Special Olympics MA Announces Gift from Hannaford Charitable Foundation

Jan. 5, 2010 - PRLog -- Special Olympics Massachusetts, a leader in providing healthy lifestyles through sports and healthcare-related programs year-round for individuals with intellectual disabilities has announced a very generous gift from the Hannaford Charitable Foundation. The $25,000 gift will be designated for the new 25,000 S/F Yawkey Sports Training Center, the new headquarters for the organization.

The catering kitchen at the Marlborough-based 25,000 S/F Yawkey Sports Training Center will now be named the Hannaford Charitable Foundation Kitchen and will carry its name on the entryway. Hannaford Supermarkets has long supported Special Olympics on a number of levels including gift cards to purchase healthy foods for Special Olympics events and other substantial support. This commitment brings this relationship to the next level.

“As Special Olympics Massachusetts reaffirms our commitment to creating healthy lifestyles for our athletes, we truly embrace the gift from the Hannaford Charitable Foundation, stated Robert Johnson, president and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts. “As Hannaford Supermarkets helps their customers navigate through healthy choices at their locations, we believe this is a great match up of like-minded organizations.”

The 25,000 S/F Yawkey Sports Training Center:
The 25,000 S/F Yawkey Sports Training Center will not only serve as the official headquarters of Special Olympics Massachusetts but will also be utilized to learn, research and address the unique healthcare needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities through a unique partnership with UMass Medical School of Worcester. The Center is located at 512 Forest Street in Marlborough, MA.

About Hannaford Supermarkets:
Hannaford Supermarkets, based in Scarborough, Maine, operates 165 stores and employs more than 27,000 associates in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. Most Hannaford locations have full-service pharmacies and all stores feature Guiding Stars, the nation's first storewide nutrition navigation system. Hannaford is owned by Delhaize Group of Brussels, Belgium. For additional information, visit www.hannaford.com

ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS:
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for more than 1.4 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries to include over 11,000 Massachusetts athletes, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people's diverse gifts.

Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. Visit Special Olympics Massachusetts online at http://www.specialolympicsma.org