Special Olympics MA to Officially Cut Ribbon on New Yawkey Sports Training Center December 1

PR Log (Press Release) – Nov 30, 2009 – Special Olympics Massachusetts will honor the extraordinary legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver as they officially cut the ribbon on the new Yawkey Sports Training Center, the new headquarters of the organization on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 6:00pm.

The Yawkey Sports Training Center located at 512 Forest Street in Marlborough will also be used extensively in furthering the health and healthcare agenda long championed by Mrs. Shriver. A portrait of Eunice Kennedy Shriver will be unveiled in the lobby of the building to pay tribute to her life’s work and to inspire others who come to Special Olympics. Special Olympics athletes and others will unveil the portrait.

While the country currently debates the issue of healthcare, one population that has been historically overlooked over the years is individuals with intellectual disabilities. Mrs. Shriver fought for years to bring attention to this issue. Through a partnership with UMass Medical School, Special Olympics Massachusetts will aggressively tackle this issue at the new headquarters and keep her agenda of quality healthcare for this population moving forward.

A grand celebration supported by the Donahue Family Foundation and Coca Cola will take place at the Yawkey Sports Training Center starting at 6:00pm. The evening will start with a symbolic torch lighting with Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement. Immediately following will be the official ribbon cutting by Special Olympics athletes and coaches; many who have been with the organization since its inception.

The evening will be capped off with the presentation of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Service Award to Mr. Don Dowd, who formed the first board of directors for Special Olympics Massachusetts and was a close trusted advisor to Robert F., John F. and Edward M. Kennedy. Senator Ted Kennedy’s son, Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy is expected to make the presentation.

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 has a full-size gym, a 40 X 30 yard soccer field, computer training facilities, video conferencing capabilities, and five multipurpose conference rooms.   The Center is located at 512 Forest Street in Marlborough, MA.

About Don Dowd:
In 1972 Mr. Dowd established the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Massachusetts at the request of Senator Ted Kennedy. Mr. Dowd also served as the first president of the Board and was an influential figure in the early years of Special Olympics Massachusetts. He began his career in public service as President Kennedy’s Assistant Regional Director of the U.S. Postal Service for the six New England States. He also served as a political advisor to U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign, and has been actively involved with the campaigns of U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

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