Press Release

For Immediate Release

CONTACT:

Susan Prior, Director of Public Relations

800-235-9058, ext 231

sprior@specialolympicspa.org

M&T BANK HELPS LOCAL ATHLETES TO

REPRESENT THE USA AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

WORLD WINTER GAMES IN JAPAN

Grassroots Fundraising Effort will Fund Athletes’ Trip to the

 2005 Winter World Games in Japan

(July 16, 2004 - Harrisburg, PA) —Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) today announced a partnership with M&T BANK to support three local athletes chosen to compete internationally at the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.   M&T launched the fundraising effort by announcing a $5,000 donation at a press conference held at their Harrisburg regional headquarters in the presence of SOPA representatives, Mayor Stephen Reed, community members and local athletes.

“Remarkably, Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the nation for the number of athletes competing in the games. Of the six athletes from Pennsylvania, three live in the Harrisburg area, making the games particularly exciting for our community” said Mayor Reed.  “M&T has shown tremendous interest in serving its neighboring communities. I applaud M&T for their fundraising efforts which will help ensure local athletes reach Nagano this winter.”

Athletes compete successfully on the local and state level for the opportunity to compete internationally at the World Games. The cost per athlete is $10,000 and includes local training, Team USA training in Colorado, coaching, competition, international travel expenses, equipment, health care, social activities, lodging, meals and other needs.  All athletes participate free of charge and are supported in full by contributions.

“We are extremely proud of these local athletes who have demonstrated remarkable devotion to their sports,” said M&T Bank Regional President Michael S. Murchie. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to help our athletes prepare and compete on a global scale.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them and for our bank.  We appreciate the opportunity to pull the community together to benefit our local champions.”

The World Winter Games in Nagano are slated to host 2,500 athletes, 650 coaches and 10,000 volunteers, friends and families from 80 countries in seven sports including alpine and cross country skiing, figure and speed skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing and snowboarding.

About the Local Special Olympics Athletes

Derek Eshenour is known as the “Iron-man.”  He will represent the U.S. in speed skating.  In addition, he has competed in soccer, alpine skiing, long distance running, golf, roller skating, swimming, roller hockey and ice hockey.  If you ask Derek what his favorite sound is – there is no doubt he will tell you that it’s the sound of his blades cutting the ice.  For Derek, it’s all about the ice and a love of speed.

Reuben Kreps will compete in alpine skiing.  He attends Newport High School, where he was recently named football lineman of the year for his High School football team.  He enjoys Special Olympics because of the motivation, ambition and training it has provided him. His goals for the future include graduation, owning his own welding shop and flying down the slopes in Nagano to capture the gold! 

Jennifer Stephens is one of the youngest athletes selected to go to World Winter Games.  She has been competing for five years in the sports of soccer, gymnastics, athletics and speed skating.  She is a high school sophomore and sings in the mixed choir.  She is training for speed skating by swimming laps in her family’s pool.  Her goal is to make new friends from around the world in Nagano, and putting her best foot forward on the ice. 

To Make a Donation

To make a donation, local citizens and businesses can visit any M&T branch.  Donations should be made payable to Special Olympics Pennsylvania.  The name of the account is “Special Olympics Pennsylvania World Games.”  Donations can also be mailed to: Special Olympics Pennsylvania World Games, c/o M&T Bank, 213 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Contributions will help support the athletes training and competition needs.

M&T Bank

M&T Bank serves customers at more that 675 branches in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania