Special Olympics North Carolina

Click here for Media Photos, Logos, and Press Materials

Contact:

Rachel McQuiston

Vice President of Communications

Special Olympics North Carolina

919-719-7662 ext. 110

Robert B Butler | PR

Click here to support Sheriff Roberson

#SpecialOlympics #SONC #EuniceKennedyShriver #OverTheEdge #GinaHawkins #FayettevillePoliceChief #WorldsLargestTruckConvoy #LawEnforcementTorchRun #Fayetteville #PlanePull #WellsFargoCapitolCenter #Raleigh #Charlotte #NorthCarolina

#SergeantWilliamDalton #IntellectuallyDisabled #KeithFishburne #OTE

Sheriff Roberson Going Over the Edge for Shannon

Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson and Shannon – Courtesy of SONC

RALEIGH, NC – “Shannon is a friend of mine I grew up with in high school,” said Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson. “He has an intellectual disability and has meant a lot to me going through life.

“Shannon always has time for you. He always has an arm to hug you. He laughs at your bad jokes and likes the simple things. Shannon has taught me a lot of leadership lessons in life thinking about how much better the world would be if all of us were more like Shannon.

“I’m going Over the Edge in Raleigh for Shannon and people like Shannon. Once you see the enthusiasm they have in their hearts and the abilities they have, you can’t help but want to help them.”

Over the Edge – Wells Fargo Capitol Center, Raleigh, NC – Courtesy of SONC

Sheriff Roberson will step Over the Edge and rappel Raleigh’s 30-story Wells Fargo Capitol Center on Sat., Sept. 30, 2017. Up to 200 thrill-seekers have the opportunity to participate in this 8th annual event, a key fund-raiser for Special Olympics North Carolina. Registration is now open with prime-time slots selected by the quickest fundraisers. www.overtheedgenc.com

“I’ve rappelled about 50 to 75 feet before, but never a 30-story building. I don’t think it’s for the faint at heart,” said Sheriff Roberson. “If you don’t want sign up and do it, you can go online and support an individual or team, or even become a volunteer for Special Olympics.”

Wells Fargo Capitol Center, Raleigh, NC – Courtesy of SONC

Sheriff Roberson is one of the thousands of law enforcement officers in North Carolina actively raising critical funds for Special Olympics programs including The Summer Games, The Fall Tournament, Polar Plunge, Truck Convoy for Special Olympics, The Plane Pull, Torch Run, and Over the Edge.

“I think if you’re service oriented or you have a servant’s heart, you want to help people,” said Sheriff Roberson. “I think that’s the reason most of them [law enforcement] get into Special Olympics, because of their heart.”

Roberson, appointed Sheriff in Chatham County in 2016, wants to get high school students involved in Special Olympics. “You build support and create positive peer pressure, then bullying will be pushed aside,” said Roberson.

“Special Olympics is a looking glass, an example to everyone around the world of how people with intellectual disabilities can and should be included in all aspects of their communities,” said Keith Fishburne, President and CEO of Special Olympics North Carolina.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded Special Olympics and organized the first International Games in Chicago in 1968. Six athletes from North Carolina were among the participants. Special Olympics will return to Chicago and celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2018.

Special Olympics North Carolina provides year-round sports training and competition for nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athletes train and compete on local and state levels in 19 sports, providing motivation, building self-esteem, and creating opportunities for success.

Click here for Media Photos, Logos, and Press Materials

Contact:

Rachel McQuiston

Vice President of Communications

Special Olympics North Carolina

919-719-7662 ext. 110

Robert B Butler | PR

#SpecialOlympics #SONC #SummerGames #OverTheEdge #MikeRoberson #ChathamCountySheriff #WorldsLargestTruckConvoy #LawEnforcementTorchRun #PolarPlunge #PlanePull #WellsFargoCapitolCenter #Raleigh #Charlotte #NorthCarolina

Summer Games conclude – Over the Edge and World’s Largest Truck Convoy up next for Special Olympics North Carolina

RALEIGH, NC – With the conclusion of 2017’s inspiring and record-breaking Summer Games, Special Olympics North Carolina turns its attention to two of their largest fundraisers of the year, Over the Edge in Raleigh in September, and the World’s Largest Truck Convoy in Charlotte in October.

Held June 2-4 in the City of Raleigh for the 24th consecutive year, the 2017 Summer Games attracted over 1,900 athletes from counties across North Carolina, more than 1,000 volunteers, and thousands of cheering supporters and family members to ten venues in Cary, Holly Springs, and Raleigh.

The Summer Games is the largest state-level event for Special Olympics North Carolina, featuring competition in athletics, bowling, cheerleading, cycling, gymnastics, powerlifting, softball, swimming, and volleyball.

Gold medal winners in the Summer Games and upcoming Fall Tournament in Charlotte (Nov. 3-5) have the opportunity to advance to the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, WA, July 1-6, 2018. SCROLL DOWN FOR COUNTY-BY-COUNTY RESULTS

“These games are more than a sports competition,” said Keith Fishburne, President and CEO of Special Olympics North Carolina. “They are a looking glass, an example to everyone around the world of how people with intellectual disabilities can and should be included in all aspects of their communities.”

Special Olympics North Carolina provides year-round sports training and competition for nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athletes train and compete on local and state levels in 19 sports, providing motivation, building self-esteem, and creating opportunities for success.

Key fundraisers to support Special Olympics activities in North Carolina include the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Polar Plunge, Plane Pull, Over the Edge, and the World’s Largest Truck Convoy.

Next on the itinerary is the 8th annual Over the Edge on Saturday, Sept. 30, in Raleigh. About 150 to 200 thrill-seekers from across North Carolina will have the opportunity to rappel Raleigh’s 30-story Wells Fargo Capitol Center.

Registration for Over the Edge is now open with prime-time slots selected by the quickest fundraisers. www.overtheedgenc.com

The 2017 World’s Largest Truck Convoy will roll in Charlotte on Oct. 21. The truck convoy is a unique one-day celebration of the trucking industry and its support of Special Olympics. Charlotte and Mecklenburg County law enforcement will escort the convoy with the highest fundraising driver in the lead truck position.

Registration for the World's Largest Truck Convoy is open for drivers of trucks 10-GVW or bigger. Semi-trucks, truck/trailer combinations, large trucks, low-boys, dump trucks, flat beds, buses, large tow trucks, large box trucks, and more, are eligible. www.NCTruckConvoy.com

Special Olympics will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2018. In 1968, Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded Special Olympics and organized the first International Games in Chicago, IL. Six athletes from North Carolina were among the participants.

“Our athletes have talents and gifts that should not only be recognized but celebrated,” said Timothy P. Shriver, Chairman of the Board of Special Olympics International and son of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. “Special Olympics is a unified movement, integrating people with intellectual disabilities into everything we do.”

Click here for Media Photos, Logos, and Press Materials

Contact:

Rachel McQuiston

Vice President of Communications

Special Olympics North Carolina

919-719-7662 ext. 110

Robert B Butler | PR

Permission granted for reprint and redistribution

#SpecialOlympics #SONC #SummerGames #OverTheEdge #WorldsLargestTruckConvoy #LawEnforcementTorchRun #PolarPlunge #PlanePull #WellsFargoCapitolCenter #Raleigh #Charlotte #NorthCarolina

County-by-County Results for the 2017 Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games

* Mecklenburg | Charlotte | Stern, Alexa Lexi | Gymnastics (Artistic) | Gynnastics

UNC Dentist Honored for Bringing Special Smiles to Those With Intellectual Disabilities

Dr. Michael Milano, UNC School of Dentistry, courtesy of Special Olympics NC

RALEIGH, NC – For the past 20 years, Dr. Michael Milano of Apex has tirelessly volunteered by providing free dental exams, arranging follow-up care, recruiting more than 1,000 dental professionals, writing grants, publishing related peer-reviewed research, and presenting medical education to improve dental care and smiles for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

“Dr. Milano’s commitment to dental health, the Special Smiles program, and the Special Olympics community is second to none,” said Keith L. Fishburne, Special Olympics North Carolina President and CEO.

In a special tribute during Opening Ceremonies at the Special Olympics NC Fall Tournament in High Point, Fishburne announced the selection of Dr. Michael Milano as the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Golisano Health Leadership Award.

Dr. Michael Milano and Keith L. Fishburne, courtesy of Special Olympics North Carolina

The following day, Dr. Milano and 40 volunteers he recruited, provided free dental exams, oral hygiene instruction, and mouth guards to 165 Special Olympics athletes.

People with intellectual disabilities are one of the largest and most medically underserved disability groups in the world. Millions with intellectual disabilities lack access to quality health care and experience dramatically higher rates of preventable disease, chronic pain and suffering, and premature death in every country around the world.

“Special Olympics is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities,” said Fishburne. “Our athletes and the people of North Carolina are exceptionally lucky and very grateful to have health professionals like Dr. Milano in the state.”

As a faculty member at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Dr. Milano has forged a partnership with the Dental School to increase access to quality dental care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Milano maintains a statewide list of over 50 dental providers who welcome and enable Special Olympics athletes to find appropriate follow-up care.

“I have been scared of the dentist for as long as I can remember, but I knew that my dental health was not where it should be,” explained Kristine Hughes, a Special Olympics athlete from Wake County. “Dr. Milano has helped me find a dentist who I feel comfortable visiting and is ready to help me improve my dental health.”

Presented every two years to individuals or organizations dedicated to improving quality health care and advancing the health initiatives of Special Olympics, the Golisano Health Leadership Awards are a global partnership between Special Olympics and the Golisano Foundation.

Milano is one of up to 32 individuals or organizations in the international Special Olympics community receiving the Golisano Health Leadership Award in 2016. Up to seven honorees will be selected to receive the global award at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria this March.

The Golisano Foundation and philanthropist and Paychex founder Tom Golisano, have committed $37-million since 2012 to Special Olympics health programs to increase access to inclusive health, fitness, and wellness programs for people with intellectual disabilities in their local communities.

Special Olympics' Special Smiles exams, Dr. Michael Milano (R)

Special Smiles is one of seven non-invasive screening programs provided free of charge to Special Olympics athletes through Special Olympics’ global health program, made possible by the Golisano Foundation. These programs provide more than 1.7-million free health examinations in more than 130-countries, making Special Olympics the largest global public health organization dedicated to serving people with intellectual disabilities.

Over the next five years, Special Olympics North Carolina will expand healthcare screenings and incorporate new programs focused on healthy lifestyles, including nutrition. Coordinating the healthcare movement in North Carolina for nearly 40,000 Special Olympics athletes, is Ellen Fahey, SONC Health Director (efahey@sonc.net).

Click here for media photos and full release

Contact:

Rachel McQuiston
SONC VP of Communications
919-719-7662, ext. 110

rmcquiston@sonc.net

Robert B Butler

Communications | Public Relations

Click here for Information and Registration

#SpecialOlympics #UNCChapelHill #SONC #MichaelMilano #GolisanoFoundation #DentalCare #UNCSchoolofDenistry #GolisanoHealthLeadershipAward #UNC #SONCBeAFan

Special Olympics North Carolina names Dr. Michael Milano its first Golisano Health Leadership Award Honoree

Dr. Milano receives North Carolina’s top Special Olympics health honor for his contributions toward inclusive health

Dr. Michael Milano, 2016 Golisano Heath Leadership Award Recipient, courtesy of Special Olympics North Carolina

RALEIGH, NC – Special Olympics North Carolina is honored to announce the selection of Dr. Michael Milano of Apex as the 2016-17 Golisano Health Leadership Award honoree, according to Special Olympics NC President/CEO Keith L. Fishburne.

The Golisano Health Leadership Award was established in 2016, in partnership with Special Olympics and the Golisano Foundation, and is given to an individual or organization that is dedicated to improving the health of people with intellectual disabilities and advancing the health work of Special Olympics.

“Dr. Milano’s dedication to the dental health of Special Olympics athletes is second to none. Throughout his 20 years of involvement in two states, he has screened and coordinated follow-up care for thousands of athletes as well as bringing new dental professionals into the Special Olympics movement through Special Smiles. Special Olympics athletes in North Carolina are exceptionally lucky to have health professionals like Dr. Milano in the state,” explained Fishburne.

Dr. Milano has volunteered with the Special Smiles discipline for two decades in Connecticut, Texas, and North Carolina. He became a clinical director in 2001 while working in Texas and has served in that role for North Carolina since 2008, providing free dental exams, oral hygiene instruction, mouth guards and arranging follow-up care for thousands of Special Olympics athletes. During this time, he has recruited more than 1,000 Special Smiles volunteers, the majority of whom have been dental students or pediatric dentistry residents who continue to volunteer their time and expertise with Special Smiles and welcome patients with intellectual disabilities in their dental practices.

As a faculty member at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Dr. Milano has leveraged a partnership with the Dental School to increase access to quality dental care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. His state-wide list of over 50 dental providers who welcome patients with intellectual disabilities is made available at every Special Smiles screening so athletes can find appropriate follow-up care.

“I have been scared of the dentist for as long as I can remember, but I knew that my dental health was not where it should be. Dr. Milano has helped me find a dentist who I feel comfortable visiting and is ready to help me improve my dental health,” explained Kristine Hughes, a Special Olympics Wake County athlete.

In addition to 20 years’ worth of donated time and expertise, Dr. Milano has further contributed to the financial stability of the Special Smiles program by assisting with grant applications. His work to advance the health status of individuals with intellectual disabilities has led him to serve on multiple committees and advisory groups as well as teaching continuing education courses about providing dental care to patients with disabilities. He has also conducted and published research in peer-reviewed journals on such topics as dental students’ attitudes regarding treating patients with intellectual disabilities, barriers to dental care for patients with intellectual disabilities and the unmet dental needs of individuals with autism.

Dr. Milano received the Golisano Health Leadership Award at the 2016 Special Olympics North Carolina Fall Tournament Opening Ceremonies in High Point on November 4. The following evening, he and 40 volunteers he recruited provided free dental exams, oral hygiene instruction and mouth guards to 165 Special Olympics NC athletes attending Fall Tournament.

Dr. Milano is one of up to 32 individuals or organizations across the Special Olympics movement that will receive the Golisano Health Leadership Award in 2016. Up to seven honorees will be selected to receive the global award to be presented at the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria this March. Regional honorees are selected based on their involvement in work related to year-round efforts to increase access to quality health care, programming, and resources for people with intellectual disabilities. Nominees will be selected based on the following criteria: 1) expanding Healthy Athletes (health events and exams offered to Special Olympics athletes free of charge); 2) impact on follow-up care and/or wellness programming; 3) increasing the financial sustainability of health programs; and 4) advancement of the health rights of people with intellectual disabilities.

Special Smiles is one of seven non-invasive screening programs provided free of charge to Special Olympics athletes through Special Olympics’ global health program, made possible by the Golisano Foundation. With more than 1.7 million free health examinations conducted in more than 130 countries, the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® program offers health services and information to athletes in dire need. As a result, Special Olympics has become the largest global public health organization dedicated to serving people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics North Carolina is doing its part to make sure North Carolina will be among the leaders in improving the health of children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics' Special Smiles examinations, courtesy of Special Olympics North Carolina

Over the next five years, SONC seeks to build better, healthier communities through a more holistic approach to health, fitness, nutrition and inclusion. As part of a new strategic plan, SONC will increase existing Healthy Athlete screenings and also offer programs that are more accessible locally with a focus on healthy lifestyles (including nutrition). Healthy Communities programming will also be incorporated into ongoing sports programs which have seen tremendous success throughout North Carolina by involving nearly 40,000 registered athletes.

To succeed in achieving this ambitious vision, Special Olympics North Carolina is assembling partners who also embrace it. If you are interested in joining our health movement, please contact Ellen Fahey, SONC Health Director, at efahey@sonc.net.

Since 2012, philanthropist and Paychex Chairman, Tom Golisano, and the Golisano Foundation, have committed $37 million to Special Olympics health program to increase access to inclusive health, fitness and wellness programs to people with intellectual disabilities in the communities in which they live.

People with intellectual disabilities are part of one of the largest and most medically underserved disability groups in the world. Millions with intellectual disabilities lack access to quality health care and experience dramatically higher rates of preventable disease, chronic pain and suffering, and premature death in every country around the world.

Special Olympics’ vision of its health program, made possible by the Golisano Foundation, is to create a world where people with intellectual disabilities have the same opportunities and access to health care as people without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics’ 19 years of experience identifying and addressing the unmet health needs of people with intellectual disabilities has revealed the myriad of complex barriers to health faced by this population. Barriers to this vision include lack of access to quality health care, education, and resources.

Through this multi-layered effort, Special Olympics is working to create a tipping point where health becomes inclusive for people with intellectual disabilities globally by changing curriculum, training health care professionals and policymakers, influencing policy, advocating for inclusive health programming, building partnerships for follow-up care and harnessing the power of the Special Olympics Movement to build awareness.

About Special Olympics North Carolina

Special Olympics North Carolina offers year-round sports training and competition for nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. These athletes inspire greatness through their success and provide motivation to the thousands of coaches, sports officials, local program committee members and event organizers involved in Special Olympics statewide. SONC offers Olympic-type competition in 19 sports on local and state levels as well as health and wellness initiatives to improve the health status and increase access to community health resources for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Youth become agents of change through Unified Champion Schools, an education and sports based program created by Special Olympics to build an inclusive environment among youth with and without intellectual disabilities as well as empower them to become youth leaders and create change in their community. Visit Special Olympics North Carolina at www.specialolympicsnc.com. Engage with us on http://twitter.com/sonc_beafan; http://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsNC, https://www.instagram.com/specialolympics_nc and http://www.youtube.com/BeAFanSONC.

About Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation

Tom Golisano — entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader — is the founder and chairman of the board of Paychex, Inc., headquartered in Rochester. With more than 12,000 employees and 100 office locations nationwide, Paychex is a leading national provider of payroll, human resource, and benefit outsourcing solutions for more than a half-million small and medium-sized businesses. Tom’s vision, perseverance, and action have left an indelible mark on a broad spectrum of issues that touch our lives - in business, healthcare, education, voter policies, politics, and tax reform. A fierce advocate for dignity and inclusion, Tom Golisano applied his pioneering spirit to establish the Golisano Foundation to help make the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to his personal philanthropic contributions to hospitals, educational institutions and other organizations exceeding $260 million, the Golisano Foundation is now one of the largest private foundations in the United States devoted exclusively to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1985, the Foundation recently celebrated its 30th year of “Imagining the Possibilities.” With $33 million in gross assets, it has awarded more than $21 million in grants, about $2 million annually, to nonprofit organizations that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Golisanofoundation.org @GolisanoFdn facebook.com/GolisanoFoundation.

Contact:
Rachel McQuiston
Special Olympics North Carolina

Vice President of Communications
919-719-7662 ext. 110

rmcquiston@sonc.net

Up for a ride?

Wells Fargo Capitol Center, Raleigh, North Carolina

Rappelling Adventure Returning to Raleigh Sept 30th for Special Olympics North Carolina

Phil Gruber, Over the Edge for Special Olympics North Carolina

Raleigh, NC – For the 7th and once-per-year opportunity, thrill-seekers and high-flyers from across North Carolina will converge for an adventure of a lifetime, rappelling Raleigh’s 30-story Wells Fargo Capitol Center.

Hosted by Special Olympics North Carolina, Over the Edge returns Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016. Registration for Over the Edge is now open with prime-time slots selected by the quickest fundraisers. www.overtheedgenc.com

“You get a great view, and it’s not as scary as you might think,” says Phil Gruber, annual participant and Special Olympics NC board member. “The hardest part for me is the waiting, the anticipation. Once I step off the edge, I have a tremendous amount of fun. Over the Edge is a blast.”

According to Keith Fishburne, president and CEO of Special Olympics North Carolina, about 200 individuals are expected to rappel this year. No climbing or rappelling experience is required and each person raises $1,000 or more from family, friends, customers, co-workers, or companies.

Over the Edge for Special Olympics North Carolina

Over the Edge funds will benefit Special Olympics North Carolina programs offering year-round sports training and competition for nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athletes train and compete on local and state levels in 19 sports, providing motivation, building self-esteem, and creating opportunities for success.

“I’ve looked at dozens of non-profits over the years, and Special Olympics North Carolina is one of the best-run organizations I’ve been associated with,” said Gruber, founder and CEO of RPG Solutions, a division of HUB International. “They’re extremely good custodians of donor money and do an amazing job. You can see the difference your time and money are making. It’s very tangible and immediate. You really feel good about it.”

“We thank the many people and sponsoring companies for making Over the Edge such a great success each year,” said Fishburne, who has gone Over the Edge four times.

Over the Edge raised $177,000 in 2015. Raleigh sponsors included Spectrum Properties, Sport Clips, Cafe Carolina and Bakery, and HUB/RPG Solutions. 2016's top fundraiser will receive an extended weekend mini-vacation from Blockade Runner in Wrightsville Beach.

Phil Gruber, Over the Edge for Special Olympics North Carolina

Spectrum Properties contributes the use of the landmark Wells Fargo Capitol Center to benefit Special Olympics North Carolina.

Click here for Media Photos, Logos, and Press Materials

Contact:

Rachel McQuiston

Vice President of Communications

Special Olympics North Carolina

919-719-7662 ext. 110

Robert B Butler | PR

Click here for Information and Registration

#SpecialOlympics #OverTheEdge #SONC #OTERaleigh #SONC_beafan #CafeCarolinaAndBakery #WellsFargoCapitolCenter #Raleigh #NorthCarolina #PhilGruber #RPGSolutions

Meet Over the Edge Superhero Ron Hines

Ron Hines at Special Olympics NC Over the Edge (black shirt)

RALEIGH, NC – Superhero Ron Hines will be there when Over the Edge comes to Raleigh for Special Olympics North Carolina on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 30-Oct.1, 2016. However, Ron will not be in the spotlight and will not rappel the Wells Fargo Capitol Center – one of the state’s tallest buildings. Instead, for the seventh year in a row, Ron and his crew will be wrapping up their annual one-dollar cookie campaign raising over $150,000 over six years for Special Olympics.

“I think Over the Edge is a blast,” said Hines, co-owner of Café Carolina and Bakery. “But rappelling, that’s not me. I give that opportunity to our employees.”

Attracting thrill-seekers and high-flyers from across North Carolina, Over the Edge will provide an extreme 30-story descent with scenic and historic views from the heart of the capital city. Registration is now open at www.OverTheEdge.com.

The cookie campaign, appropriately named A Sweet Way to Help, heats up Aug. 29, and continues until rappelling activities end on Saturday, Oct. 1. The one-dollar fresh-baked and oversized treats will be at all four Café Carolina and Bakery locations in Raleigh, Cary, and Chapel Hill.

“Every penny of every dollar goes to Special Olympics,” said Hines. “We cover the cost of the cookie, the labor, and everything else.”

A Sweet Way to Help – $1 Cookie Campaign for Special Olympics

Hines’ outreach to people with special needs is a year-round and daily commitment. All locations of Café Carolina and Bakery employ, train, and retain the disabled.

“We’re a small local company that really has a deep interest in the community and people,” said Hines. “One of the things we are driven to do is to help others. We have a special needs program in place – and it’s been in place for over 15 years. We don’t advertise that, we don’t tout that.”

“Trained at a specific task, there are opportunities to find unbelievably qualified and gifted special needs people who have unique abilities,” said Hines. “In certain cases, when looking at specific jobs in our industry, special needs individuals have certain innate characteristics that outperform highly functioning individuals,” said Hines.

“We’re expecting about 200 superheroes to rappel in this year’s Over the Edge,” said Keith L. Fishburne, president/CEO Special Olympics North Carolina. “Each person raises $1,000 or more from family, friends, customers, co-workers, or companies. Prime-time slots are picked by the quickest fundraisers, and we make that easier and fun by providing a web page to each participant.”

“We thank the many people and sponsoring companies for making Over the Edge such a great success each year,” said Fishburne, who has gone Over the Edge four times. “These funds allow us to empower people with intellectual disabilities by giving them opportunities for training, success, and self-esteem in sports – building life skills and lasting relationships.”

Special Olympics North Carolina provides year-round sports training and competition for nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities across the state, according to Fishburne.

Over the Edge raised $177,000 in 2015. Raleigh sponsors included Spectrum Properties, Sport Clips, Café Carolina and Bakery, and HUB International/RPG Solutions. 2016’s top fundraiser will receive an extended weekend mini-vacation from Blockade Runner in Wrightsville Beach.

No climbing or rappelling experience is required and Over the Edge will provide rope access experts and veteran adventure professionals. Participants must weigh between 110 and 300 pounds and be at least 14 years of age.

Spectrum Properties contributes the use of the landmark Wells Fargo Capitol Center to benefit Special Olympics North Carolina.

Click here for Media Photos, Logos, and Press Materials

Contact:

Rachel McQuiston

Vice President of Communications

Special Olympics North Carolina

919-719-7662 ext. 110

Robert B Butler | PR

Click here for Information and Registration

#SpecialOlympics #OverTheEdge #SONC #OTERaleigh #SONC_beafan #CafeCarolinaAndBakery #WellsFargoCapitolCenter #Raleigh #NorthCarolina

Seeking Superheroes to Rappel Skyline for
Special Olympics North Carolina

RALEIGH, NC – Superpowers or not, adventure seekers have the opportunity to rappel Raleigh’s 30-story Wells Fargo Capitol Center and be a superhero for Special Olympics North Carolina.

Over the Edge will deliver high-flyers an extreme descent plus scenic and historic views from the heart of North Carolina’s capital city on Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016. Registration is now open at www.overtheedgenc.com.

“We expect about 200 superheroes,” said Keith L. Fishburne, president/CEO Special Olympics North Carolina. “Each person raises $1,000 or more from family, friends, customers, co-workers, or companies. Prime-time slots are picked by the quickest fundraisers, and we make that easier and fun by providing a web page to each participant.”

“Some employees will raise money to send their boss Over the Edge,” said Fishburne. “This year, we might even see a few brave local celebrities step over the edge.”

Rappel Raleigh's Wells Fargo Capitol Center – Over The Edge

“We thank the many people and sponsoring companies for making Over the Edge such a great success each year,” said Fishburne. “These funds allow us to empower people with intellectual disabilities by giving them opportunities for training, success, and self-esteem in sports – building life skills and lasting relationships.”

Special Olympics North Carolina provides year-round sports training and competition for nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities across the state, according to Fishburne.

Over the Edge netted $177,000 in 2015. Raleigh sponsors included Spectrum Properties, Sport Clips, Cafe Carolina, Blockade Runner Beach Resort, and Hub International/RPG Solutions. 2016’s top fundraiser will receive an extended weekend mini-vacation from Blockade Runner in Wrightsville Beach.

No climbing or rappelling experience is required and Over the Edge will provide rope access experts and veteran adventure professionals. Participants must weigh between 110 and 300 pounds and be at least 14 years of age.

Spectrum Properties contributes the use of the landmark Wells Fargo Capitol Center to benefit Special Olympics North Carolina.

Click here for Media Photos, Logos, and Press Materials

Contact:

Megan O’Donnell

Vice President of Communications

Special Olympics North Carolina

P: 919-818-4598

E: modonnell@sonc.net

Robert B Butler | PR

#SpecialOlympics

#OverTheEdge

#SONC

#OTERaleigh

#SONC_beafan

Over the Edge Lands $177,000

for Special Olympics

Extreme sports continue April 30th with the 16th annual Plane Pull® to benefit Special Olympics NC

CHARLOTTE, NC and RALEIGH, NC – More than 300 adventure seekers rappelled two high-rise landmarks while raising $177,000 to help others. Over the Edge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics North Carolina, provided high-flying descents from Charlotte’s Hyatt House Center City on Nov. 14, and Raleigh’s Wells Fargo’s Capitol Center on Oct. 2-3.

Extreme sporting for a good cause continues in April when the North Carolina Highway Patrol Smokey Bears defend their overall championship title at the 16th annual Plane Pull® for Special Olympics NC. In 2015, seventy teams of five people, representing communities across the state, collected more than $90,000 to support Special Olympics athletes. Each team competed for the fastest time pulling a 130,000-pound jet 25-feet on the UPS tarmac at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

“We thank the many people and sponsoring companies for making 2015’s Over the Edge and the Plane Pull such great successes,” said Keith Fishburne, Special Olympics North Carolina President and CEO. “The funds they raised allow us to empower people with intellectual disabilities by giving them opportunities for training, success, and self-esteem in sports – building life skills and lasting relationships.”

Cross-fit athletes, weight lifters, sports teams, friends, families, nonprofits and supporting companies are invited to create a team to compete in the 2016 Plane Pull for Special Olympics. Contact and registration information is available at this link: www.ncplanepull.com.

Over the Edge will take place in Raleigh only Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2016. Event registration will be open soon at www.overtheedgenc.com.

Over the Edge event sponsors in Charlotte included Hyatt House, J.E. Dunn Construction, Frontier Capital, and Beasley Media Group. Raleigh sponsors included Spectrum Properties, Cafe Carolina and Bakery, WRAL-TV 5 and WRAL.com, FOX50, Relias Learning RPG Solutions, HWM Office Environments Inc., Picasso Pawn, Flow Mini, and Triangle Rock Club. Sport Clips sponsored the event in both Raleigh and Charlotte.

The 2015 Plane Pull was presented by Credit Suisse, Delta, HMS Host, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and UPS. Other sponsors included GoJet Airlines, Citadel Contractors, Food Lion, Sheetz, and Archer Western Contractors. Law Enforcement Torch Run agencies also use funds raised for the Plane Pull to benefit Special Olympics NC.

Each year, according to Fishburne, Special Olympics North Carolina provides year-round sports training and competition for nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities across the state.

Contact:

Megan O’Donnell

Vice President of Communications

Special Olympics North Carolina

P: 919-818-4598

E: modonnell@sonc.net

Robert B Butler | PR

Click here for CHARLOTTE Registration

#PlanePull #SpecialOlympics #OverTheEdge #SONC #OTERaleigh #OTECharlotte #SONC_beafan

The North Carolina Highway Patrol 'Smokey Bears' – 2015 Plane Pull Champions – UPS Tarmac at RDU International

Uptown Charlotte Rappelling Adventure Nov. 14

Queen City Going Over the Edge for Special Olympics North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, NC – Adventure seekers have an extreme opportunity to rappel Charlotte Center City’s 18-story Hyatt House on Saturday, November 14, to benefit Special Olympics North Carolina.

“Living a life with purpose and overcoming obstacles is a huge theme for me,” said early signer and cancer survivor Tiffany Nam of Charlotte. “Over the Edge is an opportunity to challenge myself and help others achieve their dreams.”

Over the Edge supports Special Olympics programs offering training and competition for nearly 40,000 people with intellectual disabilities in North Carolina. Athletes train and compete in 19 sports, providing motivation, building self-esteem, and creating opportunities for success.

Registration for Over the Edge is now open with prime-time slots to be selected by the quickest fundraisers. Click here for registration.

Early team signers for the Uptown Charlotte leap include Cumberland County’s Sheriff’s Office, Frontier Fit, Charlotte’s Dream Team, and Pamlico County. Sport Clips Haircuts picked up three slots in Charlotte for adrenaline-wanting customers.

High-wired Charlotte notables now on the roster include WBTV’s Ashley Stroehlein; Kayla Ayres and Nick Kosir of FOX 46; CharlotteFive’s Corey Inscoe; mascot Chubby Checker of the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers; and North Carolina’s 2015 Special Olympics Athlete of the Year, Robin Callaway of Matthews.

“We were so happy to provide participants a rappelling experience in Raleigh on October 2nd,” said Keith Fishburne, president of Special Olympics North Carolina. “Now we look forward to Uptown Charlotte on November 14th. We invite people to register and enjoy this unique and exhilarating adventure while supporting Special Olympics athletes.”

Rappellers can sign up as an individual or create a team. Supporters can sponsor an individual, sponsor or join a team, or make a direct donation to Special Olympics.

No climbing or rappelling experience is required. The Over the Edge rappelling team includes rope access experts and veteran adventure professionals. Participants must weigh between 110 and 300 pounds and be at least 14 years of age (14-17 year-olds require signed consent).

Spectrum Properties and Hyatt House contributed the use of the iconic buildings in Raleigh and Charlotte to benefit Special Olympics North Carolina.

Registration and information links:

Click here for Media Photos, Logos, and Press Materials

Contact:

Megan O’Donnell

Vice President of Communications

Special Olympics North Carolina

P: 919-818-4598

E: modonnell@sonc.net

Robert B Butler | PR

Click here for RALEIGH Registration

#SpecialOlympics #OverTheEdge #SONC #OTECharlotte #OTERaleigh #SONC_beafan

An Extreme Opportunity to Help Others

Rappelling North Carolina

Landmarks for Special Olympic

Rappel the Hyatt House Charlotte Center City

CHARLOTTE, NC and RALEIGH, NC – A limited number of adventure seekers will have bucket list opportunities to rappel two high-rise landmarks in North Carolina’s largest cities – all for Special Olympics.

Over the Edge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics North Carolina will provide high-flyers an extreme descent from the pinnacle of Wells Fargo’s 30-story Capitol Center in downtown Raleigh, on October 2-3.

Skyline views and rappelling adventures will carry on in the Queen City’s Uptown district on Saturday, November 14, atop the 18-story Hyatt House Charlotte Center City.

No climbing or rappelling experience is required. The Over the Edge rappelling team includes rope access experts and veteran adventure professionals. Participants must weigh between 110 and 300 pounds and be at least 14 years of age (14-17 year-olds require signed consent).

“Over the Edge will accommodate an estimated 300 people in 2015,” says Megan O’Donnell, VP of Communications. “We expect about 200 in Raleigh and 100 in Charlotte, with each person raising a minimum of $1,000 from family, friends, customers, co-workers, or companies. Some employees raise the money to send the boss Over the Edge.”

Registration for Over the Edge is now open with prime-time slots selected by the quickest fundraisers. A few of the early signers include employees of North Carolina’s Highway Patrol, Cumberland County’s Sheriff’s Office, and Sport Clips Haircuts, picking up three slots in each city for thrill-seeking customers.

The top fund-raiser in 2014, Café Carolina & Bakery, raised over $30,000 with A Sweet Way to Help campaign. The Café employs Special Olympics athletes in each Triangle location and is repeating the campaign in 2015. The in-store promotion continues through October 3, enabling customers to purchase oversized, fresh baked cookies for one dollar

Over the Edge funds will benefit Special Olympics North Carolina programs offering year-round sports training and competition for nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athletes train and compete on local and state levels in 19 sports, providing motivation, building self-esteem, and creating opportunities for success.

Spectrum Properties and Hyatt House contributed the use of the iconic buildings in Raleigh and Charlotte to benefit Special Olympics.

Registration and information links:

Click here for CHARLOTTE Registration