FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Linsey Harris Smith Area Director and Foundation Relations Special Olympics Florida, Miami-Dade (305) 406-9467 linseysmith@sofl.org
UM Tennis Teams First Time Collaborating with Special Olympics at Area Tennis Games MIAMI (Feb. 21, 2017) – University of Miami men’s and women’s tennis teams are collaborating for the first time with the Special Olympics Florida Area Tennis Games from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at the University of Miami Wellness Center. The men’s and women’s tennis teams are partnering with the Special Olympics athletes throughout the event giving the athletes pointers and playing alongside them during the games. More than 150 athletes with intellectual disabilities with a diversity in skill level participate in the games. Athletes compete in individual skills leading up to full game competitions. The games include an awards ceremony, Special Olympics village and healthy athletes screening. “We’ve been working day in and day out to prepare for this event,” said Aljosa Piric, head coach of the University of Miami men’s tennis team. “We are so excited to see it through as the Special Olympics athletes join forces with our Miami Hurricanes.” This is the first year Special Olympics College Club at UM collaborated with Special Olympics Florida to plan this event. Special Olympics College connects college students and individuals with intellectual abilities through sports to build friendships and help lead to social justice movement of Special Olympics. About Special Olympics Florida - Miami-Dade County The mission of Special Olympics is to provide 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 Olympic athletes and the community. Visit www.specialolympics.org/miami-dade to learn more.
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