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Be part of it.
2010 Special Olympics State Summer Games
May 12-14, 2010 — Bozeman, Montana
Fans of dignity, acceptance and respect find a home in Bozeman May 12-14 during the 2010 Special Olympics Montana State Summer Games. Fourteen different sports showcase more than 1,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities who have trained for weeks in preparation for the competition. More than 75 teams from across Montana bring their athletes, each prepared to do his or her very best.
The Special Olympics model celebrates sports excellence in the truest Olympic ideal – sport for the joy of competition, for exhibition of human bravery, for achievement of human aspiration. Come to the Games to see athletes like Buzz Toliver demonstrate the excellence.
During the 2009 State Summer Games in Bozeman, Toliver from Billings competed in power-lifting events. Weighing in at 195 pounds, Buzz is a quiet, unassuming young man. In his first two tries at the dead lift, Buzz struggled to lift his personal best – 405 pounds. On his third and final lift, the pressure to succeed was tremendous. With the fans and every volunteer behind him, Buzz broke through his personal barrier that day to lift a remarkable 419 pounds – more than twice his body weight! The audience erupted in a roar of appreciation, and there was no shortage of tears.
Buzz’s accomplishment is but one superb example of a moment worth living, of a moment for all of humanity. We are united with him, and every Special Olympics athlete, to make our world a better place. Because of our support, people with intellectual disabilities pursue and accomplish tremendous goals. Because of their achievements, we are transformed into a deeper understanding of goodness and the human spirit.
The 2010 State Summer Games belong to everyone. Each day, competition breaks out when gymnasts, bowlers, swimmers, cyclists, powerlifters, runners and throwers give their best. Equestrian riders, soccer teams, bocce players, horse-shoe pitchers and kayakers do the same, as do the golfers, triathlon athletes and motor activities participants. At every venue, hundreds of volunteers and dedicated sponsors join coaches, families and fans – all united in one encouraging voice.
In addition to sports, the State Summer Games offer up relaxation and high energy events. Opening Ceremonies in 2010 catch the spirit of unity with a spirited, high-tech youth rally featuring partnerships between local schools and Special Olympics teams.
Law enforcement officers from across the state inspire us as guardians of the Special Olympics flame. The public is invited free of charge for a jam-packed event from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, at Brick Breeden fieldhouse.
During the week, athletes also enjoy Olympic Village where the stage presents local talent, and games abound. The Healthy Athletes Wellness Park offers education and free health screenings to Special Olympics athletes.
The Friends and Family Hospitality Center provides free Internet, refreshments and demonstrations. Closing Ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. May 14 add a final flourish to the Games with music, acknowledgements and the winner of a new 2010 Chevy Silverado, concluding the annual Bresnan Communications/Chevy raffle.
When Eunice Kennedy Shriver conceived Special Olympics nearly 42 years ago, she revealed a magnificent vision. We gratefully reflect on the world she brought together in a celebration of our differences, and in recognition of our similarities. To carry forward her legacy, we continue to pursue the mission purposefully, with determination, and in anticipation of the infinite possibilities born of love and hope. Join us!
To volunteer at the State Summer Games, go to www.somt.org or call the Games hotline at 406-582-4500.
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