Author: Joan Erikson

USA GAMES

The USA Special Olympic Games are being held this summer in Minnesota. Two coaches and two athletes are representing Special Olympics Loudoun County. Wilson Chua was selected as Head Golf Coach for Team Virginia and Joy Cavagnaro was selected as Head Swim Coach. Tyler Bernreuther and Akhil Savand were chosen to represent Virginia in swimming. DONATE TO TEAM VA

Western Loudoun Program Growth

Special Olympics Loudoun County has a dedicated group of parents and coaches that are reaching out into the community to build more Special Olympic programs in the West. In western Loudoun County, we already offer swimming, soccer, pickleball, fitness, softball skills and now basketball. To reach a Western Loudoun advisor, email WLinfo@sovaloudoun.org.

IMPACT AWARD WINNER – VOLUNTEER

IMPACT AWARD WINNER – VOLUNTEER: WENDY MELCHER has been a dedicated basketball coach for many years. She brings a positive can do attitude and cares about developing skills in each and every one of her players. She also runs the Ashburn Challenger Baseball League. Thank you Wendy!

IMPACT AWARD WINNER – ATHLETE

IMPACT AWARD WINNER – ATHLETE: DAVID KNIGHT has been a SOVA athlete since he was 8 years old. He has excelled in so many sports over the years, most notably as a valued player on the Lancers basketball team and the Rangers softball team. He is dedicated, an excellent team mate and he brings his parents along to every game, practice, event as a coach or a volunteer. Way to go David!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST 2025

Our second annual Pancake Breakfast was a huge success. So many people and businesses stepped up to help. Check out our SUPPORT page for more information. A special THANK YOU for the Leesburg Moose Lodge who donated their space their time, their enthusiasm and their excellent cooking skills.

DANCE SOVAL STYLE

DANCE SOVAL STYLE: SOVAL wrapped up a sensational fall dance season. First of all, many thanks to METHOD HEALTH CLUB in Ashburn for hosting our dancers. This club and its owner Andy Stromberg have been invaluable to our programming. Second, we couldn’t have dancing without fabulous instructors. Thank you to Chablis and Nitixa at Method Health Club, Robert and Caitlin from Gotta Swing and Christina from Social Graces.

SOVAL Growth

Special Olympics – Loudoun County has, over 3 years, doubled the number of athletes participating in our programs and doubled the number of sports locations offered.  A big thank you to our Council and the volunteers who continue to show up in a big way.

Impact Award Winner

IMPACT AWARD WINNER-ATHLETE:  Rachel Levinrad has participated in Special Olympics for over 10 years starting as a swimming volunteer and then joining as an athlete. She has participated in swimming, track, soccer, cycling, pickleball and Top Golf. She frequently lends a hand in fundraising events such as the Dulles Plane Pull, the Polar Plunge and the Pancake Breakfast. Congratulations Rachel!

Impact Award Winner

IMPACT AWARD WINNER-VOLUNTEER:  Josie Rafferty began volunteering 3 years ago and you will see her at many Special Olympics sports. She has volunteered for cycling, dance, basketball, and Top Golf as well as several Western Loudoun sports. Athletes love seeing Josie as she always has a smile on her face as she works/plays alongside them. One of her future goals is to become a Special Education Teacher. Thank you, Josie!