The Worcester Sharks have teamed up again with Special Olympics Massachusetts. The Sharks will serve as the official host of the 2008 Winter Games – Opening Ceremonies before the Sharks host the Manchester Monarchs on Friday, February 29th at 8:05pm.  The opening ceremonies starts at 6:30pm with an on-ice presentation.

 

The partnership signifies the long-term potential of ensuring the Games return to the area. For the fifth consecutive year, the DCU Center and City of Worcester have welcomed the Special Olympics Massachusetts Winter Games to the Worcester community. The weekend-long Games bring over 5,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters to the area, generating over $2 million for the Greater Worcester area economy.

 

The Sharks will wear a special jersey which will be auctioned off through various ways over the upcoming weeks.

 

Friday's game can also be seen live on WCTR Channel 3.

 

For more information contact the Worcester Sharks Front Office at 508.929.0500.

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The 2008 Winter Games will take place at several locations including: Wachusett Mountain, Assumption and Holy Cross Colleges, Auburn AMF Lanes, Buffone Arena, Burncoat High School, Clark University, Forest Grove Middle School and Notre Dame Academy.  All of the competition events are free and open to the public.

                                                           

 

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 1.3 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries to include 9,300 Massachusetts athletes, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people's diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provide 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 online at www.SpecialOlympicsMA.org.