Contact:          

Christie McDevitt, APR, Director of Public Relations
(800) 235-9058, ext. 231 or cmcdevitt@specialolympicspa.org or
Fern Miele, Director of External Affairs, (800)233-5161 or
fmiele@specialolympicspa.org

Special Olympics Pennsylvania 2004 Winter Games
28^th Annual Event Set for February 17-20, 2004 

(Aliquippa, PA, January 22) - Over 600 athletes and 200 coaches representing 34 counties from across Pennsylvania will travel to the 2004 Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) Winter Games in the Johnstown area, February 17-20.  This statewide competition is returning to Johnstown for the fourth consecutive year.  The event will feature intense competition in alpine and cross-country skiing, figure and speed skating, and floor hockey team and individual skills events.

The Games begin with Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, February 17, at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena.  Competition begins Wednesday, February 18.  Alpine skiing events will take place at Hidden Valley Ski Resort.  Cross-country skiing events will be held at Blue Knob Ski Resort.  Figure skating events will be at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena and speed skating will take place at Planet Ice.  Floor hockey events will be located at Saint Francis University.   

Competition ends on Thursday, February 19, and Closing Ceremonies will be Thursday evening at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center.  Other activities include a Winter Festival and a victory dance to be held after Closing Ceremonies.

Those interested in volunteering at the 2004 Winter Games may call (800)-233-5161.  Volunteers from around the state are welcome to serve as officials, athlete escorts, and award presenters, as well as to provide administrative support.

Spectators are welcome to visit any of the competition venues and cheer on the athletes at SOPA's first state-level event of 2004.  There is no charge to attend SOPA competitions for athletes, volunteers or spectators.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania provides year-round training and competition in 23 Olympic-type sports to more than 25,000 children and adults with mental retardation or closely related developmental disabilities.  For more information about how SOPA inspires greatness, visit our Web site at www.specialolympicspa.org.