State Winter Games Grow for Sixth Straight Year!

(Whitefish, December 15, 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 Winter Games March 4 - 6, at the Big Mountain Ski and Summer Resort. 2007 marks the twelfth-consecutive year that the State Winter Games have been held at the Big Mountain Resort.

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.

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 2007 Special Olympics State Winter Games. The roles and duties are many, requiring upwards of 200 volunteers to organize and prepare for the Games.

Over 250 athletes and 110 coaches from over 20 teams will gather at the Big Mountain to compete in three different sports over a three-day period. Competitions will include Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing and Beginner Alpine Snowboarding.

In addition to competition, special events such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Athlete Victory Banquet, Dance/Carnival, a Families Luncheon and much more will create memorable experiences as we celebrate life through sports.

To learn more about Special Olympics Montana or receive additional information about the opportunities to help host the 2007 Winter Games, please visit our website at www.somt.org or call Special Olympics Montana headquarters at 1-800-242-6876. For volunteer inquiries please contact Karen Kimball at 406-837-0319, email: dryfly@centurytel.net

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.specialolympics.org

Contact:  Karen Kimball
dryfly@centurytel.net

Special Olympics Montana
Dave Snuggs, VP Sports & Competition
PO Box 3507
Great Falls, MT  59403
1-800-242-6876
406-268-6759