FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9 October 2007

Billings Powerlifters join the AAPF

(Billings, 9 Oct 2007) Two Special Olympics athletes from Billing, Montana, Vivienne Shockley and "Buzz" Toliver recently joined the AAPF (Amateur American Powerlifting Federation). Both  competed in a sanctioned AAPF event this past weekend in Idaho Falls. Their coach, Nicole Knight, worked with the event coordinator to set up a new division in AAPF for Special Olympics athletes. Vivi and Buzz have set the benchmark as the first competitors in this division and they now both hold national records; Vivi for bench press and deadlift; Buzz for bench, deadlift and squat.

Nicole Knight was newly awarded 2007 Outstanding Coach of the Year by Special Olympics Montana at a banquet held September 22 in Great Falls. "Another reason why she's so deserving of the Outstanding Coach of the Year for SOMT!" says Sheryl Shockley, longtime supporter and volunteer for Special Olympics in the Yellowstone area. 

About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition to 2.5 million adults and children with intellectual disabilities across 165 countries. The Special Olympics movement offers one of the world’s greatest platforms for acceptance and inclusion for all people–regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or cultural differences. Find out how you can become involved at www.somt.org

Contact:  Dave Snuggs, VP Sports & Competition 
dsnugg@somt.org

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