For Immediate Release June 27, 2008

(Great Falls, Montana)  Special Olympics Montana, a 38-year-old movement that enables children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train for life through sports, received a $31,313.60 donation from the Montana Fraternal Order of Eagles at their recent state convention and annual awards banquet in Kalispell.

Special Olympics Kalispell athlete and global messenger, Chrissy Siefke, who accepted this donation on behalf of Special Olympics Montana, said, “The Fraternal Order of Eagles are made up of people who really care about us. I’m so happy that they would donate all this money so 2,000 athletes like me in Montana can train and compete in sports.” Special Olympics Montana President/CEO Bob Norbie said, "Just as athletes like Chrissy Siefke inspire all of us to do our best, the Fraternal Order of Eagles has given above and beyond anything we could have possibly imagined. We are very grateful for their generous support."

Ralph Becktold, Junior Past State President for the Fraternal Order of Eagles said, "Our fraternal organization is all about people helping people. It is our privilege to help Special Olympics athletes become valued, appreciated and respected members of our communities with this donation."

"The Eagles Aeries and Auxiliaries all across Montana are hometown builders committed to upholding and nourishing the values of home, family and community. Special Olympics is a perfect fit with our mission," said Wanda Ehlert, Junior Past President of the FOE Ladies Auxiliary.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles, an international non-profit organization, unites fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality, to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills, and by promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope. For more information about the Fraternal Order of Eagles visit www.foe.com.

To learn more about Special Olympics Montana and how to register eligible athletes or to volunteer your time and talent, please visit www.somt.org or call 1-800-242-6876.

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