The 6th Annual Special Olympics Breakfast with Champions will be held Oct. 3 at the Arizona Biltmore at 7:30 am. With plenty of high ambitions for Special Olympics Arizona, the breakfast represent a community gathering geared towards spreading awareness and sustaining programs that Special Olympic athletes participate in year round. 

 

The mission of the Special Olympics is a simple yet noble one: provoke year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience sharing of gifts and skills, skills, and with families and the community.

 

Events such as the Breakfast with Champions, celebrate this mission. Special Olympics is responsible for creating change in the lives of so many. Through its programs and sporting events, athletes are able to build confidence, develop relationships with other competitors, and experience acceptance and camaraderie unlike any other setting. 

 

Expected to be in attendance are community leaders, volunteers, law enforcement—-which partner with Special Olympic as their charity of choice— and families of athletes. One of the most rewarding and inspiring components of the morning will be motivational speakers as well as pronouncements by Special Olympic athletes and the impact the organization has had on their lives. 
 

 

Keynote speaker of the morning, Tony Vopentest, four-time Paralympic gold medalist and five time World Champion will be speaking and it’s sure to be a treat. Vopentest was born without hands or feet. In high school, he developed an interest in track and decided to join as a way to make friends.  He came in last every race, but soon after, his life began to change as he started wear a type of prosthetics that could be attached to his legs. This change not only signified a change on the field, it also allowed Vopentest the ability to be a voice for people who had similar disabilities. 

 

Overcoming several challenges in his life, Vopentest is a true testament that through hard work, positive thinking, and perseverance anything is possible. Three awards will be presented at the end of the morning to celebrate and recognize the Athlete of the Year Award, Unified Partner of the Year, and Guest of Honor Award. 

 

Special Olympics Arizona, through this fundraiser hopes to raise $100,0 00 in order to support athletes statewide in order for athletes to train and participate in events at no cost. To be a part of something truly outstanding, donations are accepted for any amount at anytime of the year. 

 

 

For additional information and to donate, visit: http://www.specialolympicsarizona.org