Checkers team up with Special Olympics
February 8, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC - The Charlotte Checkers are proud to announce that they are the presenting sponsor of the 2005 Special Olympics Southeast Region Ice Skating Competition Opening Ceremonies. The ceremonies will take place on Friday, February 11, 2005, during the first intermission of the Checkers game versus the Gwinnett Gladiators at 7:00 PM.
More than 37,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities participate in Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC), making it one of the largest sports programs in the world for people with intellectual disabilities. The grassroots organization, supported by thousands of dedicated volunteers, coaches, and parents, offers Special Olympics athletes ages eight and older year-round athletic training and competitions in 19 Olympic-type sports.
"The partnership is a natural fit," says Charlotte Checkers President Jeff Longo. "We want to actively support our community, and what better way than to align ourselves with a sports organization that celebrates courage, determination and a winning spirit. We look forward to cheering on the athletes after they root for us against Gwinnett!"
As presenting sponsor for the event, the Checkers will donate proceeds from Friday night's game tickets sold by Special Olympics North Carolina and tips from the team's annual Tip-A-Checker Night on March 13, 2005 at Wild Wing Café. The Opening Ceremonies during the Charlotte Checkers game on February 11 is just the start of a very special weekend. More than 100 athletes from eight states will compete in speed skating, figure skating and floor hockey the following day.
Special Olympics North Carolina invites the public to cheer on the athletes at the 2005 Southeast Region Ice Skating Competition at the Pineville Ice House and Charlotte Catholic High School on Saturday, February 12. Ice Skating competition will take place at the Ice House from 8:00â10:30 a.m. and 1:00â4:00 p.m. Floor Hockey will take place from 10:00 a.m. â 3:00 p.m. at Charlotte Catholic High. Several Checkers players will be in attendance during the Charlotte Catholic events from 11:00 a.m. â 1:30 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering for a future state or local SONC event can contact 1-800-843-6276 ext. 4.
To schedule interviews with Charlotte Checkers players or staff, please contact Rob Healy at 704-953-6876. To schedule Special Olympics interviews contact Al Tinson at 704-575-6898.
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