FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 10, 2014

MEDIA CONTACT:
Steve Helm – Public Relations Coordinator, Special Olympics Texas

800.876.5646, ext. 2925 (office); 267.421.3911 (cell – media only); shelm@sotx.org

AUSTIN, Texas – For the fifth-straight year, Special Olympics will celebrate the life, mission and accomplishments of its founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, around the world by designating Saturday, September 27 as EKS Day. Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) will celebrate Shriver’s legacy by holding several events in her honor throughout the state during the week (Sept. 20-Sept. 27) leading up to the observed holiday. See the list of events below.

“It’s not every day that we are able to stop and take time to marvel at what Mrs. Shriver accomplished to make Special Olympics move the way that it has today,” SOTX President and CEO Margaret Larsen said. “She cared so much for people with intellectual disabilities and did so much to begin a movement that is changing lives around the world. This is truly a special day for the Special Olympics family and it’s only a small way to show our love for her. To be able to have so many Special Olympics competitions throughout the State of Texas in honor of EKS Day is a testament to her dream.”

Since 2010, EKS Day has been celebrated around the world, bringing together people with and without intellectual disabilities in various activities to honor the inspiration, impact and indomitable spirit of Shriver. While four million Special Olympics athletes and millions of coaches, families, fans and friends live her legacy and lead our movement every day, the world unites on EKS Day in over 100 countries and thousands of communities to show the world the power of unity to create opportunities of acceptance.

SOTX encourages everyone to act in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver by supporting its athletes as they compete in various events across the entire state.

To learn more about EKS Day and the life and legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, go to www.sotx.org/eksday or www.eunicekennedyshriver.org.   

SOTX EKS Events - 2014

Area 4 (Greater Houston):

Golf Competition – September 23

Bocce Competition – September 27

Area 6 (Heart of East Texas):

Golf Competition – September 25

Bocce Competition – September 27

Area 9 (North Texas):

Softball Competition – September 20

Area 10 (Greater Dallas):

Bocce/Softball Competition - September 20

Area 11 (Greater Fort Worth):

Golf – September 20

Area 12 (Heart of Texas):          

Softball Competition – September 27

Area 13 (Central Texas):                       

Aquatics Competition – September 21

Area 14 (Big Country):               

Bocce Competition – September 25-27

Area 19 (El Paso):                                   

Free Medical Day – September 20

Area 20 (San Antonio):              

Softball Competition – September 20

Golf Competition – September 23

Bocce Competition – September 20

Area 22 (Gulf Coast):                 

Bocce Competition – September 21

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 51,300 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,

Law Enforcement Torch Run and Walmart

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