PORTLAND, October 7 – “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” This is the oath of all Special Olympics participants. After a six year hiatus, this oath will be repeated once again on November 15-16, 2014 at the Special Olympics Oregon Fall State Games. The Fall State Games were suspended due to economic hardship after 2008 but are returning thanks in part to the generous support from Providence Health & Services and the Portland Timbers.
"The return of Special Olympics Oregon's Fall State Games is going to make thousands of Oregonians with intellectual disability and their families statewide very, very excited. For our athletes to have the chance to experience what it’s like to play on the pitch and be in a MLS stadium like Providence Park is a dream come true,” said Margaret Hunt, CEO of Special Olympics Oregon.
Providence Park will serve as Games headquarters and the venue for the two-day soccer competition. Volleyball and aquatics competitions will be held at nearby Lincoln High School and Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation facilities. Over the two days of competition, nearly 600 athletes, 200 coaches and hundreds of volunteers from across the state of Oregon will have the opportunity to compete and have a true “stadium” experience at the home of the Timbers.
The opportunity to help bring back the Fall State Games and host the competition at Providence Park was a natural complement to the extensive efforts of Providence Health & Services to foster community health and wellness throughout the state. “This is a great example of why we expanded our partnership with the Timbers,” said Dave Underriner, chief executive, for Providence in Oregon. “Providence is redefining health care, moving away from just treating disease to helping create healthier communities. What better way to help create wellness than to host these special athletes at Providence Park?”
The entire Portland area is invited to attend a celebration of the hundreds of Special Olympics Oregon participants at a Games Ceremony which will be held at Providence Park on the evening of November 15th. This will be an experience to remember as fans and spectators will have the chance to see the culmination of the hard work of Special Olympics Oregon athletes as they enter Providence Park to the sounds of support from their community.
For a complete schedule of events, venues and volunteer opportunities please visit www.soor.org.
About Special Olympics Oregon
Special Olympics Oregon serves the largest disability population in the state. Special Olympics Oregon provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Special Olympics Oregon is Training for Life. Additional information visit www.soor.org and follow @SOORstate.
About Providence Health & Services
Providence Health & Services – Oregon offers a comprehensive array of health and education services through its eight hospitals, medical clinics, health plans, long-term care facilities and home health services. With more than 18,000 employees, Providence is the state’s largest private employer. Visit www.providence.org/oregon.
About Providence Park
Providence Park is an iconic sports and entertainment facility located in the heart of downtown Portland, Ore., at 1844 SW Morrison. Providence Park will play host to a wide variety of events each year, including games for the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer and Portland Thorns FC of the National Women’s Soccer League, college and high school football and soccer, concerts, community events and public and private functions. The home for professional soccer in Portland since 1975, Providence Park underwent a significant renovation crafted to create one of the most unique and authentic soccer environments in the country ahead of the Timbers debut season in MLS in 2011. Originally constructed in 1926, Providence Park is an historic civic gathering place that has played host to some of the region’s most memorable events, including presidential visits, a 1957 concert by Elvis Presley, the National Football League’s first game decided by overtime, Pele’s official last professional game and the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup. For more information, visit www.ProvidenceParkPDX.com.
