SOTX Celebrates 40 Years

Special Olympics Texas rings in 40 years in Houston and Dallas, October 1-2, 2009

For Immediate Release: September 9, 2009

Join us for a look back at 40 years of victories and as we honor the true heroes of Special Olympics Texas at two 40th anniversary celebrations: Houston on October 1 at the Hilton Houston Westchase and Dallas on October 2 at The Magnolia Hotel. 

The October 1 event in Houston features keynote speaker Scott E. Parazynski, M.D, NASA Astronaut (former).  The only person to have both flown in space and summit Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth.  The night kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception followed by dinner, the program and a presentation of thanks by Special Olympics Texas athletes at 9:00 p.m.

The celebration continues in Dallas on October 2, where guests will hear from keynote speaker, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, followed by dinner and auction at 8:00 p.m. Entertainment rounds out the night until 12:00 a.m.

As we reach this milestone, it is with a heavy heart that Special Olympics Texas says goodbye to our fearless founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver who passed on August 11, 2009.  This celebration honors her and all of the true heroes who have contributed to 40 years of successes for the athletes, families, volunteers and supporters of Special Olympics Texas.

"Special Olympics not only gives the people with intellectual disabilities the will to succeed, but it gives them opportunities that would not otherwise be available." 
                                                                     -Nolan Ryan, President, Texas Rangers Baseball Club

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available for both events.  For more information in the Houston area, please contact Carol Lockwood at 713.290.0049 or clockwood@sotx.org.  If you would like more information on the Dallas celebration, please contact Cynthia Thompson at 214.943.9981 or cthompson@sotx.org.

About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas is a privately funded non-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and competition for more than 32,240 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Lone Star State.  For more information, call 1.800.876.JOIN or visit www.specialolympicstexas.org.

Co-Sponsors:
Coca-Cola Bottling Companies of Texas, ConocoPhillips, Food Town, H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust
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Olivia Newman
Public Relations Coordinator
Special Olympics Texas
800.876.5646 ext. 2925