For Immediate Release June 24, 2008

(Butte, Montana) Special Olympics Montana, a 38-year-old movement that enables children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train for life through sports has awarded the State Basketball Tournament to the city of Butte, November 6-8, 2008. The State Basketball Tournament will be held in Butte for three consecutive years beginning November 2008 - 2010.

Tournament Premier Sponsor, Town Pump, is eager to welcome to their hometown corporate headquarters in Butte approximately 650 athletes and 180 coaches who represent 50+ teams from over 25 communities across Montana.

"We are thrilled to host, once again, the Special Olympics Montana State Basketball Tournament in Butte. Opportunities like this bring together the best of humanity as we serve the greater good," said Town Pump spokesperson and the Tournament's Honorary Chairwoman, Maureen Kenneally.

The tournament has grown in size each year for five consecutive years. Prior to moving to Butte the tournament was held in Helena, 2005 - 2007 and in Butte, 2002 - 2004.

"Originally the tournament was going to be held in Havre, but shortly after we announced Havre as the tournament location, the athlete numbers jumped to 600. Numbers are still climbing and have caused a lodging shortage in that community," said Dave Snuggs, Vice President Sports & Competition.

In addition to 125 team competitions over three days, more than 50 athletes are expected to take part in Individual Skills competition. Special events such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Athlete Victory Banquet, Dance/Carnival, Families & Friends Dinner and more, will create memorable experiences as we celebrate life through sports.

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.

"We are very excited to have been selected - and even more excited about being able to contribute to such a great event. We welcome athletes, coaches and families to Butte for the 2008 Tournament and look forward to making new friends," said Paul Babb, Chief Executive, Butte Silver Bow Local Government.

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.

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

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