Contact:
Wendy Bigham
Senior Public Relations Manager
Special OlympicsGeorgia
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 18-20
Atlanta (May 15) – Special Olympics of Georgia (SOGA) will host its annual State Summer Games for more than 2,200 athletes and coaches May 18-20 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.
“Special Olympics Georgia has hosted the State Summer Games at Emory University since 1988 and I’m happy to say that this year’s games is our largest in history. The sports venues, meals facilities and housing are absolutely perfect for the delegates of the games and the sponsors and volunteers who attend throughout the weekend are top notch,” said SOGA CEO Georgia Milton-Sheats. “We can’t wait to kick off the games Friday night at Opening Ceremony and I am personally inviting the general public to come out anytime during the weekend to cheer on the talented athletes. Come be a Fan in the Stands and you will be inspired,” she said.
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 the state 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 Grand Marshals Raphael Cox, Joe Nasco, Tony McManus, David Santamaria, of the Atlanta Silverbacks, and 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.