AT&T Joins Forces With Special Olympics to Support Athletes Across the Country

LOS ANGELES, May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* and Special Olympics announced today the launch of a new cause-related marketing initiative to support the organization and its mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

As part of the nationwide initiative, AT&T will make a donation to Special Olympics in the amount of $40 for each online purchase made on eligible AT&T products and services on the program's dedicated website, www.att.com/specialolympics. In addition, Special Olympics supporters may also participate in a text-to-donate program by texting the word UNITY to 80888, to make a one-time donation of $5 to Special Olympics. The donations program runs from May 9, 2011 through February 29, 2012.

"Special Olympics makes a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of athletes and their families," said David Christopher, Chief Marketing Officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.  "AT&T has long been a proud sponsor and supporter of Special Olympics' mission, including through the design of our technology and with products and services that connect these athletes with their families and their fans. With the help of customers and supporters, we're excited to further assist the organization as it transforms communities with programs that drive acceptance, inclusion and respect."

The AT&T Special Olympics website aims to educate consumers about the new campaign, highlight Special Olympics athletes, and also features unique AT&T products and services and other helpful resources designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Technology can make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities. With this in mind, AT&T's Universal Design Principles take into consideration the needs of all customers when designing products or interfacing with consumers through www.att.com; AT&T's more than 2,200 company-owned retail locations in the U.S.; or through its specialized call centers for people with disabilities. AT&T has a vast portfolio of solutions for consumers with intellectual disabilities as well as solutions for their family members and educators. AT&T offers a wide range of wireless tablets which allow consumers to access applications that offer the same features as traditional assistive communication devices; including apps that use symbols and pictures to create synthesized speech for those who have difficulty speaking. AT&T's large portfolio of offerings include devices such as the Pantech Breeze II™ and Pantech Ease™ that offer an uncomplicated menu, large buttons and three Quick-Call keys to make it easier for customers to call frequently-dialed numbers. Additionally, the AT&T AppCenter offers families a range of useful applications including AT&T FamilyMap, an app designed to locate a family member from a wireless phone or PC.

AT&T is deeply committed to enriching and strengthening diverse communities and has a long history of supporting Special Olympics efforts, including the Northern California Special Olympics Summer Games and Celebrity Winterfest in previous years. By sharing unique moments with Special Olympics athletes and teams, while at the same time raising funds for the organization, AT&T is able to support athletes, their families and communities.

"Thanks to individuals and to unique corporate programs like this new AT&T initiative, we are able to continue to enrich and advance the lives of our athletes and their communities," said Brady Lum, President and Chief Operating Officer, Special Olympics. "We are proud of this commitment by AT&T to show such valuable support for some of the most inspiring athletes in the world."

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. These unique programs are available to all eligible athletes and financial support comes almost exclusively from individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations. Customers can learn more about the Special Olympics donation program at www.att.com/specialolympics. For more information on Special Olympics, visit www.specialolympics.org.

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to nearly 3.5 million athletes in over 170 countries in all regions of the world, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition health screenings, and other related programs.  Special Olympics now takes place every day, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in all regions of the world and in community playgrounds and ball fields in every small neighborhood's backyard.  Special Olympics provide people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, and demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.  

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