SOSUNS athletes have fun with Franklins volunteers at Christmas party

SOSUNS families gathered at St Ives Village Green on Sunday for the annual Christmas party, trophy presentation and AGM.  Blessed with fantastic weather and no blackouts the families enjoyed a relaxing afternoon  spending time together, reminiscing on a great year of SOSUNS events.

Franklins Managers Nathan, Andrew and Robert

SOSUNS was extremely privileged to have the help of Franklins volunteers who largely contributed to the success of the day.  Franklins Turramurra, St Ives and Lindfield stores donated $2,500 to be used to send  athletes selected to go to the national games next year.  In addition Franklins donated all of the food and drink used at the party allowing SOSUNS to raise an additional $1,500 which will also go the the games athletes.  Led by store managers Robert, Nathan and Andrew, the Franklins volunteers kept the athletes occupied with a range of games through the afternoon.  The highlight was watching the guys figuring out how to tie a pinata to a tree and then ripping it apart for the kids when everyone became bored with trying to break it the traditional way.

SOSUNS families ready for the trophy presentation

Mel and Ashley also donated money to the national games.  Mel donated all of the money she has received as an individual from her local softball club while Ashley donated a cheque from Total Systems Solutions, a much appreciated new sponsor.

Thanks also goes to the Lions Club who also supported the Special Olympics by cooking up a delicious barbeque lunch.

A highlight of the afternoon was the 2009 trophy presentation where families were delighted to see the genuinely happy and excited reactions of athletes as they heard their names called out to receive a trophy and in some cases literally raced up onto the stage to grab their trophy as quickly as possible.  It truly is wonderful to be able to award athletes who have shown commitment, skill, improvement and generosity to their fellow athletes throughout the year.  Shaun did a wonderful job welcoming all of the families and athletes and hosting the event. 

David and Adam have fun at SOSUNS Christmas party

The afternoon ended on a high with the arrival of Santa and his two elves.  Ringing his bell to alert athletes to his arrival Santa was soon surrounded by excited athletes some of whom were keen to compare stomach sizes while others preferred a chat about posiblie Christmas presents.  Santa’s elves checked to make sure that athletes were on Santa’s ‘good list’ (which fortunately they all were) before handing out lolly bags.

The annual AGM was also held with two notable changes.  We must say a very sad farewell to Greg Simmons who has been involved on the committee for the past 4 years as treasurer and more recently chairman.  Greg’s contribution has been immeasurable over the years and he will continue to contribute less formally.  Paul Phelan has accepted the position of chairman for the next two years and Peter Springett has also joined the committee as vice chairman.  We all look forward to working with Paul and Peter as we move forward with the SOSUNS Region and embark upon continued consolidation, growth and loads of sport and fun.

Finally, a big thank you to Elissa, Don, Aileen and Karen who worked tirelessly all afternoon taking registrations and selling uniforms.  if you are yet to register for 2010 you will find the forms at the registration tab on the website.