T-MINUS 100-DAYS AND COUNTING UNTIL THE 2010 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA NATIONAL GAMES

 Thursday, April 8th  marked the 100-day countdown until 59 athletes, 2 unified partners, 17 coaches and five Special Olympics Michigan staff members arrive in Lincoln, Nebraska for the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games. These 61 Michigan athletes will be among 3,000 others from 48 states participating in the USA National Games, July 18-23. The Games will mark a milestone as the largest event in the history of the state of Nebraska.

The week-long event will feature 13 Olympic-style competitions and other non-competitive special events such as the Cessna Citation Special Olympics Airlift, where donated private and corporate jets fly athletes from around the country to the Games; the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run™ that will symbolize the start of the competition; Special Olympics Town, a designated area of family fun and Healthy Athletes, a place where the athletes can get vital health screenings. A national youth and education summit will also be held in conjunction with the Games as these young leaders rally around making change for the better of the Special Olympics movement, promoting unity and acceptance of those with intellectual disabilities. 

Michigan’s delegation will enjoy all of these festivities while also competing in nine sports. Additionally, this year’s Games will continue to foster inclusion by showcasing Special Olympics Unified Sports®, where Special Olympics athletes together with partners without intellectual disabilities share the same field of play.  There will be a Unified flag football showcase and 10 Unified soccer teams will compete.

The host of the Games, Lincoln, Nebraska, held a Community Summit on Thursday to celebrate 100 days until the start of the Games. The summit informed and educated the community about Special Olympics and the USA National Games. The event also recognized sponsors, partners, community leaders, local businesses and citizens. USA National Games CEO, Charles Cooper, and Special Olympics Massachusetts CEO, Robert Johnson spoke at the event.

“We are thrilled to mark 100 Days until the start of the USA National Games,” said 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games President & CEO Charles Cooper. “Special Olympics could not be happier to have Lincoln as the host site for the event. The outpouring of community support has exceeded our expectations and the community is poised and ready to welcome Special Olympics athletes from around the country. Using sports as the catalyst, the USA National Games provides the opportunity to educate and inform about the true abilities and achievements of people with intellectual disabilities.”

Posted: 2010-04-12