Rick Blessing This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. www.delmarvanow.com

   www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs. - [Cached]

   Published on: 2/9/2008   Last Visited: 2/9/2008

   For the last 20 years, Rick Blessing, area director for Special Olympics Maryland Lower Shore, has trained athletes in cross country and downhill skiing.
   
   They prepare by toning and exercising the muscles used in skiing, he said.
   
   They train to Billy Banks Tae-bo, go ice skating and practice walking and going down ramps in skis.
   
   "We simulate as much as we can," Blessing said. "We use ice skates as opposed to skis."
   
   While training, Blessing said the coaches set up the ice rink like the slopes would be.
   ...
   Blessing said they don't require additional time to train because his athletes are already in good shape.
   
   Several play in the Special Olympics games throughout the year. Most of his ski athletes just finished soccer in the fall.
   
   Blessing said the team often adds new members.
   
   The athletes, who range in age from 8 to 55, don't pay for the opportunity to compete. The training and equipment for all of the sports, which also includes bowling and basketball for the winter games, is paid through fundraisers and donations.
   
   The biggest challenge for the team isn't the area's lack of snow or hills. Blessing said that with so many athletes spread over the three counties, it's hard to bring everyone together. Transportation and funding get in the way.
   
   But they make it work.
   
   And for the ski team, they conquer one of the hardest sports, Blessing said, leaving the athletes with a sense of accomplishment from competing.
   
   They do it to be physically and socially active, stay in shape and live a healthier life, he said.
   ...
   His friends, T.J. Jones and Frankie Watson are fierce competitors, Blessing said.
   ...
   Rick Blessing, area director for Special Olympics Maryland Eastern Shore, ties Michael Knight's ski boot before Monday's ski team practice.

2. 2. Lifestyle - The Daily Times - www.delmarvanow.com

   www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs. - [Cached]

   Published on: 4/3/2005   Last Visited: 4/3/2005

   The Spanglers were introduced to the organization by Rick Blessing, Cedar Chapel's physical education teacher and local director of the Special Olympics.

3. 3. Local Contact2

   www.somd.org/local/areadirecto - [Cached]

   Published on: 1/2/2002   Last Visited: 1/2/2002

   Rick Blessing 410-632-5354 Bless@dmv.com