For Immediate Release

July 1, 2009

Special Olympics Montana State Basketball Tournament Returns to the Mining City

Athlete Numbers Expected to reach over 700!

Butte, Montana:  Special Olympics Montana, a 39-year-old movement that enables children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train for life through sports will bring the State Basketball Tournament to the city of Butte, November 5-7, 2009. The State Basketball Tournament is being held in Butte for three consecutive years beginning November 2008 – 2010.

Tournament Premier Sponsor, Town Pump, is eager to once again welcome to their hometown corporate headquarters in Butte approximately 700 athletes and 180 coaches who represent 65+ 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 six consecutive years. Prior to moving to Butte the tournament was held in Helena, 2005 – 2007 and in Butte, 2002 – 2004.

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 2009 Tournament and look forward to making new friends,” said Paul Babb, Chief Executive, Butte Silver Bow – Local Government.  

To learn more about Special Olympics Montana or to receive information about volunteer or sponsorship opportunities at the 2009 State Basketball Tournament, please visit our website at: www.somt.org or call Special Olympics Montana at 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. Visit Special Olympics, Incorporated online at www.specialolympics.org  

Contact: Risë Pelloni
Sports and Training Assitant
rpelloni@somt.org

Special Olympics Montana
PO Box 3507
Great Falls, MT  59403
406-216-5327
800-242-6876
Fax:  406-454-9043