http://www.specialolympics.org/singlerssfeed.aspx?cid=25Special Olympics: Press Releaseshttp://www.specialolympics.org/2010-02-03_press_release_special_olympics_and_best_buddies_proclaim_march_3rd_as_day_to_spread_the_word_to_end_the_word.aspx<p>Washington, D.C. – Feb 3, 2010 – Exactly one month from today, Special Olympics, Best Buddies and supporters from across the world will unite in support of a grassroots movement challenging the use of an outdated word that must be recognized for its hurtful impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). On March 3rd, Spread the Word to End the Word awareness day will commence - engaging schools, organizations and communities by raising the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed),” and encouraging everyone to stop using the R-word by signing our pledge and encouraging their friends and families to do the same.</p>Editor 1 SOIWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/joint-statement-of-disability-leaders.aspx<p>We came here today to meet with Rahm Emanuel and share with him our view on the importance and impact of language. We wanted to invite Mr. Emanuel and all of America to understand the collective efforts of our community to remove the words “retard” and “retarded” from everyday speech.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/special-olympics-statement-on-emanuel-meeting.aspx<p>As a response to a letter written by Special Olympics Chairman and CEO Timothy Shriver to White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 regarding a Wall Street Journal article attributing Emanuel as referring to a certain plan as ‘retarded,’ the following people have been invited to a meeting with Chief of Staff Emanuel at the White House at 2:00 PM tomorrow, Wednesday February 3, 2010:<br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/2010-01-29_press_release_special_olympics_best_buddies_spend_day_on_capitol_hill.aspx<p>In conjunction with their efforts on Capitol Hill, Special Olympics Chairman and CEO, Tim Shriver, and Best Buddies Founder and Chairman, Anthony Shriver, have announced an official annual day in honor of their mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, every fourth Saturday in September with the first this September 25, 2010. </p>Editor 1 SOIWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/press_release_2010-01-27_developing_an_inclusive_workforce_a_town_hall.aspx<p><strong>Today</strong>, influencers in the area of employment of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) will convene in Washington, D.C. for a first-of-its kind workforce development town hall. Presented by Bank of America and hosted by Special Olympics (SOI), corporate leaders, government leaders, non-profits and advocates will come together for a day-long forum to discuss issues around employment of people with ID, paying special attention to the current economic climate.</p>Editor 1 SOIThu, 28 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/2010-01-27_media_alert_special_olympics_hosts_developing_an_inclusive_workforce.aspx<p>The town hall, made possible by Bank of America, will include a panel of distinguished speakers that will discuss ways to develop an inclusive workforce. Guests will have the opportunity to join in the panel discussion via a town-hall style session arranged to encourage feedback and continue the conversation beyond the walls of the forum.</p>Editor 1 SOIWed, 27 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/Special_Olympics_Best_Buddies_Converge_On_Capitol_Hill.aspx<p>On Wednesday, January 27, Special Olympics athletes and Best Buddies participants, along with coaches, program leaders and family members from 45 states, will participate in their annual Capitol Hill Day in honor of the legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver.</p>Editor 1 SOIWed, 27 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/press_release_david_rutherford_regional_managing_dir_asia_pacific.aspx<p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: &quot;Arial&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: &quot;Arial&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font>Special Olympics announced today David Rutherford as Regional Managing Director for their Asia Pacific Region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Beginning today, Rutherford will bring his wealth of international sports background and leadership to the Region where he will oversee development of Special Olympics throughout the 22 Countries that comprise the Asia Pacific Region. In this role he will support delivery of quality programming for the over 700,000 current athletes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></font></span></span></p>Editor 1 SOIWed, 20 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/press_release_terry_richey_chief_mktg_devel_officer.aspx<p>Special Olympics has announced Terry Richey as Chief Marketing and Development Officer, a new position for the movement. Beginning today, Richey will bring his wealth of marketing and partnership experience to Special Olympics to oversee the non-profit’s global efforts in communications and fund raising strategy.</p>Editor 1 SOIWed, 20 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/european_parliament_votes_to_provide_special_olympics_europe-eurasia_with_six_million_euro.aspx<p>Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia (SOEE) has received a significant boost to its efforts in bettering the life of people with intellectual disabilities through sport, on the adoption of the European Union’s general budget for 2010. </p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/press_release_walmart_grant_promotes_athlete_health.aspx<p>Long-time Special Olympics supporter the Walmart Foundation has awarded $100,000 to Special Olympics in order to maintain Healthy Athletes® initiatives run by its state Programs across the U.S., as well as enhance the quality and capacity of health-related events. These grants are designed to provide financial support in a number of health-related areas including the purchase of equipment to provide health screenings and provide products like hearing aids and toothbrushes to athletes free of charge.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/press-release-South-Africa-First-Lady-Kicks-Off-Football-Initiative.aspx<p>Special Olympics Africa (SOA) today launched its African Football Initiative with a friendly Unified™ celebrity football challenge in Nelson Mandela Square, Johannesburg.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/joe_jonas_visits_special_olympics_ireland.aspx<p>Special Olympics athletes from Blackrock Flyers Special Olympics Club in Dublin welcomed a surprise guest to their club on Monday. Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers took the opportunity, while in Dublin, to visit the club and meet some of the athletes.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/ecumenical_patriarch_a_volunteer_in_the_athens_2011_special_olympics_games.aspx<p>His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is a VOLUNTEER in the ATHENS 2011 Special Olympics Games.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/Procter_Gamble_Latin_America_Campaign.aspx<p>PROCTER &amp; GAMBLE LATIN AMERICA LAUNCHES MILESTONE TWO-YEAR CAMPAIGN IN 15 LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES WITH COMMITMENT TO DONATE US$ 630,000 IN SUPPORT OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS LATIN AMERICA<br />Campaign represents first-ever regional sponsorship generating non- restricted revenues that will be shared equally with Programs and Regional Office </p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/press_room_statement_rosas_law.aspx<p>The Special Olympics movement supports the introduction of "Rosa's Law" in the U.S. Senate as a way to show that no form of the R-word should appear in the nation's laws.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/euroleague_basketball_dedicates_game_to_special_olympics.aspx<p>The Euroleague 2009-2010 season is underway and Europe’s most competitive tournament is getting behind Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia to promote opportunities for people with intellectuals disabilities in basketball.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/special_olympics_europe_eurasia_receives_over_half_a_million_dollars.aspx<p>Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia have received a significant boost to its efforts in promoting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities through sport, on receiving this week a funding grant of $671,543 (447,120.00 Euro) from the European Commission under the Preparatory Action in the field of sport 2009. </p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/press_release_2009_shutterfly_holiday_cards.aspx<p>Shutterfly, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFLY), the leading Internet-based social expression and personal publishing service, today launches its collection of “Support-A-Cause” holiday cards to benefit five charitable organizations: American Lung Association, Heifer International, LIVESTRONG, Special Olympics and World Wildlife Fund. Ten percent of Shutterfly proceeds from the sale of “Support-A-Cause” cards will go back to the respective causes.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/press_release_2010_global_congress_in_morocco.aspx<p>Special Olympics is proud to announce this year's Christmas music album, A Very Special Christmas 7, featuring several of the most popular artists recording today.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/special-olympics-statement-on-life-of-senator-kennedy.aspx<p>The entire global Special Olympics movement is deeply saddened by the death of Senator Kennedy. He was a staunch supporter of Special Olympics throughout his life – from our movement’s earliest days until his own final weeks – and a true champion of people with intellectual disabilities in this country and around the world.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/statement-on-death-of-senator-kennedy.aspx<p>The entire global Special Olympics movement is deeply saddened by the death of Senator Kennedy. He was a staunch supporter of Special Olympics throughout his life – from our movement’s earliest days until his own final weeks – and a true champion of people with intellectual disabilities in this country and around the world.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/special_olympics_mourns_the_loss_of_eunice_kennedy_shriver.aspx<p>HYANNIS, MA (August 11, 2009) - Eunice Kennedy Shriver died early this morning at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Massachusetts, surrounded by her family. She was 88 years old. Near her at the time of her death were her husband, R. Sargent Shriver; her five children: Robert “Bobby” Sargent Shriver III, Maria Owings Shriver, Timothy Perry Shriver, Mark Kennedy Shriver and Anthony Paul Kennedy Shriver, as well as their spouses and all of her nineteen grandchildren. <br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/Shriver_Family_Statement_on_the_Health_of_Eunice_Kennedy_Shriver.aspx<p>Eunice Kennedy Shriver is in Cape Cod Hospital in intensive care in critical but stable condition. Her entire family is with her<br />her husband, all her children and her grandchildren. The family is grateful for the prayers of her many friends.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/Special_Olympics_Statement_on_the_Health_of_Eunice_Kennedy_Shriver.aspx<p> The Special Olympics movement is deeply saddened to hear that our Founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, is hospitalized. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Shriver and her family at this time.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/content.aspx?id=8066<p>Move to the music and support Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) and the Jonas Brothers’ Change for the Children Foundation! Joe Jonas of the Grammy-nominated and Hollywood Records platinum-selling artists, Jonas Brothers, will lead the run at the iWin Joe Jonas Fun Run on August 13 at the historic Sunset Station in San Antonio.<br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/content.aspx?id=8519<p>Today, at a ceremony Chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Lala Amina and under the Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, it was announced that Morocco will host the upcoming Special Olympics Global Congress scheduled for 7-10 June 2010 in Marrakesh.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/press_release_NCOHF_partnership.aspx<p>Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) and National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s Toothfairy (NCOHF) have created a partnership to fight pediatric dental disease and promote overall health and well being for millions of children with intellectual disabilities through SOI’s “Special Olympics Special Smiles” program.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/major_league_wives_step_up_to_the_plate.aspx<p>Special Olympics announces a new partnership with the Baseball Wives Charitable Foundation (BWCF) and the BWCF “Step Up to the Plate” initiative to raise money for Special Olympics programs nationwide.<br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/keys_to_the_city.aspx<p>At a private event, Mayor David Bieter presented Brady Lum, President and COO of Special Olympics, Chip Fisher, Chairman and CEO of the 2009 World Games Organizing Committee (GOC), and several Special Olympics athletes each with a Key to the City of Boise, Idaho, in recognition of the tremendous gift the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games were to the local community in February.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/special_olympics_benefits_from_safeway_2009_april_promotion.aspx<p>As a result of Safeway’s April 2009 Promotion to benefit individuals with disabilities in the United States, Special Olympics is pleased to announce that $11.2 million dollars was raised, $2 million more than the total from 2008’s promotion. The donations will be distributed to Special Olympics and Easter Seals. <br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/new_board_member.aspx<p>David Rutherford, Chairman of Special Olympics New Zealand, was elected to the Special Olympics International Board of Directors as the Asia-Pacific International Advisory Committee Representative by the Asia-Pacific Advisory Committee during its annual business meeting.<br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/Eunice_Kennedy_Shriver_portrait.aspx<p>On 9 May 2009, the National Portrait Gallery unveiled a historic portrait of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics founder, Best Buddies International Board Member, and champion of all people with intellectual disabilities. This historic painting is the first portrait the Gallery has ever commissioned of an individual who has not served as a U.S. President or First Lady, and will become a part of the permanent collection.<br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/kk_letr_unite.aspx<p>Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE: KKD) and local law enforcement officers have united again for the annual Cops on Doughnut Shops® program to benefit Special Olympics. Police officers will sit on the roofs of local Krispy Kreme stores throughout the U.S. to raise funds for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® and increase awareness of the Special Olympics movement.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/2009_caribbean_award.aspx<p>The National Sports Council, 2008 National Sports Awards proudly announced for the first time that Special Olympics St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SOSVG) was nominated in three categories whose theme for 2008 was "Promoting National Wellness Through Sports". The event was held at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex under the patronage of the Governor General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sir Frederick Ballantyne and was sponsored by the National Lotteries Authority of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/2009_SOEE_football_week.aspx<p>The ninth annual Special Olympics European Football Week will be held 25 April-3 May, 2009. An estimated 50,000 players with intellectual disabilities are expected to participate in football events in 45 countries throughout Europe/Eurasia. <br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/official_statement.aspx<p>Official statement from Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver regarding U.S. President Obama's comment on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/Spread_the_Word_McGinley.aspx<p>Special Olympics announced today a new youth-lead effort - <strong>Spread the Word to End the Word - 3.31.09</strong>, encouraging people nationwide to pledge to stop using the derogatory word “retard.” <br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/content.aspx?id=6554<p>Athletes, along with coaches, Program leaders and family members from 39 U.S. states, will participate in Special Olympics Capitol Hill Day to thank and to urge their U.S. Representatives and Senators for continued Congressional support for Special Olympics in Fiscal Year 2010.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/content.aspx?id=6550<p>On 5 February, at a press conference at San Siro stadium, one of the world’s leading football icons, Inter Milan, became the first Team Ambassador for Special Olympics Global Football, an initiative promoting acceptance and inclusion of young people with intellectual disabilities.<br /></p>Ida MigginsWed, 04 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/pr_Kareem_Dale_Disability_Policy.aspx<p>Vice President Joe Biden announced Kareem Dale as Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. Dale, who is partially blind, will have direct access to the President in this role andhe will coordinate the Administration's efforts to see that people with disabilities are on a level playing field with all Americans.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/pr_all_eyes_on_Idaho.aspx<p>The Special Olympics Winter World Games begins Saturday, 7 February 2009 where more than 2000 athletes from nearly 100 countries will compete in seven Olympic-type sports. In addition to showcasing the skills and achievements of Special Olympics athletes, the 2009 World Games will embody the movement's messages of acceptance and inclusion.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/pr_media_covering_content.aspx<p>The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be the largest international sporting and humanitarian event this year. Each day, we will provide daily news Highlights and alerts of news, events and stories from the World Winter Games.<br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/pr_BAF_marketing.aspx<p>This week, Special Olympics will launch its first-ever global marketing campaign during their 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Be a fan is being used throughout the world by the more than 200 Special Olympics Programs in more than 180 countries, making this the first time in its 40-year existence, that the movement has launched a global marketing campaign.</p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/content.aspx?id=6557<p>Donation from Bank of America Charitable Foundation assists with Special Olympics Team USA’s 450 delegates arrival in Boise, Idaho, for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Special Olympics athletes from across the country will represent 50 Special Olympics Programs in the United States as they compete in seven Olympic-type winter sports with nearly 100 other Special Olympics Programs.<br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/press_release_2009_wg_celebs.aspx<p>Special Olympics announced today the several celebrities, Olympic and professional athletes, senior government leaders and other key newsmakers that are scheduled to attend the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, from 7-13 February. These celebrity guests will participate in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Global Youth Rally and other events that week, helping cheer on the nearly 2,500 athletes from more than 100 countries that will be competing in the World Games.<br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/press-release-statement-dalai-lama.aspx<p>"For more than 40 years the Special Olympics has been dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people from all walks of life. It was in this spirit that we extended an invitation to the Dalai Lama to attend the upcoming 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho as one of our special guests..."<br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMThttp://www.specialolympics.org/press_release_dhl_delivers_flame_to_us.aspx<p>Under the care and protection of DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics company, the Flame of Hope for the Special Olympics is scheduled to arrive in Miami, Florida, USA on January 13, for its first stop in the United States as part of the Global Law Enforcement Torch Run®.<br /></p>Will SchermerhornWed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT