Silverbacks and Special Olympics help make "Magic"
Published on October 12, 2006 under Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Dayton Silverbacks News Release
(Troy, OH) The Miami Valley Silverbacks professional indoor football team is proud to announce a partnership with Miami County Special Olympics.
"It's great to be involved with such an outstanding organization," stated Silverbacks General Manager and Head Coach Matthew King. "We are very proud to be involved with Miami County Special Olympics. This type of partnership is what we are focusing on for our second season. We want to be involved in the community as much as we can."
The Magic, Miami County Special Olympics' flag football team, will be a main focus of the partnership.
The Magic's first home game will be officiated by members of the Silverbacks' coaching staff. The Silverbacks' coaching staff and players will also manage an instructional clinic for Special Olympic athletes on October 26th at 5:00 pm. The event will be followed by a game with Silverback players and the Miami County Magic Flag Football team. This event is open to the public. The Silverbacks will also offer ticket discounts to athletes and their families. Silverbacks' merchandise will be raffled off at Miami County Special Olympics' special events.
The Silverbacks have also dedicated their April 14th home game to honor of Miami County Special Olympics and Miami County MRDD. The game theme will be tabbed "Disability Awareness Night" at Hobart Arena. Activities include athlete recognitions, Miami County Special Olympic flag football halftime exhibition and opportunities for athletes to be honorary captains. Honorary captains will join the team in the locker-room before the game and participate in pre-game ceremonies. Miami County flag football players will be on-hand to sign autographs during a post game autograph session with the Silverbacks' players. The Silverbacks will also donate proceeds from the Family Fun Zone seats to benefit Miami County Special Olympics.
The Magic's next home game is October 12th vs. Madison County at Duke Park in Troy. Kickoff is at 5:30 pm.
"This partnership is a result of a civic minded spirit displayed by the Silverbacks," stated Tom Helbig, Miami County MRDD's Recreation Manager. "They are committed to helping us grow the sport of Flag Football in the world of Special Olympics. Partnering with a professional sports team helps create awareness for people with disabilities, adds credibility to our program and creates interest in our sports. We are excited to work with the Silverbacks in coordinating fun activities for all types of people."
The mission of Miami County Special Olympics is to provide year round individual skills and team sport training for youth and adults with disabilities who live in Miami County. Programs are coordinated in compliance with International Special Olympic Guidelines. Miami County Special Olympics offers training and competition in Aquatics, Basketball, Bowling, Cheerleading, Cycling, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Track and Volleyball. To effectively reach ability levels of all athletes they coordinate individual skills, traditional sports and unified teams.
Individual skills programs are designed for athletes who are new to a sport or need more training to be successful in a game situation. Traditional teams are comprised of Special Olympic athletes that train and compete in their sport of choice. Unified teams are designed to bring athletes with and without disabilities together to compete in a Special Olympic sport. For more information regarding Miami County Special Olympics innovative sport programs contact Tom Helbig at 937-440-3051 or tomh@riversidemrdd.org
The Silverbacks, a member of the Great Lakes Indoor Football League, are gearing up for their 2007 home opener on March 30th. Silverbacks' season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Hobart Arena, or at (937) 718-7044. Season ticket information is available on the Silverbacks website at www.silverbacksfootball.com.
Continental Indoor Football League Stories from October 12, 2006
- Silverbacks and Special Olympics help make "Magic" - Dayton Silverbacks
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