General Media Highlights From Around the World
-- Dominica News (Dominican Republic), 31 August --Islandwide gathering for Special Olympics
Special Olympics Dominica held its 15th Annual National Games at the Botanic Gardens on Sunday. Chairman of Special Olympics Ainsworth Irish says the games catered for physically and mentally challenged athletes from across the island. Read more

-- Guampdn.com (Guam), 30 August --$5,000 to Special Olympics of Guam
The Guam Reef Hotel recently awarded $5,000 to Special Olympics of Guam. The proceeds are from the Third Annual Guam Reef Hotel Golf Tournament. Read more

-- Eagle Tribune (US), 29 August --Special Olympics changed course of young man's life
Benjamin Demers, 22, saunters into the kitchen in tank top and sunglasses, hanging back a bit before deigning to join his mom and dad at the counter. He soon ditches the shades — and any pretense — and talks about the Special Olympics with little of the heavy tongue that characterizes the speech of some people with Down syndrome. "This is so awesome to be a Special (Olympian)," Benjamin says. "I can't live without my friends. They ... are so special." His voice breaks. Read more

-- Edmonton Journal (Canada), 28 August --Auto dealers raise $260,025 for Special Olympics
The Motor Dealers' Association of Alberta held their annual charity gala and golf tournament last week. The event, the 25th annual, raised $260,025 and brings the total raised for Special Olympics close to $4.5 million. This year's total will be shared by Special Olympics and its Edmonton affiliate in a 90-10 split. Read more

-- Leominster Champion (US), 28 August --Leominster's own special Olympian has much to be thankful for
In the recent weeks, we've all come to know more and more about the work that Eunice Kennedy Shriver accomplished prior to her death. We've seen videos of Special Olympians competing in games that Mrs. Shriver worked so tirelessly to give these "special" people. Her legacy will live on in the lives of millions across the United States, and one of those millions, Gage Dumais, of Leominster, is living proof of the gift left behind by Mrs. Shriver. Nineteen-year-old Gage has participated in the Special Olympics for six years now, and according to his mother Jackie, "He's been given opportunities that he would never have had otherwise." Read more

-- Kansas City Star (US), 27 August --Rappelling for a cause
For $1000, you can rapel down the side of a building in Kansas City, Missouri. The money benefits Special Olympics Missouri, which supports more than 2,000 local Special Olympics athletes. Read more

-- Channel 12 Fox News (US), 27 August --DJ Camps Out On Roof To Raise Money For Special Olympics
And finally tonight... What do you get when you add a disc-jockey, a tent, and a roof together?It's Three Eagles Communications' latest promotion. The Blaze's Fat Kid went on top of the Rooms and Rest building in Mankato early this morning and won't come down until the station raises 8-thousand dollars for Special Olympics. Read more

-- Telegraph Journal (Canada), 26 August --Games perfect fit for Special Olympics Team
New Brunswick chef de mission for the 2009 Canada Games Jennifer Bent-Richard watched a 100-metre track race Monday. What she saw brought a smile to her face. The event didn't stand out from any other at the Games being held in Prince Edward Island. An average size crowd gathered to observe and Team N.B. athletes were cheering on their teammates. An event just like any other. The competition Bent-Richard was taking in was the men's 100-m Special Olympics race. The Special Olympics have been part of the Canada Games since 2001 in Regina, Sask. Read more

-- Warren Reporter (US), 26 August --International Trade Center Alliance Triathlon dedicates 2009 race to Eunice Kennedy Shriver
In honor of Shriver's efforts, this year's International Trade Center Alliance (ITCA) Triathlon is being dedicated to her memory. A special moment will be held in her honor prior to the start of this year's race on Saturday Sept. 26 at the International Trade Center in Mount Olive. Read more

-- Ipswich Chronicle (US), 26 August --Fifth Ride with the Champions circles center of Essex County for Special Olympics
Dappled sunlight through overhanging trees, long roads going through salt marshes, a sea breeze picks up with the taste of salt in the air. These are the sensations meeting the participants of the Ride with the Champions year after year, and these participants should be able to get a similar feeling this Saturday, Aug. 29. The Ride with the Champions benefits Special Olympics of Massachusetts (SOMA), raising more money each year. This year, the fifth annual Ride will start and end at the Topsfield Fairgrounds. Read more

-- Land Line Magazine (US), 25 August --For Special Olympics: first convoy rolls this weekend
It’s that time of year again when trucks roll down the highways in 26 states and three Canadian provinces to raise money for the Special Olympics. This year, Louisiana leads off with a convoy this Saturday, Aug. 29, that will start in West Monroe. Most states will hold their World’s Largest Truck Convoy Sept. 26, but some are earlier and some later. Read more

Global Sponsors
-- Globes (Israel), 25 August --Coca-Cola CEO guest of honor at Globes event: Proceeds from the event on August 31 will go to the Israel Special Olympics
How does a super-brand established in the late 19th century navigate the economic storms of the third millennium? How does it cope with the rapid development of markets, rising awareness about health and the environment, and with multifaceted media? The Coca-Cola Company chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent will answer these questions during a visit to Israel to attend a joint event by "Globes" and the Israeli Special Olympics Committee on August 31. Read more

Health and Wellness
-- News Agency of Kashmir (India), 30 August --MEDFEST screening camp inaugurated at Srinagar: Special treatment for special children scheme to be introduced in the state Minister for Social Welfare, Ms Sakina Itoo inaugurated MEDFEST screening camp here today. The aim of the camp was to screen the Special Healthy Athletes and provide a platform to the persons with intellectual disabilities to display their talent at the State, National and International Sports Events organized by Special Olympics Committee. Read more

--WFTV Orlando (US), 30 August --Healthy Athletes Screenings at Special Olympics Event
Today parents can bring out their kids to get free vision screenings. The Special Olympics of Seminole County and Pedia Vision are teaming up for this event at the Lake Mary high school gym. Parents can also make an appoint document receive free physicals for their children. Read more

-- New Blaze (US), 22 August --UCare grant will help enhance and expand the "Healthy Athletes" program in Minnesota
UCare announced today that its UCare Fund has made 19 grants totaling $266,400 to Minnesota organizations working to reduce obesity and promote healthy lifestyles among people of all ages. Read more