Special Olympics Texas-Regional Figure Skating Competition 

Our Special Approach



When we say we have all the best – we mean our people, too. Our business focuses on finding solutions, especially when event planners and groups come to us with a problem. In the case of Special Olympics Texas (SOTX), Timmy Vessakosol, Center Supervisor for Allen Community Ice Rink, discovered they were looking for a new venue to host their regional figure skating competition. Timmy and the ACIR team knew this would be the perfect opportunity to help SOTX. With Timmy’s heart to help and the CVB/City marketing teams behind him, he reached out to the organizer for these Special Olympians and led the group right to Allen’s ice.
SOTX CS Photo 1
The SOTX team was pleased to have Allen come to them and based on the initial conversation, all they requested was use of the ice and three locker rooms.  We all knew we could easily do this and much more.

Our Special Touches



From the moment they arrived, the SOTX organizers and athletes were impressed with the location of ACIR. Little did they know, the location was just the beginning.

“The location of the facility was great and there was a lot to do. This was perfect for our athletes in the Dallas area.” - Sidny Harker, Special Olympics Texas Director of Competition & Games.
SOTX CS Photo 2
We provided the ice rink, more than three locker rooms, and we knew we wouldn’t stop there.

“From the beginning the theme was “In It to Win” amongst the planners. We just wanted them to tell us what they needed and we aimed to exceed expectations.”- Timmy Vessakosol, ACIR Center Supervisor.

"Our extended team stepped up and served as judges and officials for the competition. We also provided breakfast and secured a lunch sponsor. As word spread about our special guests, even more of Allen’s best wanted to help."

“The Special Olympics organization believes in the power of sports, and we do, too,” said Dave Angeles, General Manager of Credit Union of Texas Event Center and Allen Community Ice Rink. “It is an honor to host an event that spreads compassion and transforms lives.”

We had volunteers serving as photographers and videographers. Plus, there was an emcee and live performer to sing the national anthem. Mayor Stephen Terrell was happy to provide an official welcome to the athletes.

SOTX CS Photo 3
While all of this was more than SOTX asked for, we still had a few tricks up our sleeves. We knew that another goal for SOTX was getting more exposure for the event. So, with that goal in mind, it was time for lights, cameras, action. The Allen CVB joined forces with City staff in communication, video and marketing roles to promote the event on various social media sites, send out media advisories, and secure event footage which resulted in coverage on NBC and CBS.

With the red carpet rolled out (literally) on the icy floor of ACIR, the athletes proudly received their medals as part of the Special Olympics Texas Regional (SOTX) Figure Skating Competition. This was a very special moment. The athletes had never had a red carpet at any of their competitions and, in this moment, an amazing experience unfolded to its end.

While all of this was more than SOTX asked for, we still had a few tricks up our sleeves. We knew that another goal for SOTX was getting more exposure for the event. So, with that goal in mind, it was time for lights, cameras, action. The Allen CVB joined forces with City staff in communication, video and marketing roles to promote the event on various social media sites, send out media advisories, and secure event footage which resulted in coverage on NBC and CBS.

With the red carpet rolled out (literally) on the icy floor of ACIR, the athletes proudly received their medals as part of the Special Olympics Texas Regional (SOTX) Figure Skating Competition. This was a very special moment. The athletes had never had a red carpet at any of their competitions and, in this moment, an amazing experience unfolded to its end.

While all of this was more than SOTX asked for, we still had a few tricks up our sleeves. We knew that another goal for SOTX was getting more exposure for the event. So, with that goal in mind, it was time for lights, cameras, action. The Allen CVB joined forces with City staff in communication, video and marketing roles to promote the event on various social media sites, send out media advisories, and secure event footage which resulted in coverage on NBC and CBS.

With the red carpet rolled out (literally) on the icy floor of ACIR, the athletes proudly received their medals as part of the Special Olympics Texas Regional (SOTX) Figure Skating Competition. This was a very special moment. The athletes had never had a red carpet at any of their competitions and, in this moment, an amazing experience unfolded to its end.

A Special Thank You



The SOTX organizers and athletes were more than pleased with their 2016 Regional Figure Skating Competition. We received many thanks, including a special photo from the organizers saying “Thank you for making moments like this possible”. 

“We had a great experience working with the staff in Allen and could not have felt more welcomed. It was moving to get that type of support from the community, especially with this being our first time there. The athletes had an amazing experience and can’t wait to come back,” said Sidny Harker, Special Olympics Texas Director of Competition & Games.