Amanda Church World Games Final Update (July)

Amanda Church_Olympia Moving

It has been an inspiration to be Amanda Church’s Special Olympics World Games sponsor, watch her training updates, and cheer her on. She has been on an incredible journey and we could not be more proud. Amanda represented the United States, finished strong at her swimming events, and showed the world what athletes with intellectual disabilities are capable of!

Olympia Moving kicked off World Games by driving Amanda and the rest of the Massachusetts World Games delegation to the airport. They were off to L.A. in style!

Amanda shared her final Special Olympics World Games update with us after the games:

Amanda’s Training Update: July 2015

Current Event Times:

Event Competition Time
100 Breaststroke 2:09.00
100 Freestyle 2:15.00
200 Breaststroke 4:29.00

I had a great time at World Games.  I competed in 4 events.  I competed in the 4 by 50 freestyle relay, the 100 meter Freestyle, 100 Meter Breaststroke and the 200 Meter Breaststroke.  I did great at World games and had a blast.  I even got the opportunity to meet Michael Phelps.

  • In my 100 Meter Freestyle I got a 8th place ribbon but had a great finish time.
  • In my 100 Meter Breast Stroke, I got a 5th place ribbon and also had a great time.
  • In my 200 Meter Breaststroke I got the Silver Medal. I had a great time.
  • In the 4 by 50 relay my team and I received the Bronze Medal. We were so excited.

Check out this video of Amanda in the 100-meter freestyle (lane 5, white cap) – look at her go!

Special Olympics Massachusetts interviewed Amanda after the race:

Congratulations, Amanda, on your medals and achievements!

Congrats Amanda

Learn more about our sponsorship of Amanda.

Special Olympics Athlete Amanda Church Cites Olympia Moving in ESPN Magazine

The countdown is on for Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, where Amanda Church will be representing Team USA in four swimming events. Amanda hails from Massachusetts and her trip to World Games is sponsored by Olympia Moving & Storage.

In addition to her training, Amanda has been doing plenty of press leading up to the games. From shaking hands with Mayor Walsh when the Flame of Hope came through Boston to posing with Wally on the field during last week’s Red Sox/Yankees game, Amanda has been busy representing the Massachusetts athletes on their way to the biggest sporting event in the world this year!

Amanda Church

Amanda also wrote a piece for ESPN Magazine’s 2015 “Body Issue” which hit stands on Friday. We’re so proud of Amanda for eloquently sharing her story, representing her fellow athletes, and for telling ESPN Magazine readers across the country why Special Olympics World Games is so important.

Amanda also generously references her sponsor, Olympia Moving & Storage, in the article.

We encourage everyone to read the full article here. Amanda’s words are absolutely inspiring, and challenge many assumptions about athletes and people with disabilities. In one of our favorite quotes from the article, Amanda suggests “there are much better R-words to describe those of us who have risen to our challenges. Responsible. Resilient. Remarkable.”

Amanda has been tracking her training for us. You can read all of her World Games training blogs on the Olympia Moving website. Learn more about Olympia Moving’s sponsorship of Amanda. You can also click here to read the feature on our sponsorship of Amanda in AMSA Directions magazine.

Only a week until Amanda and her fellow athletes are on their way to Special Olympics World Games! We are so proud to be Amanda’s sponsor. Go Amanda!

Official Logistics Sponsor of Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Games 2015

For the third year, Olympia Moving served as the proud logistics sponsor for Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Games!  Summer Games is the biggest athletic event for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Massachusetts, and a favorite job of the year for the crew at Olympia Moving.  The move coordinators and sales reps even donate their time to help out on Summer Games weekend.

Olympia Moving donated logistics assistance valued over $20,000 to Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Games.  In addition to managing all the pick ups and deliveries for the event’s equipment, Olympia Moving moves over 2,000 participating athletes into their dorms and manages their luggage.  Athlete move-in is special for the Olympia Moving staff and crew because it gives them the opportunity to welcome the athletes to the games!

Here are some pictures of our crew with the athletes on this great weekend!

To learn more about our ongoing support of Special Olympics Massachusetts, visit https://www.olympiamoving.com/specialolympics

You can also read the training blogs by Special Olympics World Games athlete Amanda Church, sponsored by Olympia Moving.

Amanda Church Special Olympics World Games Training Update (June 2015)

Amanda Church_Olympia MovingAmanda Church, the Special Olympics World Games athlete sponsored by Olympia Moving & Storage, has had a busy month!  She’s entering her final training for her competitions in LA World Games in July, along with athletes from 177 countries!

Amanda gave us an update with her training!

Amanda’s Training Update: June 8th

Current Event Times:

Event Current Time
100 Breaststroke 2:02.00
100 Freestyle 2:26.00
200 Breaststroke 4:32.00

“This past weekend June 5th-7th was Summer Games 2015. I had a ton of fun. I got 4th place in the 100 Meter Freestyle, but I know I was in a tough heat, but that is ok. I am challenging myself to make sure I will be ready to try to reach the Gold at World Games. I also got a Gold Medal in my 100 Meter breaststroke, and also in the 200 Meter breaststroke. My times were awesome. I also did all these events on Sunday.”

“I am going to keep on training really hard to get ready for World Games! The harder I train, the more I feel good about heading to World Games, and looking forward not only to compete, but to have the chance to get to meet other Special Olympics athletes from all over the world.”

Wow, Amanda!  Congrats on your medals!  Amanda was also interviewed by Fox 25 during summer games, you can check out the video:

Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

Amanda also represented Special Olympics at the Unified Relay, as the World Games Flame of Hope passed through Boston. Here’s a picture of her on stage with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh!

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Olympia Moving was also at Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Games, running the logistics and moving the athletes into their dorms! Check out photos of our crew with the athletes!

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Learn more about our sponsorship of Amanda.  

Amanda Church Special Olympics World Games Training Update (May 2015)

Amanda Church_Olympia MovingAnother training update from Olympia Moving-sponsored Special Olympics athlete Amanda Church! She continues to improve her times as she gets ready to compete alongside 7,000 other athletes at Special Olympics World Games 2015 in Los Angeles!

Amanda’s Training Update: May 10th

Current Event Times:

Event Current Time
100 Breaststroke 2:03.00
100 Freestyle 2:18.00
200 Breaststroke 4:26.00

“This past Saturday May 9th my Mom took me to the YMCA in Easton so I can get some training in. My Mom timed me on my 3 events.”

  • My 100 Freestyle time is now 2:18.00
  • My 100 Breaststroke is now 2:03.00, 3 seconds off my goal time which is 2:00.00
  • My 200 Breaststroke is now 4:26.00. I am only six seconds off from my goal time of 4:20.00 for the 200 Breaststroke.

“I am now swimming longer distance to help build more endurance so that I can reach my goal times and be ready not just Summer Games but World Games as well.”

“Last weekend at Life we had family weekend. One great thing that they do at family weekend at Life is a 5K run/walk. I jogged the 5K and I was the first female Life resident and Special Olympian to finish first. My name is going to be on a plaque at the Life Rec Hall.”

Wow, Amanda!  You’re a strong competitor in the pool and on the track!  Click here to learn more about our sponsorship of Amanda.  Click here to make a donation to support Amanda and her fellow Special Olympics athletes as they work to meet their goals!

Amanda Church Special Olympics World Games Training Update (April 2015)

Amanda Church_Olympia MovingOlympia Moving’s sponsored athlete, Amanda Church, is training hard for the upcoming Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. She was kind enough to send us an update on her progress. You’re crushing it, Amanda! We’re so proud of you and your training achievements!

Amanda’s Training Update: April 12th

Current Event Times:

Event Current Time
100 Breaststroke 2:04.00
100 Freestyle 2:29.00
200 Breaststroke 4:32.00

“Today I went to the YMCA in Easton to get some training in. I have set goal times for each of my events:”

  • 100 Breast Stroke goal time: 2:00.00
  • 100 Freestyle goal time: 2:20.00
  • 200 Breast Stroke goal time: 4:20.00

“Besides getting ready for Summer Games and World Games, The Life Program is having family week coming up the first weekend in May. I am going to be giving a speech about both of my experiences at life and Special Olympics.”

Amanda’s Training Update: April 30th

Current Event Times:

Event Current Time
100 Breaststroke 2:06.00
100 Freestyle 2:19.00
200 Breaststroke 4:29.00

“Today was my Swim Qualifier at Bridgewater State University. I competed in 3 out of my 4 events.  I even beat my goal time in the 100 Meter Freestyle . My goal was 2:20.00 and I did it with a time of 2:19.00.  I also competed in the 200 Breaststroke and the 100 Breaststroke.  I got a Gold Medal in both my 200 and 100 Meter Breaststroke, and a Silver in my 100 Meter Freestyle. I am ready to keep training for State Games in June, and World Games.”

“Another exciting thing that is coming up in my life is my brother Jared is getting married in October in California. I am very much excited to have another soon to be sister in law.”

Way to go, Amanda, on your medals and wins!  Read more about our sponsorship of Amanda.  

Sponsor of Special Olympics World Games Athlete Amanda Church

IMG_0965Olympia Moving & Storage is proud to announce their sponsorship of Special Olympics World Games athlete Amanda Church. Special Olympics World Games, which will take place in Los Angeles beginning July 25th, will be the largest sporting event in the world in 2015. Amanda will be one of 7,000 athletes from 177 countries competing in the Games, and one of only 7 athletes representing Massachusetts. She will be representing team USA in two aquatics events: breaststroke & freestyle.

The Boston moving company’s sponsorship of $5,000 will help cover Amanda’s training and travel expenses. As part of the sponsorship, the company will be cheering Amanda on at her competitions leading up to the games, and reporting on her training progress on olympiamoving.com and Olympia’s Facebook page.

Olympia Moving & Storage has been the official logistics sponsor of Special Olympics Massachusetts since 2013. Last year, the company’s fundraising and donated logistics services for Special Olympics competitions exceeded $50,000. While planning for the company’s 2015 sponsorship, Olympia Moving inquired if there was any way they could assist with the upcoming World Games.

Olympia Moving President Michael Gilmartin presenting Amanda Church with her sponsorship check
Olympia Moving President Michael Gilmartin presenting Amanda Church with her sponsorship check

The Boston moving company was immediately impressed by Amanda’s accomplishments. She has won many gold medals since she began competing with Special Olympics in 1998 and was inducted into the Special Olympics Massachusetts Hall of Fame in 2012. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Amanda lives independently with the LIFE program and has held jobs as a receptionist and Special Olympics intern.

This is a dream come true for me as I’ve wanted to compete in World Games for a long time. With the help of my coaches I know I will be ready to swim for the gold this summer,” says Amanda Church. “Special Olympics Massachusetts is honored to have sponsors like Olympia Moving.”

Be sure to watch this blog for updates on Amanda’s training as she prepares for the Games!

You can learn more about Olympia Moving & Storage’s work with Special Olympics at http://www.olympiamoving.com/specialolympics

Click here to read the official press release

Olympia Moving & Storage and Bekins Northwest Super Bowl Bet for Keaton’s Korral

Super BowlEvery day Olympia Moving & Storage works with agents in the Wheaton World Wide Moving | Bekins Van Lines interstate moving network. Though Olympia Moving agrees with their partner agents on how to provide great service to the families we relocate, we don’t agree when it comes to the Super Bowl.

As a Boston based company, Olympia’s employees are fervent New England Patriots fans and eagerly anticipate Super Bowl XLIX. Bekins Northwest on the other hand, is the official moving company of the Seattle Seahawks. After the NFC championship win, Bekins Northwest immediately got to work moving the Seahawk’s equipment to Arizona for Super Bowl XLIX.

Olympia has now challenged Bekins Northwest with a friendly bet for a great cause.

If the New England Patriots lose Super Bowl XLIX, Olympia Moving & Storage will donate $500 to Keaton’s Korral at Give Kids the World Village – a Florida vacation resort for children with life-threatening illnesses. If the Seattle Seahawks lose the game, Bekins Northwest agrees to make the same $500 donation to Keaton’s Korral.

Wheaton World Wide Moving | Bekins Van Lines have been strong supporters of Keaton’s Korral at Give Kids the World village since 2000. The result of this Super Bowl bet will go towards Wheaton | Bekin’s $22,000 fundraising goal and will help provide children with life-threatening illnesses and their families with cost-free vacations. Visit this link to make your own donation to Keaton’s Korral.

Olympia Moving & Storage is looking forward to the New England Patriots’ victory on Sunday!

Holiday Giving: Olympia Moving & Storage Donates to Toy Drive, Food Drive & 5K

Happy holidays from Olympia Moving & Storage! December is the season of giving, and Olympia Moving & Storage is continuing their tradition of giving back to the communities in which we live & work. This month we had several opportunities to participate in great events and causes.

Home for Little Wanderer’s Big Wishes Gift Drive with Coldwell Banker

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage sponsored this gift drive to benefit children being served by the Home for Little Wanderers. CBRB offered their offices as drop-off locations for the drive. Olympia donated the trucks and labor to transport all the donations from CBRB offices across the state to The Home’s toy room. The crew, Nandor, Josh, and Glenn, even got in the spirit by wearing Santa’s elf hats to the delivery! Check out pictures from the delivery event below:

Jolly Jaunt 5K to Benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts

Boston Jolly JauntThe Jolly Jaunt 5K was just one of the many Special Olympics events we donate logistics assistance to. This is Olympia’s second year sponsoring the holiday-themed 5K around the Boston Common. The event raised almost $140,000 for athletes with intellectual disabilities!

Lauren, Manager of Strategic Development Initiatives at Special Olympics Massachusetts, had this to say about our donated assistance:

“Thank you so much for all of your help over this past few months! Everything went so well on Saturday, and it was greatly due to all of your and Olympia’s help. If you speak with Ben who was on site with us with the truck and helped us unload today, can you thank him for me on behalf of Special Olympics MA as a whole. Not only was he always willing to jump in and help, but he was beyond professional!”

St. Irene’s Parish Food Drive for the Greater Merrimack Velley Food Bank

Olympia Moving Food DriveFor many years, Clark & Reid (Olympia’s executive relocation brand) has been donating boxes for St. Irene’s Parish’s food drive in Carlisle, MA.

This year, the Parish secured a pound for pound food match with Walmart. As a result, St. Irene’s received 2 tons of food this Thanksgiving, the most donations ever. As a result, Olympia/Clark & Reid donated 160 boxes to the drive, 60% more boxes versus previous years.

Congrats to St. Irene’s Parish for a successful food drive, which will benefit the Greater Merrimack Valley Food Bank.

Read more about Olympia’s recent community & charity involvement:
Olympia bring Moving Truck to Touch-a-Truck Newton
Olympia Moving Pulls a Plane for Special Olympics Virginia
Olympia Moving at Special Olympics MA Summer Games

Olympia Brings Moving Truck to Touch-a-Truck Newton

Olympia had a great time on Sunday showing off our moving truck to the kids at the Touch-a-Truck Newton event, put on by The Newton Partnership. The event included 39 different trucks for the kids to explore. Crew member Charles & sales rep Frank brought one of our crew cab straight trucks to the event. The kids had a great time honking the horn, exploring the trailer, and running up & down the ramp!

Check out the pictures of the event below, and click here to see pictures from a previous Touch a Truck event.

If you’re hosting an upcoming Touch a Truck event, e-mail Rachael if you’re interested in bringing a moving truck to your event.

Also check out:

The Right Olympia Moving Truck for your Relocation