Special Olympics Southern California Athletes and Supporters go "Over the Edge"
Adventure seekers invited to sign-up for October fundraising event at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach. There is limited availability to rappel down this popular Long Beach hotel.
Contact
Jennifer Becker
Tel: (818) 786-1606 / Cell: (619) 405-0625
jennifer@jpbecker.com
LONG BEACH (May 2, 2011) - Fundraising for Special Olympics Southern California will reach new heights as thrill-seekers will have the exclusive opportunity to rappel 158 feet down the Hyatt Regency Long Beach on October 29. Those who raise a minimum of $1,000 from pledges will descend 16 floors – the entire length of the hotel – to a cheering crowd below as they go "Over the Edge" to raise funds for Special Olympics Southern California. The Hyatt Regency Long Beach is set against a picturesque backdrop featuring 360-degree views of downtown Long Beach, Shoreline Village, Long Beach Aquarium, and the Queen Mary.
The all-day "Celebrate Long Beach" event will be supervised by trained rappelling professionals from "Over the Edge," a Canadian-based special events company that creates signature fundraising event opportunities for non-profit organizations. "Edgers" will be encouraged to wear Halloween costumes (certain restrictions apply), and the event will feature a spirited assortment of food, prizes, and Halloween themed festivities, including a costume contest.
The Long Beach Police Department has signed on as community partners, with some of its officers pledging to go "over the edge" themselves. Special Olympics Southern California CEO and President, Bill Shumard, has volunteered to rappel as part of a "toss your boss" and "fling-a-friend" pledge campaign, showing how everyone can become involved.
"Whether one chooses to rappel or give a donation, 'Over the Edge' is the perfect example of how Special Olympics Southern California empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports," Shumard said. "As thrill-seekers experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rappel down the Hyatt Regency, it will give them a sense of how courageous our athletes are everyday as they make the most of their abilities, not their disabilities."
The Hyatt Regency Long Beach is excited to be partnering with Special Olympics Southern California on the event. "The entire Hyatt Regency Long Beach family wants to go 'above and beyond,' to make the first 'Over the Edge' event a success," says Hyatt Regency Long Beach General Manager, Jeff Pace. "Our team promises the same dedication to excellence as demonstrated by the athletes of Special Olympics Southern California."
Proceeds from "Over the Edge" will benefit thousands of individuals with intellectual disabilities in Southern California, impacting Special Olympics athletes from as far north as Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo, down to San Diego. The goal is to raise at least $100,000.
As testament to how Special Olympics Southern California transforms lives of its Athletes and their families, SOSC athlete Nicole Nelson will rappel alongside her father, Max Nelson. The two are teaming up together to raise more than $2,000 for Special Olympics Southern California.
"Nicole has never done anything of this type – it's completely something new and it takes some of her fears and puts them aside. It's a new event that most Special Olympics athletes would never be able to do", said Nelson. "It gives her a chance to expand her horizons. She's so good at talking to people and we're so excited that she's getting the opportunity to spread her joy."
Nicole will be rappelling in honor of her 30th birthday. "I want to do Over the Edge because I want to spend my life doing things and trying new thing – I want to do things with my life! Most people don't have a positive attitude and so they don't want to do things like this. But it's my birthday week and I'll have so much fun going over the edge!"
Special Olympics Southern California athletes compete year-round in a variety of sports throughout Southern California, at no cost to them or their families. "From purchasing equipment, creating new teams or expanding existing programs, proceeds from 'Over the Edge' will enable SOSC to continue its mission of empowerment through sports training and competition," Shumard said. "Through events such as this, we're promising our athletes that our commitment to them is not only for today, but for years to come."
To sign-up, get involved or sponsor an SOSC athlete visit www.sosc.org/overtheedge. A limited number of rappelling spots are available, so those interested in becoming an "Edger" are encouraged to register early. All participants must raise the minimum $1,000 in pledges by September 30. "Edgers" cannot exceed 300 pounds and must be in good health.
For more information on Special Olympics Southern California visit www.sosc.org.
About Special Olympics Southern California
Special Olympics Southern California has been changing lives through the power of sport for more than 40 years and offers opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition. Special Olympics Southern California appreciates the support of its year-round Mission. Partners: KTLA, Law Enforcement Torch Run, Summit Entertainment, Toyota, and The Vons Foundation. For more information about how to compete, coach or contribute, visit www.sosc.org.