J.M. Hanks High School Special Olympics Texas Unified Floorball Team to compete on behalf of Special Olympics USA in the Winter World Games

J.M. Hanks High School Special Olympics Texas Unified Floorball Team to Compete on Behalf of Special Olympics USA in the Winter World Games

The J.M. Hanks High School Special Olympics Texas Unified Floorball Team has been selected to be the nominee to compete on behalf of Special Olympics USA in the Winter World Games that will be taking place in Kazan, Russia in 2022.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : January 25, 2021

The J.M. Hanks High School Special Olympics Texas Unified Floorball Team has been selected to be the nominee to compete on behalf of Special Olympics USA in the Winter World Games that will be taking place in Kazan, Russia in 2022.

The Winter World Games is a culmination of more than two thousand Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners from 108 different nations. This is an incredibly unique opportunity for J.M. Hanks Unified Floorball team as they will be given the opportunity to see the world, create meaningful memories, and establish unique relationships with those with and without intellectual disabilities. 

Additionally, the Winter World Games in 2022 will be an opportunity for El Paso to be represented internationally with the J.M. Hanks High School Special Olympics Texas Unified Floorball Team.  While spreading the word of inclusion with this Unified team, the larger mission of Special Olympics' growth in El Paso and beyond will come to the international stage.
 
"Who better to showcase El Paso's inclusivity on a worldwide platform other than J.M. Hanks High School Special Olympics Texas Unified Floorball Team", said Texas State Representative Mary Gonzalez.
 
Texas State Representative Art Fierro said, "El Paso and District 79 are incredibly proud of our Floorball team to have the opportunity to represent our city on a global scale. We know they will do great things and wish them success as they prepare to compete in 2022." 
 
This would not be possible without the assistance and generosity of our surrounding communities. In order to attend this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, each of the ten El Paso team members have been working hard to raise funds that will cover travel expenses such as airfare, lodging, food, and more. 
 
As Hanks High School Coach Rodriguez prepares the Floorball team for the team trials in May 2021, all efforts supporting the J.M. Hanks Unified Floorball Team is greatly appreciated. 
 
“Our Special Olympics athletes are partnering together with our general education partners to form this team.  This opportunity promotes social inclusion, unity, and camaraderie. With the support of our community our athletes will have honor to represent El Paso, Texas, and the USA. We thank everyone for their current and future support!”, said J.M. Hanks High School’s Coach Ricardo Rodriguez.
Jessica Kilbane, communications@sotx.org

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 58,800 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.