Media Alert

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ANNOUNCE TEAM OF ATHLETES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SELECTED FOR 2010 USA NATIONAL GAMES’ TORCH RUN FINAL LEG

Sheriff’s Deputy Gordon Schmill from Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Chosen to carry the Flame of Hope into Lincoln, NE

Great Falls, MT; July 2, 2010— Sheriff’s Deputy Gordon Schmill was selected for the 2010 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Final Leg, preceding the Special Olympics USA National Games held in Lincoln, Nebraska July 18-23.  The Final Leg Team, a total of 110 members, is comprised of law enforcement runners, Special Olympics athletes, and Support Team members. The Flame Lighting Ceremony, marking the beginning of the Final Leg, is scheduled for Sunday, July 11th at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, the site of the last USA National Games in 2006.

“Congratulations are in order for these incredible athletes and dedicated law enforcement officers,” said Mike Teem, Final Leg Team Captain. “The LETR Final Leg is not only a salute to the athletes from around the United States who compete in the Special Olympics USA National Games, but also a true honor for the participating officers who all believe in the mission and spirit of Special Olympics.”

Gordon Schmill has been with the Missoula County Sheriff’s Department since 2007 and has been in law enforcement for 10 years.  He became involved with Special Olympics the summer of 2001 when he attended the Circle of Honor. Since then he has regularly participated at the Special Olympics Montana Summer Games and continues his involvement as a Torch Run Leg Leader for Missoula County. “Special Olympics has touched a part of my heart that I didn’t know existed,” states Gordon. “There is something about the atmosphere, athletes, and being with colleges that I can’t explain.  You have to experience it by being there.” Gordon has been married to his lovely wife, Sarah, for twelve years and has two outstanding boys. He likes to hunt, fish, and hike on his time off but most of all, be involved with family activities.

In addition, Special Olympics Montana Law Enforcement Torch Run Coordinator, Terri Sappington was selected to serve on the Final Leg Support Team.  Terri will travel with the Final Leg team providing support to the officers and athletes.

Terri became a part of the Special Olympics Montana staff in November of 2000 after serving four years as a corporate volunteer for state Summer Games. Those early volunteer experiences, overflowing with athlete hugs, high fives and medal celebrations, helped shape Terri’s passion for Special Olympics. In 2003, Terri became the Torch Run Coordinator for Special Olympics Montana where she has provided service and support to the fine men and women of law enforcement. Terri spends her free time with her husband Doug and children, Taylor, Joshua and Addison.

The Flame of Hope will enter Nebraska on the evening of July 11th and then travel throughout the state for one week. The Final Leg Team will conduct runs and ceremonies at over 70 cities and towns throughout Nebraska before arriving at the USA National Games Opening Ceremonies in Lincoln on July 18, 2010.

The Olympic flame symbolizes the light of spirit, knowledge and life. With identical power and majesty, the Special Olympics Flame of Hope, in the entrusted care of the law enforcement community, symbolizes the courage and celebration of diversity that the Special Olympics movement represents.

About Special Olympics Montana

Special Olympics Montana is a 40-year-old movement that enables children and adults with intellectual disabilities to train for 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. To learn more about Special Olympics Montana or to receive information about volunteer or sponsorship opportunities please visit our website at: www.somt.org or call Special Olympics Montana at 1-800-242-6876.

About LETR

Celebrating its 28th Anniversary in 2009, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, encompassing a variety of events including Torch Runs, Polar Plunge® events and the World's Largest Truck Convoy® fundraiser.  More than 85,000 international law enforcement officers have carried the Flame of Hope™ to the Opening Ceremonies of local and state/provincial Special Olympics competitions and Games, and Special Olympics World Summer or Winter Games.  The LETR is now present in all 50 U.S. states, Canadian provinces and 46 nations around the world.  In 2008 the LETR raised more than US$34 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world and has raised more than US$272 million since its inception in 1981. Follow the torch in Nebraska

About the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games

The 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games in Lincoln, Nebraska will showcase and celebrate the Special Olympics movement and athletes from across the United States, while illustrating the power of sports to educate and inform about the true abilities and achievements of people with intellectual disabilities. From July 18-23, 2010, nearly 3,000 athletes will compete in 13 Olympic-style sports, with the support of 1,000 coaches, 8,000 volunteers and an estimated 15,000 family and friends. In addition to sports, the USA National Games will offer various programs in health, wellness and education. To learn more or to volunteer, please visit www.2010specialolympics.org

###

download the complete roster and more of the story with photos at
http://www.somt.org/pdf/2010USAGamesFinalLegTeam.pdf