Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Tuesday, January 26,1999

Release #021-99

Contact: Colleen Roche/Curt Ritter (212)788-2958

If you would like to hear this press release, please visit the Blue Room.


MAYOR GIULIANI INTRODUCES NEW YORK CITY SPECIAL OLYMPIANS WHO WILL COMPETE IN THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD SUMMER GAMES

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today introduced the New York City area Special Olympic Athletes who will compete in the 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games in North Carolina this June 26th through July 4th. The 15 athletes joined the Mayor this afternoon at a press conference in City Hall.

"It's an honor to introduce the athletes who will represent New York City at the 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games," said Mayor Giuliani. "These Special Olympians demonstrate a special kind of courage, a special kind of spirit and in doing so, they inspire us all. These athletes represent the true spirit of New York City and I wish them all the best of luck at the Games."

The 10th Annual Special Olympics World Summer Games will be the largest multi-sport event in the country in 1999, with 7,000 athletes and 2,000 coaches from more than 150 nations scheduled to participate in 19 Olympic-style sports, ranging from Aquatics to Volleyball. New York State will be sending 61 athletes and 23 coaches who will participate in 12 sports.

New York City Sports Commission President Kenneth J. Podziba said, "The World Games will be a wonderful opportunity for our Special Olympians to develop their self-esteem, athletic skills and sportsmanship as they compete with athletes from around the world."

New York Special Olympics, Inc., the largest of more than 50 Special Olympics Programs in the United States, provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 22 sports for nearly 40,000 children and adults with mental retardation and closely related developmental disabilities. New Yorkers seeking additional information about Special Olympics programs in New York should call 1-800-836-NYSO.

New York Special Olympics Chairman Anthony J. Bifaro said, "We are here today to honor athletes who will represent New York at the largest international sporting event in the country this year. In the past 30 years Special Olympics has helped open many doors for children and adults with mental retardation. There are many doors yet to open, but these athletes are shining examples of how much an individual can accomplish if given the opportunity."

New York Special Olympics Honorary Coach Jeff Blatnick said, "Special Olympics gives these athletes the opportunity to test their skills and is a great example of what is best about sports. These athletes all have the same dreams that we all have. They face all the same challenges we do and Special Olympics gives them the opportunity to show their personal best."

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