Contact: Wendy Bigham Senior Public Relations Manager Special Olympics Georgia Wendy.Bigham@SpecialOlympicsGA.org Ph: 770-414-9390 ext.117 Cell: 404-310-6846

(Editor’s Note: Reporters should contact Wendy Bigham during the weekend at (404) 310-6846.)

“Be a Fan. Bring out the Champion in Everyone.” Special Olympics Georgia State Summer Games May 17-19

Atlanta (May 9) – Special Olympics  Georgia (SOGA) will host its annual State Summer Games for more than 1,800 athletes and coaches May 17-19 at Emory University.

Athletes will compete in aquatics, athletics, flag football, gymnastics, soccer, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball, with medals awarded throughout. The games are sponsored by Aetna.

“We look forward to the summer games weekend at Emory University and are excited for the arrival of all the athletes, coaches and volunteers. We know there will be tough competition but the athletes have trained hard and will do their personal best.  We hope people from the community will come out and cheer on the athletes,” said SOGA CEO Georgia Milton-Sheats.

Friday morning, a Law Enforcement Torch Run press conference will be held outside the State Capitol steps at 9 a.m. Elected officials and law enforcement officers have been invited. 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 Opening Ceremony to signify the opening of the games.

Opening Ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Emory’s McDonough Field. The parade of athletes will be led by three-time Olympian Hazel Clark, and athletes will be escorted by the Law Enforcement Torch Run Officers from across the state and Atlanta Silverbacks players. 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 nearly 25,878 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. For more information visit www.SpecialOlympicsGA.org.

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