Backup Documents 04/09/2013 Item # 4F PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Special Olympics, founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, provides year-round
sports training and athletic competition in Olympics-type sports for persons eight years
of age and older with intellectual disabilities; and,
WHEREAS, the Special Olympics of Collier County was founded in 1972 and currently has over 300
athletes in the program, which is offered free of charge to participants; and,
WHEREAS, the local program is a 100% volunteer grassroots organization, made possible through the
dedication of hundreds of volunteers who organize sports events, coach, publicize, raise
funds and administer the organization; and,
WHEREAS, all fundraising and donations remain in the county to support the programs; and,
WHEREAS, the training and competition in the Special Olympics provides athletes the opportunity to
develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing
of skills and friendship with other athletes and the community at large; and,
WHEREAS, the Special Olympics of Collier County has a fall and a summer season of activities,
including Aquatics, Basketball, Golf and Stand Up Paddleboard and its participants abide
by the Athlete's Oath which states, "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in
the attempt; and,
WHEREAS, the Special Olympics of Collier County has several upcoming events such as the Law
Enforcement Torch Run on April 12m, Luau Races at Noodles on May 4th and the ft
Annual Stand Up Paddleboard Poker Run on June 8th and encourages the community to get
involved and show their support.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida,
that
SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF COLLIER COUNTY
be recognized for its work in the community and to raise awareness of its cause.
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 9th Day of April, 2013.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, F C RIDA
GEOR i ' HILLER, CHAIRWOMAN �' ., ,
ATTEST:
4 DWIGHT E. BROOK CLERK
A 41m,