Special Olympics Georgia Receives $80,000 Grant From The UPS Foundation

ATLANTA, Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Special Olympics Georgia received an $80,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE: UPS). The grant will be used to support the five Special Olympic Georgia State Games.

The mission of Special Olympics Georgia is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Because of the generous contributions from The UPS Foundation, Special Olympics Georgia is able to provide greater opportunities to the 23,620 athletes served.

Special Olympics Georgia invests in people with intellectual disabilities, helping them to develop athletic skills, while also promoting the abilities of the athletes off the field.

When athletes succeed, attitudes change, communities develop, health and self-esteem are built, and the eyes of the world are focused on all that is good and hopeful and positive. Athletes gain skills for employment, learn independent living skills, form relationships and help others understand their extraordinary capabilities despite health issues they experience daily.

"Special Olympics Georgia is so appreciative of the generous support from The UPS Foundation and we credit their support for enabling SOGA to serve more athletes. Our long standing relationship with UPS is unmatched and we value not only their donation but their genuine belief in the athletes. Thanks to The UPS Foundation and the hundreds of employees who volunteer their time at our State Games," said Georgia Milton-Sheats, CEO of Special Olympics Georgia.

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta Ga., The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas, where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: nonprofit effectiveness, economic & global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability.

In 2010, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $44.6 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as Special Olympics Georgia and provide support for building stronger communities.

"The UPS Foundation is committed to funding impactful programs that make a meaningful difference in our communities – so we are proud to support Special Olympics Georgia's efforts to bring persons with intellectual disabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected, and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens," said Ken Sternad, president of The UPS Foundation.

SOURCE Special Olympics Georgia