By: Mike Kelley There is a saying that if something in the world comes to you, you often have that choice during the process. The option is either to take it and run with it or just do it for one time and see if it opens doors to other possibilities. When it comes to the “Play Unified Podcast”, Michael Kelley, Charles Hirsch, Erin Fish, Lumene Montissol, and Ali Phaneuf have had a passion for it in the last four years. Today, they celebrate their 50th episode together and got a chance to reflect on their experience together and…

Team Massachusetts walked away from the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, Fl. with a total of 29 medals. Here’s how they break down, by sport. Bocce Joel Goodrow: Came in 4th for singles bocce on 6/7. Carolyn Wojcik: Took home the gold in singles bocce on 6/7. Joel and Carolyn took home the silver medal for doubles bocce on 6/9. Bowling Kevin Auger: Took home the gold in singles bowling on 6/7. Chris Charest: Took home the silver in singles bowling on 6/7. Katie Meunier: Took home the silver in singles bowling on 6/7. Jenna Thomas: Took home the gold in singles bowling on 6/7. Jenna Thomas & Katie…

The new relationship will focus on providing a more inclusive environment across BPS schools and programs. As a result, participating schools will implement customized Unified Champion School programs, which offer more opportunities for students with and without disabilities a chance to play, learn, and lead together. MARLBOROUGH, MASS – On February 22, 2022, the Boston Public School (BPS) district and Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) signed a first-of-its-kind partnership agreement. The partnership agreement, formally known as a Memorandum of Understanding, details the commitments from both parties to bolster special education services with a focus on inclusion. Boston Public Schools will gain…

Celebrating How Special Olympics Volunteers Rose to the Occasion this Past Year What do snowshoeing, Wiffle balls, and polar plunges have in common? They’re all ways that Special Olympics Massachusetts volunteers stepped up to plate this past year to keep athletes healthy, active, and most importantly, included! As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we’re giving extra thanks to the incredible volunteers of Special Olympics Massachusetts. Prior to March 2020, everything for Special Olympics was in person. In-person training, in-person competitions, in-person fundraising events. And the more people, the better! COVID-19 changed all of that instantly. There were challenges, obstacles,…

The Play Unified Podcast is back. The show features co-hosts, Mike Kelley and Charles Hirsch with assistance provided by Amanda Robson. New this year, Special Olympics athlete, Lumene “Lightning” Montissol brings us the Lightning Round. Join us every other week as we discuss Special Olympics sports, our regional professional sports teams, including the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and the New England Revolution, along with pop culture and news of the moment. Each episode will feature a guest who will share a bit about themselves and dive into one of the most important moments…

Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island (PLAN of MA & RI) makes a $100,000 commitment to Special Olympics Massachusetts to provide resources and promote inclusion. Special Olympics Massachusetts and Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN of MA & RI) announce a first of its kind Exclusive Partnership. Special Olympics athletes and their families will get access to PLAN of MA & RI educational webinars and resources to help with future financial planning. In addition, PLAN f MA & RI will provide training to Special Olympics staff members to better speak with families about the importance of sound…

BOSTON, MA (2/13/20): Beasley Media Group, LLC; a subsidiary of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: BBGI) announces 98.5 the Sports Hub has entered into a multi-year partnership with Special Olympics Massachusetts. The collaboration between the station and the non-profit organization will be instrumental in helping to raise funds, recruit volunteers and support all major programs, such as the Summer Games, scheduled to take place June 12th through 14th at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Boston. “We could not be more thrilled to team up with the premier sports radio station in Boston,” said President & CEO Mary Beth McMahon. “The…

To close out 2018, we’re taking a look back at the top 10 Special Olympics Massachusetts moments of the year! From the 2018 USA Games in Seattle, to the unveiling of unprecedented partnerships and the celebration of Special Olympics’ 50th anniversary, 2018 has had plenty of memorable moments. Xtra Mile Boston Marathon Team runs 26.2 miles for inclusion On April 16, the 26 runners on the Unified Xtra Mile Boston Marathon team ran 26.2 miles for inclusion. The team raised over $318,800 for Special Olympics Massachusetts, an Xtra Mile team record! The team included board members, relatives of Special…

Athlete Winner: Danny Williamson My name is Danny Williamson and to me one of the best things about my experience with Special Olympics is the friendships I’ve made and the respect I’ve gotten since I joined. I’ve made friends with athletes and coaches all around the country. Through Special Olympics I’ve earned the respect and support of my community, family, friends and fellow athletes through my efforts as a teammate and competitor in many sports. Although I stutter, I have gained enough confidence in myself to recite the Athlete’s Oath in front of thousands at Opening Ceremonies in Harvard….