PRESS RELEASE
January 19, 2006

25^th Anniversary Special Olympics Montana
Bitterroot Winter Games - January 24-25, 2006

[Missoula, MT, January 19, 2006] 140 athletes from the Five Valleys Area and Bozeman will gather at Lost Trail Powder Mountain for the 25^th Anniversary Special Olympics Montana Bitterroot Winter Games, January 24-25, 2006.  Divisioned by age and skill levels, Special Olympics athletes will compete in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing events.  

These Silver Anniversary Winter Games begin with time trials January 24, from 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., and conclude with competition January 25, from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Other activities will include snowmobile sled rides, inner-tubing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowboarding and a snowman building contest. 

As part of the Games, a 25^th Anniversary banquet will be hosted at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton.  An acoustic Bluegrass duo will provide entertainment during dinner and Sensational Sounds will provide disco music for a dance that follows. Volunteers, coaches, businesses and organizations will be recognized for their lifetime service and good deeds.  

According to Special Olympics Montana President/CEO Bob Norbie, “The Silver Anniversary Bitterroot Winter Games is a testament to what can be accomplished through the generosity of businesses like Earth & Wood and Lost Trail Powder Mountain. Under the capable leadership of Games founder and director Randy Hodgson, and countless other dedicated volunteers, Special Olympics athletes are able to train for life through sports and become respected and valued members of their communities. As a volunteer-driven movement, we are indebted to all those who serve the greater good.”  

The general public is invited to attend competition, to witness the true spirit of sports, and become “fans in the stands” as athletes celebrate their hard work and achievements. For more information about the 2006 Special Olympics Montana Bitterroot Winter Games, contact Games committee members Randy Hodgson or Marla Hennequin at Earth & Wood, 406-642-3415.

About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for 1.4 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people's diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. Visit Special Olympics online at www.somt.org  

Contact: Randy Hodgson or Marla Hennequin at Earth & Wood, 406-642-3415.

Contact:  Bob Norbie, President
info@somt.org

Special Olympics Montana
P.O. Box 3507
Great Falls, MT  59403
1-800-242-6876