"Since its founding in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics has
reached millions of athletes with mental retardation in the United States and in more
than 143 countries. There are local Special Olympics programs in more than 25,000
communities in the United States alone. More than 500,000 volunteers are involved
with Special Olympics right now�but even twice that number would be welcome
and necessary."

Special Olympics European Football Week to be held in more than 40 countries Special Olympics European Football Week will be held during the week of 14-21 April 2002. Approximately 10,000 players with mental retardation will participate in football (soccer) events in more than 40 countries throughout the Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia region. "Special Olympics European Football Week is an opportunity for everyone who is involved in football to reach out to individuals with passion for football that is shared by millions of people," said Michael Smith, managing director of the Brussels-based office of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia. "Some of the biggest clubs in Europe will be involved in Football Week, including Real Madrid CF, FC Bayern Munchen and Olympique de Marseille. One of the highlights of the Football Week will be in Italy where all Serie A and Serie B teams will walk onto the pitch wearing Special Olympics T-shirts prior to league matches," Smith said. This is the second Special Olympics European Football Week to be held. The inaugural event, held last year, involved 5,000 Special Olympics players in 30 countries. Football is one of the region's most popular sports, with 25,000 Special Olympics players in Europe/Eurasia. Special Olympics expects to double the number of players by 2005 through its football development project. The project, supported by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), aims to attract new volunteer coaches, create more competitions, expand opportunities for players with and without mental handicaps to participate on teams together, increase opportunities for young and female players, and increase involvement of national football associations. Special Olympics European Football Week is one of the highlights of the project. "UEFA is proud to support the Special Olympics football development project which is most definitely an invaluable means of integration," said Gerhard Aigner, chief executive officer, UEFA. "I invite everyone in the European football family to be part of the Special Olympics European Football Week." For information, contact: Beverley Hill at [email protected]

Olympic legend Nadia Comaneci Named Spokesperson for 2000 Special Olympics European Games First gymnast to score perfect 10 is long-time supporter of Special Olympics Olympic legend Nadia Comaneci made Olympic history at the 1976 Games in Montreal when, as a member of the Romanian team, she became the first gymnast to score a perfect 10. At those Games she received seven perfect 10s, three gold medals, one silver and one bronze. From May 27-June 4, 2000, she will be the spokesperson for the Special Olympics European Games, which will be held in Groningen,the Netherlands. The European Games is the largest multi-sports event in Europe for individuals with mental handicaps this year. Comaneci will joined by her husband United States Olympic champion Bart Conner and other sports celebrities at Opening Ceremonies on May 28 and will conduct training clinics at the gymnastics venue during the week of competition (May 29-June 2).

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PHOENIX PLEDGES TO �HONOR AN ATHLETE' WITH COMMEMORATIVE SHRIVER COIN Campaign Will Celebrate 30 Years of Special Olympics; More than $2 Million To Be Raised Through Coin Donations (Washington, D.C. -- February 16, 1998) -- Special Olympics International and Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance Company announced today the creation of the Honor An Athlete campaign, a new fund raising initiative designed to pay tribute to the thousands of Special Olympics athletes competing throughout the United States this year. Nearly 100,000 commemorative coins, featuring the likeness of Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, have been made available to individuals and businesses for a $30 donation. The sponsored coins will be presented to athletes competing at Special Olympics state Summer Games in 1998. The campaign is expected to generate more than $2 million for Special Olympics programs. "We're pleased to spearhead this important initiative," said Robert W. Fiondella, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Phoenix. "The Honor An Athlete campaign is a unique and creative way for Special Olympics supporters to make a significant contribution to their local Special Olympics programs, while at the same time paying personal tribute to the achievements and abilities of individual athletes." Each coin will be accompanied by a card, a certificate of authenticity and a personal message and signature from the donor. Individuals interested in becoming Honor an Athlete donors can do so by contacting their local Special Olympics office or by calling Special Olympics International toll-free at 1-800-700-8585. The Special Olympics Commemorative Coin, struck by the U.S. mint in 1995, is the first and only U.S. coin to feature the likeness of a living woman. The portrait of Mrs. Shriver was executed by renowned American artist James Wyeth and the portrait and coin design were approved by Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin. More information on this and other activities can be found at the link shown below. In 1999, the biggest sporting event on the planet will come to North Carolina! If you're into heroes and sports that inspire, then get into the 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games!

Information on Events for
2000 Special Olympics European Games Coming May 27!

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Links to other sites on the Web

Special Olympics International

Jennifer Hoover, read her story.

Special Olympics Tippecanoe County; Lafayette, IN

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