2008 WINTER GAMES
AT BEAR MOUNTAIN IN BIG BEAR, MARCH 3-5
Community invited to fireworks display and competitions
Big Bear, Calif., Feb. 25, 2008 – A spectacular fireworks display above Bear Mountain Ski Resort will be featured during the Opening Ceremony for Special Olympics Southern California’s 2008 Winter Games, being held March 3-5. (See Schedule of Events.) A parade of athletes will lead the ceremony, followed by a team of law enforcement officers and Bear Mountain employees who will ski down Bear Mountain and light the time-honored torch that signals the start of the sporting competition. The public is welcome to attend the Opening Ceremonies as well as the competitions and medal ceremonies.
Nearly 200 Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) athletes and coaches will take to the slopes and snow-packed courses during competitions in Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and showshoeing. 2008 marks the 11th anniversary of SOSC’s Winter Games in Big Bear. The event is the longest consecutive-year event in the history of Bear Mountain.
“This is an outstanding spectator event for anyone who is a fan of sports or of the core values and attributes of Special Olympics,” said Bill Shumard, President and Chief Executive Officer for Special Olympics Southern California. “I guarantee you will see great sports competition that exemplifies unity, dignity, courage, confidence and fun.”
Athletes competing for a chance to win gold, silver or bronze medals represent delegations from the Desert, Santa Barbara, San Diego, South Bay, San Bernardino, San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Orange County, Santa Clarita and Ventura Programs.
Special Olympics Southern California is a year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 12,500 athletes in 11 counties train and compete in 21 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. Visit Special Olympics Southern California at www.sosc.org.
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Media Contact:
Kim Pine, kpine@sosc.org
562.354.2611; cell 562.221.3787
