Contact:          

Fern Miele, Director of External Affairs, (800)233-5161 or
fmiele@specialolympicspa.org

Kelly Stratton , Director of Public Relations
(800)235-9058, ext. 231
kstratton@specialolympicspa.org

Special Olympics Pennsylvania 2005 Winter Games
29^th Annual Event Set for February 22-24, 2005 

(Aliquippa, PA, December 13, 2004) – Nearly 600 athletes and 250 coaches representing 34 counties from across Pennsylvania will travel to the 2005 Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) Winter Games in the Johnstown area, February 22-24. 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.

The Games begin with Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, February 22, at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown. 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 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.