PRESS RELEASE
March 28, 2007

Montana’s Future Stars shine bright
as they present over $7,000 to Special Olympics Montana

(Great Falls, Montana) The Montana Olympic Development Program's (ODP) presented $7,226.50 in donations to Special Olympics Montana this week. The funds raised were the result of a 25-hour Soccer Marathon held in January to benefit Special Olympics Montana athletes.

The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is a national program which is designed to identify and develop talented, committed youth soccer players to represent their state, region, and country in soccer competitions. It is also intended to aid in the preparing and showcasing of the players as student/athletes for exposure into collegiate soccer programs.

Twenty-four young soccer players from across the state participated in the Marathon raising over $7,000 through pledges and donations. All proceeds go directly to Special Olympics Montana to benefit programs for Special Olympics athletes.

Special Olympics Montana is a non-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and share gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Special Olympics Montana President/CEO Bob Norbie was thrilled with the results. “For 24 young athletes to raise over $7,000 is an amazing feat. They gave their all for Special Olympics athletes; demonstrating teamwork, dedication and courage.”

To add extra bang to their buck, Farmer’s Insurance has donated an additional $500 to Special Olympics Montana. “We are thrilled to be able to participate in this worthwhile cause and honor the young athletes from both organizations,” said Pam Nommensen, Great Falls Farmer’s Insurance agent, as she presented a $500 check to Norbie on Monday.

The Montana ODP athletes who participated in the 25-hour Marathon and raised money for Special Olympics Montana are: Chelsea Shuman, Cameron Egan, Julia Morrow, Shelby Kroth, Kylee Rhodes, Alison Zimmerman, Andrew Martinez, Austin Webb, Ty Duran, Tess Sandefur, Laura Rost, Samantha Dittman, Adam Meeks, Taylor Koth, Dylan Gillespie, James Corbett, Brittany Earnest, Amber McCann, Jarod Garcia, Aiden Avery, Jordann Brown, Samantha Thomas, Jordan Larson, and Taylor Edwards.

The young players had some extra help from Janice Garcia of Livingston Health Care Orthopedic and Rehabilitation and Albertsons of Great Falls. They couldn’t have done without the help of their coaches; Hunter Terry, Dan Ferguson, Rob Zimmerman and Jamie Rizzuto. And Finally, a big thanks goes out to all the parents who kept the kids going with encouragement and nourishment!

For more information about the 25-hour soccer marathon, please call 216-5327.

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, Incorporated online at www.specialolympics.org