News Release: Special Olympics
Please retype on your Lodge letterhead.
NEWS
(Mm/day/yr)
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 26 to June 28, 2008 at the athletic facilities of The Ohio State University. Children and adults with intellectual disabilities from across the state will take part in this event.
Ohio Masons have given more than $2.7 million to Special Olympics Ohio to support the program over the past 30 years. In 2008, they contributed an all time high of $208,000. It costs about $100 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 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jesse Owens Sports Complex.
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.)
- 0 -
