Special Olympics Mass Takes Brave Fundraisers Over the Edge of 22-Story Building in Boston J

July 14, 2011 - PRLog -- An estimated 100 very brave individuals will rappel down the side of the Hyatt Regency in Boston on July 22-23 as a unique way to raise money for Special Olympics Massachusetts.

Hyatt Regency Boston located at 1 Avenue De Lafayette will host this new fundraising rappelling event for Special Olympics Massachusetts called “Over the Edge” during Friday afternoon and from 9:00am-4:00pm on Saturday.  Thrill-seekers and other brave souls will make their way down the east side of the building, rappelling down 22 floors from the roof, on two ropes. more on the event can be found at: www.overtheedgeboston.com

Friday July 22: 1:00pm: Robert Johnson, president and CEO of Special Olympics, Board Chair/Special Olympics Parent Virginia Davidson of Northborough and Philip Stamm, general manager of the Hyatt Boston.

At 2:00pm, David Brown, meteorologist for WCVB-TV News Center 5 and “Kennedy,” morning radio personality for Mix 104.1 will rappel down the side of the Hyatt.

From 3:00-4:00pm, at least three rappellers who have earned fundraising incentives will participate.

From 4:00-7:00pm, firefighters from the area will be rappelling down.

Saturday, July 23: Close to 100 other individuals will rappel down the side of the hotel at 15 minute intervals, rappelling from 9:00am-4:00pm.  Those who rappel down the hotel wall will have gathered at least $1,000 in pledges from donors leading up to the event and Special Olympics Massachusetts is hoping to raise as much as $150,000 from “Over the Edge.”

Background: Over the Edge for Special Olympics is a day-long event. Family, friends and spectators are invited to come down and support participants in their brave attempt. All funds raised will go directly toward providing training opportunities, equipment, uniforms, practice venues and vital health initiatives for some 12,000 Special Olympics athletes across Massachusetts.   All participants must be in good health and weigh no less than 110 pounds and no more than 300 pounds. The rappelling will be supervised by Over the Edge, a Nova Scotia company that has organized dozens of rappelling events all over North America.  

The event sponsors include the Hyatt Regency Boston, WCVB-TV, Channel 5 and Boston Fire Department Local 718.

About Special Olympics Massachusetts
Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) provides year-round sports training, athletic competition and other health-related programming for over 12,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. SOMA offers over 127 year round sporting competitions. Through the power of sport, the movement transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and those that surround them.  http://www.SpecialOlympicsMA.org

About Hyatt Regency Boston
Recent ENERGY STAR and Pinnacle Successful Meetings Award recipient, Hyatt Regency Boston, is situated in the heart of the city, providing luxurious accommodations and a prime location to experience everything Boston has to offer. This 498 room, newly renovated hotel, places you within walking distance of boutique shopping, numerous theatres, lively night-life and many historic tourist attractions. With 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a 5,046 square foot ballroom and adjoining terrace, Hyatt Regency Boston can accommodate events of any size or nature. Enjoy the hotel’s 24-hour in-room dining, business center and extensive fitness center; featuring an indoor swimming pool, eucalyptus steam room, sauna and therapeutic massage services. Spectacular views, convenient location and unparalleled service make Hyatt Regency Boston the perfect hotel for any occasion. For more information please call 617.912.1234 or visit www.regencyboston.hyatt.com

# # #

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities.