February, 2010, Cheer News & Views

DSO Sports News

By Marion Lisehora mlisehora@mchsi.com

Elections: The DSO Board of Directors elected its new officers to two year terms at its December meeting. They are Paul Gatti, President; Robyn Kirby, Vice- President; Anita Angeny, Secretary and Phil Klabunde, Treasurer.

DSO Fundraiser: Save March 17th , from noon until 10 p.m., as a day to eat at UNO’s in Dover. A percentage of the proceeds will go to Delaware Senior Olympics. Come on out and show your support for DSO!

Louise McGinniss: Louise was one of 16 Delawareans to receive the Jefferson Award in December, granted by the American Institute for Public Service to Americans for community service. Although Louise suffers from MS, she hasn’t let it slow her down. She is always willing to volunteer her time and effort to help others. She teaches swimming to autistic children at the Rehoboth YMCA to help prepare them for the Special Olympics. She has plunged every February in the Polar Bear Plunge for more than 15 years to help raise money for Special Olympics. She organizes teams for the Polar Bear Plunge and the MS Walk. She is a volunteer for the Lower Delaware Autistic Foundation and helps children at Howard T. Ennis School and Plantations in addition to the Sussex Family YMCA. She also volunteers for many other community groups including the American Legion and Conley’s Church. When Delaware Senior Olympics gave its first Annual Charlie Marten Award in 2005, Louise was the recipient for her efforts to continue to compete in Senior Olympics swimming despite her fight with MS. She is still competing in all the strokes and continues to earn medals! She received the Jefferson Award in December. Sadly, one week after she won the Jefferson Award, she took a fall and broke her hip, which required a hip replacement. She is recovering very well, and yes, she is back in the water!

Nancy Hess has been having hip problems for two years, which has curtailed her participation in all 3 team sports and cycling and swimming. Nancy, a former DSO Board Member, holds DSO medals in all those sports with state records in some of them. Nancy finally had hip replacement surgery on January 12, and she is recovering very well. At 76 years young Nancy is eager to get back into the sports she loves, and we look forward to having her come back!

The Polar Bear Plunge will be held on February 7 at 1 p.m. in Rehoboth. Many Seniors participate in this fundraiser for Special Olympics. Last year 3,000 plungers of all ages raised almost $500,000! You may register online at http://www.plungede.org or even register the morning of the Plunge at the Bandstand. Bears totally submerge in the ocean in just their bathing suits! After the icy dip there is an Apres Plunge Party at the Convention Center with hot chili and pizza for all the participants.

Women’s Softball: Practices will start in April and the Senior Women’s Softball League play will start after Memorial Day. Teams are looking for new members, and new teams are also welcome. Players must be at least 50 years old to play, and a team must play in the 5 year age group of its youngest player. Age groups are 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, etc. Players may play down into a younger age group, but they may not play up into an older one. Contact one of these captains if you would like to play. Debbie Estes (Delaware Diamonds 50s) 644-7220; Maureen White (Alley Cats 50s) 226-8080; Sue Brooker (Slammin’ 60s) 644-4094. Marion Lisehora, 934-9512, is the coordinator. Women’s Volleyball Class: An instructional volleyball class for women 45-70+ has already started, but it will continue until the end of May. The beginner’s class is also an update of the rules and skills for players who have played in the past and want to return to the game. The class, which is still accepting new members, is held at Georgetown Middle School from 7 - 9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. Phone Marion Lisehora at 302-934-9512 for more information. The Senior Lo-Del Volleyball League will be sending its teams to the Eastern Shore Senior Games at Salisbury University on April 10. These teams play every Thursday night at Georgetown Middle School.

YMCA Spring Volleyball Leagues: Team registrations for the spring season will open February 1. The 3 Leagues are open to adults of any age, but many seniors play in them. There is a Women’s Division, Co-ed 6s and Co-ed 4s. If you have a team to enter or if you would like to join an existing team please contact James Botti at 296-9622.

Outgoing DSO President Rich O’Shaughnessy (L) and incoming DSO President Paul Gatti pose for a picture after Paul was elected to a two year term in December.

Louise McGinnis, a Jefferson Award winner and a DSO swimmer, is pictured showing her exhilaration after exiting the ocean at the 2009 Polar Bear Plunge.

Nancy Hess, a record holding Senior Olympian in swimming and cycling, shows her positive attitude on just day 3 following hip replacement surgery. Nancy has plans to return to cycling and swimming and maybe even volleyball. Go, Nancy!

Rose Littleton of the Delaware Diamonds 50s hit a triple to left field in the DSO Annual Softball Tournament last September. The teams in the Senior Women’s Softball League will start practicing again in April.