“Be a Fan. Bring out the Champion in Everyone.” Special Olympics Georgia State Summer Games May 29-31

“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.