | |
| The Currere's website, Christopher's Journey | |