Press Release

May 15, 2008

MEDIA ADVISORY: Special Olympics this weekend

May 16 – 18: Troy University will be the site for the 2008 Special Olympics Alabama State Games May 16 - 18 for about 700 athletes with mental retardation and some 350 coaches and chaperones.

Opening Ceremonies begin at 7 p.m. in Movie Gallery Veterans Memorial Stadium. No credentialing is required to cover this event.

Competition events begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The venues are as follows:

• Aquatics Troy Recreation Center
• Athletics Troy University Track and Field Complex
• Bocce Charles Henderson High School Indoor Practice Facility
• Bowling Woodmere Lanes (Montgomery)
• Equestrian Cattlemen's Association Arena (Highway 231 South)
• Golf Trojan Oaks Golf Course
• Gymnastics Troy Recreation Center
• Powerlifting 1st Floor, R. Douglas Hawkins Stadium Tower
• Softball Troy University Softball Complex (Elm Street)
• Tennis Lunsford Municipal Tennis Complex (Elm Street)

Competition period is from 9 a.m. – Noon and resumes at 1 p.m.

In addition to the competition events, the following venues are hosting various activities on Saturday:

  • Olympic Town: Adjacent to Trojan Arena and running from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. with various activities and entertainment
  • “Puttin’ on the Hits:” Talent show at Karaoke Booth in Olympic Town 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Victory Dance: 7 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. in Trojan Arena
  • Closing Ceremonies: 8:30 a.m. Sunday in Trojan Arena

If your organization needs assistance on Saturday or Sunday, please contact Clif Lusk via cell phone at 334-268-9982.

A Special Olympics media kit is available at
http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Press_Room/Press+Kit/default.htm
This kit contains a style guide to assist in coverage.