Inaugural Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America presented by Bank of America will stop in Atlanta
Former Falcon Warrick Dunn and local leaders join metro residents in carrying the Special Olympics Flame of Hope
ATLANTA – June 2, 2015 – The inaugural Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America presented by Bank of America will stop in Atlanta on June 6, 2015. This historic event will bring together local residents and supporters in helping to carry the Flame of Hope, as the torch makes this journey across America to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles on July 25. The Unified Relay will unite the country, increase understanding and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities, and build communities of acceptance and inclusion along the way.
Thousands of participants across the United States are running, walking or biking a segment of the Unified Relay as it passes through all 50 states. In Atlanta, 22 teams of local torchbearers and runners will participate. Among them are kayaker Will Crain and football player Angel Morales, two metro area Special Olympics athletes who are participating in the World Summer Games. Former Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn will be among the leaders joining Cheryl Lomax, Atlanta market manager, Bank of America, and other bank employees in the final segment of the race into Monument Grove at Turner Field.
“Our World Games offer an opportunity for the nation to come together to celebrate differences and unify in the spirit of respect and inclusion,” said Georgia Milton-Sheats, Chief Executive Officer, Special Olympics Georgia. “As the torch makes its way through Atlanta it will unite us in a unique way that will open hearts and minds.”
“We are thrilled and excited about hosting the Special Olympics Unified Relay in Atlanta,” said Geri Thomas, Georgia State President, Bank of America. “We extend a special ‘thank you’ to all the Special Olympics athletes, their families and Atlanta residents and leaders who are participating in this event.”
On May 14, the Flame of Hope was lit by the rays of the sun during a ceremony conducted by High Priestesses with intellectual disabilities in Athens, Greece. The torch was then passed to the Guardians of the Flame, Law Enforcement officers from throughout the world who represent the Law Enforcement Torch Run. After the official lighting, the flame began its journey to the Special Olympics World Games and arrived in Washington, D.C., where the relay then split into three simultaneous routes starting in Augusta, Maine; Miami and Washington.
In its role as presenting sponsor, Bank of America is providing significant financial and volunteer support to the Unified Relay. Bank of America employees in Atlanta are encouraging participation among individuals, families and businesses. Following the relay, an evening celebration will begin at Monument Grove at Turner Field from 6-6:30 p.m. to welcome the Flame of Hope. The event will include live entertainment and interactive activities.
Participants and supporters can follow the Flame of Hope at www.unifiedrelay.org as it makes its way across the United States and donate to the Special Olympics by texting FLAME to 91999.
About the Unified Relay Across America The Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America presented by Bank of America, is a once in a lifetime opportunity for America to unite to build communities of respect and inclusion. Over the course of 46 days, in a hand-to-hand exchange, over 20,000 participants throughout the nation will carry the torch, passing the Special Olympics Flame of Hope across the country to help deliver it to Los Angeles for the Special Olympics World Games. The Unified Relay will be three simultaneous routes visiting all 50 states and will be led by celebrity and Special Olympics athlete co-captains. The Unified Relay will begin on May 26, where it will be split into three simultaneous routes starting in Augusta, Maine; Miami, Florida; and Washington, D.C. Traveling west, all three routes will converge in Los Angeles on July 10. Along each route, welcoming ceremonies and community celebrations will take place with musical performances, celebrity guests and Special Olympics Unified Sports Experiences. The Unified Relay Across America is presented by Bank of America, and supported by official media partners ESPN and ABC, and national sponsors Citgo, Finish Line, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, Microsoft, PR Nutrition, Toyota and Visa.
About Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 48 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 4,800 retail banking offices and approximately 15,800 ATMs and award-winning online banking with 31 million active users and approximately 17 million mobile users. Bank of America is among the world’s leading wealth management companies and is a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Six Special Olympics Georgia athletes set to compete in 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles
by SOGAState contingency part of 7,000 athletes representing 177 countries; Opening Ceremonies televised live on ESPN
Atlanta – July 16, 2015 – Six Special Olympics Georgia athletes, seven coaches and sports managers, and one unified partner will be a part of one of the biggest sporting events this season around the globe – the 2015 Special Olympics World Games taking place in Los Angeles
July 25-August 2. The Georgia delegation leaves on Tuesday, July 21 for California as a part of this bi-annual event. The Georgia athletes attending World Games are: Will Crain (kayaking – Gainesville, Ga.); Michael Crofton (sailing – Fayetteville, Ga.); Julie Doss (gymnastics – Valdosta, Ga.); Brooke Hasfjord (aquatics – Cumming, Ga.); Shannon Laffey (gymnastics – Marietta, Ga.) and Jennnifer Maddox (equestrian – Stockbridge, Ga.).
In addition, Todd Youngblood and Kelli Britt will serve as sports managers, while Lynette Swanson, Debbie Parrish, Davina Ford, Michael Wilson and Pam Laffey will serve as Team USA coaches. John Kirkland from Macon, Ga. is the Unified Sports Partner in the sailing events. There will be a celebratory send-off party at the Special Olympics Georgia headquarters in Atlanta on Monday, July 20. American Honda Motor Company is the presenting sponsor of the Special Olympics Georgia delegation.
“This is a tremendous and inspiring moment,” said Special Olympics Georgia CEO Georgia Milton-Sheats. “These athletes, the unified sports partner, coaches and sports managers have worked so hard to get prepared, and now they are going to be on the biggest stage possible with an ESPN audience on top of that.
“We are extremely proud of our Georgia delegation and know that they will give their all while competing at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.”
This year, the Summer World Games are taking place within the United States for the first time since 2001, and it will be the largest sporting and humanitarian event in the world this year. That includes more than 7,000 athletes and 2,000 coaches representing 177 countries in 25 sports. The six athletes from Special Olympics Georgia will be a part of the 344 athletes competing from the United States.
On top of that, the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games will be televised live on ESPN on July 25 from the Los Angeles Coliseum at 9 p.m. EDT. Among the celebrities at the Opening Ceremonies include First Lady Michelle Obama, late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, former NBA star Yao Ming, former Olympic gold medalists Greg Louganis and Michael Phelps, actress Eva Longoria, recording artist Avril Lavigne and legendary recording artist Stevie Wonder.
About Special Olympics Georgia SOGA provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for 26,698 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendships with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community. For more information, visit www.specialolympicsga.org.
For more information about Special Olympics Georgia, visit www.SpecialOlympicsGA.org.
To learn more about the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games, please visit www.la2015.org.
Special Olympics Georgia receives $90,000 grant from The UPS Foundation
by SOGASpecial Olympics Georgia receives $90,000 grant from The UPS Foundation
Money will be used to help fund organization’s five annual State Games events
Atlanta – July 15, 2015 – Special Olympics Georgia received a $90,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, which drives global corporate citizenship and philanthropic programs for UPS (United Parcel Service) (NYSE:UPS). Special Olympics Georgia CEO Georgia Milton-Sheats made the announcement on Wednesday.
That grant will be used towards funding all weekend-long state events and competitions that are a part of Special Olympics Georgia. That includes State Masters Bowling, State Fall Games, State Horse Show, State Winter Games and State Summer Games. These events are hosted in various parts of the state with approximately 15,012 participants and volunteers involved, plus a large contingency of fans in attendance.
“We are so happy and fortunate to have received this grant as a part of The UPS Foundation,” said Milton-Sheats. “We’ve had a strong relationship with UPS since 1987, and this will go a long way in terms of funding our big annual events that always are well-attended and draw a lot of support.”
Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Ga., The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas of giving: volunteerism, diversity, community safety and the environment.
In 2014, UPS and its employees, active and retired, invested more than $104.2 million in charitable giving around the world. The UPS Foundation can be found on the web at UPS.com/foundation. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.
About Special Olympics Georgia SOGA provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for 26,702 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendships with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community. For more information, visit www.specialolympicsga.org.
Duck Pluck
by SOGASpecial Olympics Georgia Clothing Drive, June 30-July 30
by SOGASpecial Olympics Georgia is collecting donated clothes to raise money for our athletes to be able to compete in State Games. Start cleaning out those closets! SOGA has partnered up with Charity Recycling Service to collect donated clothes: shirts, sweaters, dress clothes, pants, jeans, hats, gloves, shoes, purses, backpacks, sheets. For more information please contact Kylie McGregor at Kylie.McGregor@specialolympicsga.org or call 770-414-9390 ext. 102
Inaugural Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America presented by Bank of America will stop in Atlanta
by SOGAInaugural Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America presented by Bank of America will stop in Atlanta
Former Falcon Warrick Dunn and local leaders join metro residents in carrying the Special Olympics Flame of Hope
ATLANTA – June 2, 2015 – The inaugural Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America presented by Bank of America will stop in Atlanta on June 6, 2015. This historic event will bring together local residents and supporters in helping to carry the Flame of Hope, as the torch makes this journey across America to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles on July 25. The Unified Relay will unite the country, increase understanding and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities, and build communities of acceptance and inclusion along the way.
Thousands of participants across the United States are running, walking or biking a segment of the Unified Relay as it passes through all 50 states. In Atlanta, 22 teams of local torchbearers and runners will participate. Among them are kayaker Will Crain and football player Angel Morales, two metro area Special Olympics athletes who are participating in the World Summer Games. Former Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn will be among the leaders joining Cheryl Lomax, Atlanta market manager, Bank of America, and other bank employees in the final segment of the race into Monument Grove at Turner Field.
“Our World Games offer an opportunity for the nation to come together to celebrate differences and unify in the spirit of respect and inclusion,” said Georgia Milton-Sheats, Chief Executive Officer, Special Olympics Georgia. “As the torch makes its way through Atlanta it will unite us in a unique way that will open hearts and minds.”
“We are thrilled and excited about hosting the Special Olympics Unified Relay in Atlanta,” said Geri Thomas, Georgia State President, Bank of America. “We extend a special ‘thank you’ to all the Special Olympics athletes, their families and Atlanta residents and leaders who are participating in this event.”
On May 14, the Flame of Hope was lit by the rays of the sun during a ceremony conducted by High Priestesses with intellectual disabilities in Athens, Greece. The torch was then passed to the Guardians of the Flame, Law Enforcement officers from throughout the world who represent the Law Enforcement Torch Run. After the official lighting, the flame began its journey to the Special Olympics World Games and arrived in Washington, D.C., where the relay then split into three simultaneous routes starting in Augusta, Maine; Miami and Washington.
In its role as presenting sponsor, Bank of America is providing significant financial and volunteer support to the Unified Relay. Bank of America employees in Atlanta are encouraging participation among individuals, families and businesses. Following the relay, an evening celebration will begin at Monument Grove at Turner Field from 6-6:30 p.m. to welcome the Flame of Hope. The event will include live entertainment and interactive activities.
Participants and supporters can follow the Flame of Hope at www.unifiedrelay.org as it makes its way across the United States and donate to the Special Olympics by texting FLAME to 91999.
About the Unified Relay Across America The Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America presented by Bank of America, is a once in a lifetime opportunity for America to unite to build communities of respect and inclusion. Over the course of 46 days, in a hand-to-hand exchange, over 20,000 participants throughout the nation will carry the torch, passing the Special Olympics Flame of Hope across the country to help deliver it to Los Angeles for the Special Olympics World Games. The Unified Relay will be three simultaneous routes visiting all 50 states and will be led by celebrity and Special Olympics athlete co-captains. The Unified Relay will begin on May 26, where it will be split into three simultaneous routes starting in Augusta, Maine; Miami, Florida; and Washington, D.C. Traveling west, all three routes will converge in Los Angeles on July 10. Along each route, welcoming ceremonies and community celebrations will take place with musical performances, celebrity guests and Special Olympics Unified Sports Experiences. The Unified Relay Across America is presented by Bank of America, and supported by official media partners ESPN and ABC, and national sponsors Citgo, Finish Line, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, Microsoft, PR Nutrition, Toyota and Visa.
About Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 48 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 4,800 retail banking offices and approximately 15,800 ATMs and award-winning online banking with 31 million active users and approximately 17 million mobile users. Bank of America is among the world’s leading wealth management companies and is a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
“Be a Fan. Bring out the Champion in Everyone.” Special Olympics Georgia State Summer Games May 29-31
by SOGA“Be a Fan. Bring out the Champion in Everyone.” Special Olympics Georgia State Summer Games May 29-31
Atlanta – May 26, 2015 – Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) will host its annual State Summer Games for more than 2,000 athletes, coaches, and unified partners on May 29-31 at Emory University.
Athletes will compete in aquatics, athletics, flag football, gymnastics, soccer, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball, with medals awarded throughout the weekend. Aetna is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2015 State Summer Games.
“We are looking forward to our 27th State Summer Games held at the beautiful Emory University campus,” said SOGA CEO Georgia Milton-Sheats. “It is so joyful as the vans, buses and cars roll in for the weekend filled with well-trained athletes ready for their weekend to compete and shine. I invite you and your family and friends to come out to the Games and be a Fan in the Stands.”
Leading up to games, law enforcement officers from agencies all over Georgia have teamed up with SOGA in a 1,000-mile torch relay across the state leading up to the State Summer Games. The “Flame of Hope” will light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony on Friday to signify the opening of the games.
The Opening Ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Emory’s McDonough Field. The parade of athletes will be led by Grand Marshal, and former Atlanta Falcon, Harry Douglas, and the athletes will be escorted by the Law Enforcement Torch Run Officers from across the state. Ken Rodriguez of Fox 5 TV will be the Master of Ceremony.
The games are free and open to the public. Parking is free at Peavine Parking deck.
Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA)
SOGA provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for 26,698 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. For more information visit www.SpecialOlympicsGA.org.
“Be a Fan. Bring out the Champion in Everyone.” Special Olympics Georgia State Summer Games May 29-31
by SOGA“Be a Fan. Bring out the Champion in Everyone.” Special Olympics Georgia State Summer Games May 29-31
Atlanta – May 26, 2015 – Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) will host its annual State Summer Games for more than 2,000 athletes, coaches, and unified partners on May 29-31 at Emory University.
Athletes will compete in aquatics, athletics, flag football, gymnastics, soccer, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball, with medals awarded throughout the weekend. Aetna is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2015 State Summer Games.
“We are looking forward to our 27th State Summer Games held at the beautiful Emory University campus,” said SOGA CEO Georgia Milton-Sheats. “It is so joyful as the vans, buses and cars roll in for the weekend filled with well-trained athletes ready for their weekend to compete and shine. I invite you and your family and friends to come out to the Games and be a Fan in the Stands.”
Leading up to games, law enforcement officers from agencies all over Georgia have teamed up with SOGA in a 1,000-mile torch relay across the state leading up to the State Summer Games. The “Flame of Hope” will light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony on Friday to signify the opening of the games.
The Opening Ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Emory’s McDonough Field. The parade of athletes will be led by Grand Marshal, and former Atlanta Falcon, Harry Douglas, and the athletes will be escorted by the Law Enforcement Torch Run Officers from across the state. Ken Rodriguez of Fox 5 TV will be the Master of Ceremony.
The games are free and open to the public. Parking is free at Peavine Parking deck.
Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA)
SOGA provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for 26,698 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. For more information visit www.SpecialOlympicsGA.org.
Special Olympics Georgia hosts annual Over the Edge Event at Buckhead Tower
by SOGASpecial Olympics Georgia hosts annual Over the Edge Event at Buckhead Tower
Atlanta,Ga –April 29, 2015 – 80 participants will rappel from the 20-story building known as Buckhead Tower on May 2 in support of Special Olympics Georgia and over 26,702 athletes. The event is expected to raise over $100,000 for the organization in order to support the year-round training and competition of its incredible Special Olympics Georgia athletes.
Participants raised a minimum of $1,000 for the opportunity to go Over the Edge of Buckhead Tower at Lenox Square. Participating in an event that takes them out of their comfort zone and ultimately changes their lives forever, participants like Cassie from Q100 the Bert Show, WSBTV’s Mark Winne, Donna Lampkin, and Heather Catlin, and many more show the world their courage and their support of what Special Olympics athletes experience every day.
The event will go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a live DJ and food truck on site so come out and show your support for the brave individuals reaching new heights for a great cause.
Over the Edge is proudly sponsored by AutoTrader, Sam’s Club, Fulcrum Equity Partners, Q100-The Bert Show, Mr. Hugh P. Nunnally, Jr., Mary & Mike Twiner, Hometown Foundation Inc., and WSB-TV Family to Family.
For more information or to make a donation visit: oteatlanta2015.org or contact Kristin Hill: kristin.hill@specialolympicsga.org
Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA)
SOGA provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Georgia invests in people with intellectual disabilities helping them to develop athletic skills, while also promoting the abilities of the athletes off the field. When the athletes succeed, attitudes change, communities develop, health and self esteem are built, and the eyes of the world are focused on all that is good and hopeful and positive. Athletes gain skills for employment, learn independent living skills, form relationships and help others understand their extraordinary capabilities despite health issues they experience daily.
For more information, visit www.specialolympicsga.org.
State Winter Games in Cobb County set for next weekend
by SOGAContact:
Wendy Bigham
Senior Public Relations Manager
Special Olympics Georgia
Wendy.Bigham@SpecialOlympicsGA.org
Ph: 770-414-9390 ext.117
Fax: 770-216-8339
State Winter Games in Cobb County set for next weekend
ATLANTA – Jan. 15, 2015 – Athletes from all over the state will compete in Special Olympics Georgia’s State Indoor Winter Games at various venues in Cobb County Jan. 23-25.
Nearly 2,300 participants and unified partners will participate in the following sports competitions: basketball, bowling, floor hockey, gymnastics, and roller skating. Southeast Powerlifting is also being held during the weekend at the Marriott Hotel. The games are free and open to the public.
The Games’ Opening Ceremony is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23 at Cobb Civic Center in Marietta. The Opening Ceremony Grand Marshal is three-time Super Bowl Champion and former San Francisco 49ers’ All-Pro center Randy Cross. He hosts “The Morning Show with Marc and Randy” weekdays on 92.9 The Game with Marc James.
Competitions will continue Saturday and Sunday at various locations, including Suwanee Sports Academy, Smyrna Community Center, Marietta Middle School, and the Cobb County Civic Center.
Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA)
SOGA provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for 26,702 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. For more information visit www.SpecialOlympicsGA.org.
check out this pdf
by SOGAClick here