Special Olympics Massachusetts Gala Honors Inductees into Hall of Fame and Others

May 10, 2010 - PRLog -- Special Olympics Massachusetts a leader in providing healthy lifestyles and healthcare related programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities will hold their Hall of Fame Gala on Tuesday, May 11 at Boston University, Agganis Arena. The event starts at 6:00pm.

This year’s celebration is titled, ‘Let Me Be Brave’ to pay tribute to the courage displayed by Special Olympics athletes on and off the field and to the dedication of so many that have made helping people with intellectual disabilities their passion in life.

The event honors volunteers, families, coaches, corporate sponsors and athletes for their contributions to Special Olympics Mass. The event will induct 18 new additions into the Special Olympics Mass Hall of Fame and will feature a special tribute to Dr. Steven Pearlman. Dr. Perlman is the founder of the Special Olympics Special Smiles Program and ultimately a worldwide movement to improve healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities across the globe. More on Dr. Perlman including a video can be found here: http://www.specialolympicsma.org/spotlightnewsletter.php

Other awards being presented during the evening include two leadership awards to Ocean Spray and Peter Smyth, president and CEO of Greater Media, Inc. Special Olympics Massachusetts will celebrate the support and overall humanitarian efforts of these two.

The Gala is made possible by members of the philanthropic Sloane Family representing Century Bank who are also acting as Gala Co-Chairs. They are Marshall M. Sloane, Linda Sloane Kay and Barry R. Sloane. Other “All- Star Partners” include; Greenberg Traurig, Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., Raytheon IDS and SBLI.

“The Hall of Fame Gala is a wonderful way for Special Olympics Massachusetts to recognize the loyalty and commitment of those who dedicate so much time and energy into making a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities,” said Robert Johnson, President and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts. “The event is our way of taking a moment to reflect on the past, present and future of the organization as well as the importance of those who work so hard to help change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.”


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 online at http://www.specialolympicsma.org or Special Olympics Massachusetts at http://www.specialolympicsma.org.