For Immediate Release
Contact: Dave Snuggs
406-216-5327 Ext. 113
Whitefish
Mountain
Resort and
Special Olympics
Montana
Celebrate 14 Years Together
Opening
Ceremonies to include the Parade of Athletes through
Downtown
Whitefish on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 4:00p.m.
[Whitefish, January 19, 2009] 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 Winter Games February 22 -
24, at the Whitefish Mountain Resort. 2009 marks the fourteenth-consecutive
year that the State Winter Games have been held at the Whitefish Mountain
Resort.
315 athletes, 35 unified partners and 150 coaches/chaperons
from over 25 teams are expected to gather at Whitefish Mountain Resort to
compete in four different sports over a three-day period. Competitions will include Alpine Skiing,
Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing and Beginner Alpine Snowboarding. 2009 will
also mark the introduction of Advance Slalom and Advance Giant Slalom on Chair
2. In addition, a one-day Floor Hockey Team Competition which will take place
in Whitefish. Venue location will be announced in the coming days. See the attached games schedule for event
times.
In addition to competition, special events such as the
Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Athlete Victory Banquet, Dance/Carnival, a
Families Luncheon and much 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. The roles and duties are
many, requiring upwards of 250 volunteers to organize and prepare for the Games.
For volunteer inquiries please contact Karen Kimball at 406-837-0319, email: dryfly@centurytel.net.
To learn more about Special Olympics Montana or receive
additional information about the opportunities to help host or sponsor the 2009
Winter Games, please contact
Jim Lawrence
,
VP of Development at jlawrence@somt.org or call Special Olympics Montana headquarters at 1-800-242-6876.
See Schedule of 2009 State Winter Games
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. Visit Special Olympics, Incorporated online at
www.specialolympics.org
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