May 21, 2008

BERKELEY - The University of California campus will be the site of Special Olympics Summer Games where more than 900 athletes will compete in five Olympic-style events June 6-8. Country vocalist superstar Collin Raye and world-renowned performance artist David Garibaldi will kick off the Games when they perform at Haas Pavilion Friday, June 6 during the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games.

The ceremonies, presented by AT&T, will be an exciting warm-up event prior to a two-day competition of Special Olympics athletes from throughout Northern California who will compete for gold in aquatics, track & field, bocce, tennis and volleyball. All events are free and open to the public.

"It is such an honor to perform for Special Olympics," said Raye, who has been a long-time supporter of Special Olympics and other organizations focused on humanitarian and children's issues.

Joining Raye will be local favorite, David Garibaldi, a 24-year-old performance artist from Sacramento. Garibaldi will create his signature 6-foot tall paintings of music culture icons, including Raye, in a matter minutes. Since 2006, Special Olympics has been Garibaldi's charity of choice and his paintings have raised significant funds for the movement.

In addition to the performances from Raye and Garibaldi, the Opening Ceremonies will include the traditional parade of athletes, and morning radio hosts from the Wolf (95.7 FM) and Special Olympics athletes will emcee the event. The performances will follow the traditional parade of athletes and the lighting of the Special Olympics Cauldron, signaling the beginning of the games.

In 1995, Cal hosted the first Special Olympics Summer Games in Northern California. After two years, the Games were relocated to Stockton while the aquatics, sports complex and Haas Pavilion were renovated. Special Olympics returned to Berkeley in 2006.

Competition is scheduled to continue from 9 a.m. - 4 pm. on Saturday, June 7, and 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 8.

Schedule of Events

Friday, June 8
2:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.    Final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (Emeryville to Berkeley)
7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.    Opening Ceremonies, presented by AT&T, at UC Berkeley (Haas Pavilion)

Saturday, June 9
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.    Track & Field at UC Berkeley (Edwards Stadium)
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.    Bocce at Martinez Waterfront Park - Bocce Courts
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.    Tennis at UC Berkeley (Hellman Courts)
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.    Aquatics at UC Berkeley (Spieker Aquatics Center)
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.    Volleyball at UC Berkeley (Field House in RSF)
12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.   Olympic Village at UC Berkeley (Haas Pavilion)

Sunday, June 10
8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.    Track & Field at UC Berkeley (Edwards Stadium)
9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.    Tennis at UC Berkeley (Hellman Courts)
9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.    Bocce at Martinez Waterfront Park - Bocce Courts
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.    Volleyball at UC Berkeley (Field House in RSF)
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.    Aquatics at UC Berkeley (Spieker Aquatics Center)
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.   Olympic Village at UC Berkeley (Haas Pavilion)
2:30 p.m.                Summer Games Conclude

About Special Olympics Northern California
Special Olympics Northern California is a free year-round sports training and competition program for children and adults with developmental disabilities. More than 13,000 athletes compete in over 170 competitions throughout the region in 19 sports. For more information, visit www.SONC.org/summergames.

Summer Games Facts

Summer Games in Northern California - 13th year
Sports/Events - 5/63
Athletes	- 923
Delegations - 29 representing 32 Northern California counties
Largest Delegation - Fresno
Delegation traveling the furthest distance - Kings County (214 miles)
Volunteer Coaches - 300+
Volunteers - 1,300+
Companies w/employee volunteers - 8
Awards - 2,159
Meals served - 9,400
Law Enforcement Torch Runners - 500+
Miles the torch travels to Berkeley destination - 738
Host broadcaster - Comcast SportsNet

About the Athletes
Words like dignity, dedication and perseverance will take on a whole new meaning as you watch the athletes of Special Olympics Northern California compete at the Summer Games. The athletes may be diagnosed with having a developmental disability, such as Down Syndrome or Autism, but it certainly does not define who they are. Come watch the athletes compete. It won't be long before you notice their disabilities fade into the background, and you share their joy in the competition, friendships and accomplishments.

Whether it is the 10-meter assisted walk or the pentathlon, each athlete has risen to the challenge to be the best that they can be. Come be inspired by the competition and realize the strength, courage and tenacity of the human spirit.