For Immediate Release
October 16, 2008  

To Be Premier Sponsor of the
Special Olympics Montana
State Summer Games 2009-2011 in Bozeman

(Bozeman, Montana) Special Olympics Montana, a 38 year-old movement that enables children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train for life through sports has announced that MURDOCH'S RANCH & HOME SUPPLY will be the Premier Sponsor for the 2009-2011 Special Olympics Montana State Summer Games in Bozeman. 2009 marks the first year of a three-year commitment to the city of Bozeman.

Accompanying Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply as major sponsors of the 2009 Games to date are Platinum Sponsors RIGHTNOW TECHNOLOGIES and TIM & MARY BARNARD, each committing $25,000 to the Games.

Other organizations and businesses who have already committed substantial resource – human, gift-in-kind and financial – include Anderson Zurmuelen Company, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Bresnan Communications, Cardinal Distributing Company, Century Gaming, First Interstate Bank, GranTree Inn, InstyPrints, Johnny Carino’s, Journey Church, Law Enforcement Torch Run, McKenna Financial/New York Life Insurance, Mercury Advertising, Montana State University, Simkins Hallin Lumber, Knights of Columbus, Stockman Bank, Super 8 Motel, Thompson Rentals, Transystems, Town Pump and Wingate by Wyndham.

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. As Premier Sponsor, Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply has pledged $50,000 per year for each of the three years the Games are in Bozeman.

"It takes generous support from community-minded businesses like Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply and RightNow Technologies, and individuals like Tim & Mary Barnard to make it possible for Special Olympics athletes to become respected, valued and appreciated members of our communities. Through their collective support, and many more businesses, organizations and individuals to follow, these Games will inspire everyone to give their personal best just as athletes do each and every day," said Bob Norbie, President & CEO, Special Olympics Montana.

In addition to the significant cash sponsorship, Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply has employees who will be instrumental in helping organize the Games. Murdoch’s President, Rick Ungersma, is the Games Honorary Chairman and Buyer, Chris Odegard will serve as one of the Games Co-Directors (with Stewart Title Manager, Kent Knatterud). Murdoch’s Clothing Operations Manager, Darcie Jo Jurenka is the Game’s Special Events Co-Director and Accountant, Yova Lynn is the Secretary/Treasurer. Along with many others from the Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply work family it is estimated that 1,500 volunteers will be needed to organize and host the Games.

"It is our distinct privilege and pleasure to be the premier sponsor of the 2009-2011 State Summer Games and to help athletes train for life through sports. In some small way we hope our contribution of time, talent and treasure will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Special Olympics Montana athletes, their families, and all those in this host community who become involved with the Games. Caring for one another is a big part of having a healthy and vibrant community. At Murdoch’s we appreciate how supportive the Bozeman community and people are all across the state. Our participation in Special Olympics provides us the opportunity to give something back," said Rick Ungersma, President of Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply.

Among our Platinum Sponsors, "RightNow is excited and honored to make a 3-year commitment to Special Olympics Montana," said Greg Gianforte, CEO and founder, RightNow Technologies. "We strongly believe in giving back to the community; many of our employees have supported Bozeman-area Special Olympics activities in the past, so we're glad to strengthen our support."

The 2009 Games scheduled May 12-15, will draw more than 1,000 athletes and 450 coaches from 75-80 teams across the state. Athletes will compete in fourteen Olympic-type sports over a three-day period. Competitions will include athletics (track & field), bowling, equestrian, bocce, gymnastics, cycling, golf, powerlifting, soccer, aquatics, triathlon, horseshoe pitching and kayaking. In addition, motor activities training for lower functioning individuals will also be offered. Games organizers anticipate a $1 million impact to the Bozeman community on an annual basis.

Recognized by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as the "most credible charity" in the United States, Special Olympics Montana invites you to help organize, plan and host the 2009-2011 State Summer Games. If you want to make your heart smile, be a volunteer, a donor or sponsor by calling 406-216-5327 or 1-800-242-6876.

Contact: Bob Norbie
CEO and President
bnorbie@somt.org

Special Olympics Montana
PO Box 3507
Great Falls, MT  59403
800-242-6876
406-216-5327