Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) hosted an innovative groundbreaking ceremony at the site of its new state headquarters in Northeast Austin. During the ceremony, Special Olympics athletes, board members and invited guests passed along the Flame of Hope, ending with the lighting of the official Special Olympics Texas cauldron.

Once the flame was lit, ground was broken by Amber and Steve Mostyn of Houston and Danna Coapland of San Antonio. The Mostyns gave a $2 million donation to the building’s capital campaign and Danna Coapland represents the GEO Group, which gave the $2 million lead gift to the campaign.

The Mostyns' gift honored Amber's mother, Christi Stanley, who passed away recently.

“My mother had a special place in her heart for those with special needs. One of her first jobs was at the Fort Worth State School. I grew up hearing her talk about what a privilege it had been to work there,” Amber Mostyn said. “I cannot think of a better way to honor my mother than to contribute to Special Olympics Texas. I am blessed to be able to do so and to have a husband who shares my mother's passion for giving to others."

The GEO Group has sponsored a golf tournament for the past several years that raised funds toward a new home for SOTX.

“Fourteen years ago we began a small little golf fundraiser to benefit a wonderful organization. Little did we know that it would become such a large part of our lives.  The GEO Group Central Region Special Olympics Golf Tournament has turned into an event that our staff, clients, vendors, and families look forward to each year,” said Danna Coapland, regional director of business management for the GEO Group. “It is inspiring to watch such a large group of people come together to encourage and celebrate our wonderful athletes and their families. It truly is the highlight of our year.  We are so very lucky to be a part of the Special Olympics family.”

The new 20,000-square-foot statewide headquarters will contain offices, meeting space and teleconferencing facilities, as well as a Family Resource Center and high-tech training rooms for coaches, volunteers, athletes and medical professionals.

“Our new headquarters will be a game changer for us,” said Rudy Lopez, chairman of the SOTX Board of Directors. “Owning a permanent building will allow us to maximize the impact of all donations and better serve the needs of the athletes.”

SOTX has raised more than $4 million of the $6 million of the expected cost of the new facility. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the organization moving into the building in early 2015. For more information about the Capital Campaign and the new facility, see www.sotx.org/capitalcampaign.

About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.  SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 44,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646. Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.

 Co-Sponsors:
Coca-Cola Refreshments, Food Town, H-E-B Tournament of Champions
Charitable Trust and the Law Enforcement Torch Run