News Release: Special Olympics
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NEWS

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For further information, please contact: (Name of Lodge Secretary and telephone number.)

Members of (Name) Masonic Lodge No. (#), located in (City), have contributed ($) to send athletes to compete in Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games.  The event will be held from June 24 to June 26, 2011 at the football stadium of The Ohio State University.  Children and adults who are mentally challenged from across the state will take part in this event.

Ohio Masons have given more than $3.2 million to Special Olympics Ohio to support the program over the past 30 years.  In 2010, they contributed $200,000.  It costs about $130 per athlete to attend.  In addition to financial support, the Masons host a welcome center for Summer Games’ athletes and their families, provide volunteer help during the contests, and participate in the Parade of Athletes during the opening ceremonies.  The opening ceremonies, which include the Parade of Athletes, will take place Friday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the football stadium. 

Special Olympics Ohio provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for more than 21,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.  Special Olympics contributes to the physical, social, and psychological development of the athletes. Through successful experiences in sports, they gain confidence and build a positive self-image which carries over into the classroom, home, job and community.

There are approximately 125 local and area events and Special Olympics Ohio hosts eight state-wide competitions each year, covering 22 sports.  General information is available at www.freemason.com.  For local information, contact (name of Lodge Secretary and telephone number.)

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