Press Release

For Immediate Release

CONTACT:

Fern Conte Miele, Director of External Affairs,

On-Site as of 2/21/05:  (412) 292-6103

fmiele@specialolympicspa.org

Susan Prior, Director of Public Relations

 In Office: (800)235-9058, ext. 231

sprior@specialolympicspa.org

2005 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games

Set for February 22-25, 2005

Edward J. Sheehan, Jr. of CTC, Inc. to serve as Honorary Chair for 29th Annual Event

(Aliquippa, PA, February 22, 2005) – Nearly 600 athletes and 200 coaches from across Pennsylvania will travel to the 2005 Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) Winter Games in the Johnstown area, February 22-25.  This statewide competition is returning to Johnstown for the fifth 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.

Edward J. Sheehan, Jr., Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Concurrent Technologies Corporation, Inc. in Johnstown, will serve as the honorary chair of the 2005 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games. Sheehan is a member of the Executive Management Team and the Board of Directors of Concurrent Technologies Corporation and also serves as the Chairman and President of the CTC Foundation, a supporting organization dedicated to bringing together expertise to tangibly enhance the lives of others. As a well-known business and civic leader, Sheehan was chosen by Special Olympics Pennsylvania to be the honorary chair of the Games and to speak, during Opening and Closing Ceremonies.  Concurrent Technologies Corporation has been a supporter and sponsor of the Special Olympics Winter Games for more than seven years, lending professional, financial, in-kind and technical support of the Games.

 “Events such as Winter Games are anticipated by our athletes all year, but are only possible through the generosity of our neighbors and local businesses such as Concurrent Technologies Corporation, who understand the immense benefits they return to our athletes,” said Janine Cesare, President, Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

The Games begin with Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, February 22, at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown campus.  Competition begins Wednesday, February 23.  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 24, and Closing Ceremonies will be Thursday evening at the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center.  Other activities include a Winter Festival at Forest Hills High School,  and a victory dance to be held after Closing Ceremonies.

Those interested in volunteering at the 2005 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. Information can also be found on the Winter Games Web site at www.sopawintergames.ctcnet.net.

Spectators are welcome to visit any of the competition venues and cheer-on the athletes at SOPA’s first state-level event of 2005.  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 26,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities.  For more information about how SOPA inspires greatness, visit our Web site at www.specialolympicspa.org.