PRESS RELEASE
February 5, 2006

ckruger@iwendt.com
406.454.8500

Wendt Advertising 

GREAT FALLS TO HOST SPECIAL OLYMPICS MONTANA STATE SUMMER GAMES 2006-2008

[Great Falls, February 3, 2006]  Special Olympics Montana, a 36 year-old movement that enables children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train for life through sports will conduct its State Summer Games in Great Falls for the next three years.  This year’s games will take place May 17-19.   As an athlete-centered, family-based and volunteer driven organization, Special Olympics Montana relies almost exclusively on the support of community volunteers, businesses and service organizations for leadership, planning and preparation, in-kind and financial gifts.

1,000 athletes and 450 coaches from 75 teams will gather in Great Falls to compete in eleven different Olympic-type sports over a three-day period.  Competitions will include athletics (track & field), bowling, equestrian, bocce, gymnastics, cycling, golf, powerlifting, soccer, aquatics, triathlon and motor activities training for severely disabled individuals.  Horseshoe pitching will also be offered as a demonstration sport.

In addition to competition, special events such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Olympic Village, Wellness Park, Victory D ance/Carnival, Families Hospitality & Barbecue, VIP Reception, Law Enforcement Torch Run, Dine Out Night and much more will create memorable experiences as we celebrate life through sports.

Recognized by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as the “most credible charity” in the United States, Special Olympics Montana invites you to help organize, plan and host the 2006-2008 Special Olympics State Summer Games.  The roles and duties are many, requiring upwards of 600 volunteers to organize and prepare for the Games.  If you wish to be a corporate sponsor, Special Olympics Montana has many different levels of involvement. 

Just as Special Olympics Montana athletes give their personal best, Special Olympics Montana invites you to do the same and become part of the Special Olympics movement.  More than being successful, you are invited to be significant – enabling people to be able because you have encouraged them to be courageous.

To learn more about Special Olympics Montana or receive additional information about the opportunities to help host the 2006-2008 Summer Games, please visit our website at www.somt.org or call Special Olympics Montana headquarters at 1-800-242-6876 or 268-6759.  To volunteer for the State Summer Games call the local Volunteer Hotline at 771-SOMT (7668).