For Immediate Release
July 18, 2008  

Special Olympics Montana State Summer Games 2009-2011

[July 18, 2008]  Special Olympics Montana, a 38 year-old movement that enables children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train for life through sports, will conduct its State Summer Games in Bozeman for a three-consecutive years, beginning May 13 – 15, 2009. 2009 marks the fist year of a three-year commitment to the city of Bozeman. 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.

1,000 athletes and 450 coaches from 75 teams will gather in Bozeman to compete in eleven different Olympic-type sports over a three-day period.  Competitions will include athletics (track & field), bowling, equestrian, bocce, gymnastics, cycling, golf, powerlifting, soccer, aquatics, triathlon and motor activities training for lower functioning individuals.  Horseshoe pitching and kayaking will also be offered as demonstration sports.

In addition to competition, special events such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Olympic Village, Wellness Park, Victory Dance/Carnival, Families Hospitality & Barbecue, VIP Reception, Law Enforcement Torch Run, Dine Out Night and much more will create memorable experiences as we celebrate life through sports.

We Need Your Help!
Over 1,500 volunteers are needed to put on the games. If you, your employees, colleagues or friends would like to learn more about the opportunities to get involved, then you are invited to JOIN US FOR OUR GAMES “DRAFT” PARTY JULY 31ST! Please join us for beverages and snacks on Thursday, July 31, from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Best Western GranTree Inn.  We will show you a short video highlighting past Games, distribute information and discuss in more detail volunteer and sponsor opportunities.

Just as Special Olympics Montana athletes give their personal best, Special Olympics Montana invites you to do the same and become part of the Special Olympics movement.  More than being successful, you are invited to be significant – enabling people to be able because you have encouraged them to be courageous.

About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion among people with and without intellectual disabilities.  Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for 2.8 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 180 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.  Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.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