Special Olympics to join Inaugural Parade

December 29, 2:37 AMDC Tourism & Travel ExaminerBen Shlesinger

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I pulled the below information directly from the official inauguration web site. I did not change a word but I thought it was worth adding to my site. I think it's a great thing that athletes from the Special Olympics will take place in the parade. Although my contribution is not much, for five out of the past six years I have participated in the Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics Maryland. In the spirit of inclusion, I think almost everyone should have a chance to be represented in the Inaugural Parade. Yes, there are always parades for inaugurations, but this one will be special and it is a great gesture to invite the Special Olympics to join the festivities.
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Today, in keeping with its commitment to hold inaugural events that celebrate our common values and reflect the diversity and history of our great nation, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden’s Inaugural Committee officially extended an offer to Special Olympics to march in the 56th Inaugural Parade.  Special Olympics athletes, volunteers and supporters will join representatives from across the country and our Armed Forces in the historic parade down Pennsylvania Avenue following President-elect Obama’s swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.

“I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade,“ said President-elect Obama.  “These organizations embody the best of our nation’s history, diversity and commitment to service.  Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade.“

Organizations wishing to participate in the parade submitted an application to the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), which then assisted the Presidential Inaugural Committee in reviewing all of the groups’ applications.  All told, 1,382 organizations applied to participate, setting a new standard for interest in marching in the parade.

Upon hearing its selection, Special Olympics made the Inaugural Parade part of its Global Law Enforcement Torch Run(r) and the parade participants, a team of Special Olympics athletes, law enforcement officials who serve as guardians of the flame, and other supporters will carry the Flame of HopeTM for all to see.

Since November 24, 2008, the Flame of Hope has traveled more than 30,000 miles around the world stopping on each continent to deliver a message of spirit and hope to communities where people with intellectual disabilities continue to fight for acceptance and a chance to excel without barriers.

After the Inaugural Parade, the Flame of Hope will continue across America until it reaches Boise, Idaho, where it will be used to ignite the cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies for the Special Olympics World Winter Games that will take place from February 7-13, 2009.

Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization and global movement dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports to more than 2.8 million individuals with intellectual disabilities worldwide.  

All participants in the Inaugural Parade are responsible for paying for their own lodging and transportation to and from Washington, D.C.  The Committee has been working closely with area governments and civic organizations to facilitate access to affordable accommodations and would like to encourage citizens from across the country to reach out and help Special Olympics raise the necessary resources to participate in this historic event.

If you are interested in finding out more about supporting the Special Olympics and their participation in the 56th Inaugural Parade, please contact Cary McPartlin at 202-459-7561 or cmcpartlin@specialolympics.org.  You may also visit www.specialolympics.org to learn more.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee was assisted in its selection process by a group of experienced military musicians, who utilized their expertise to help assess the presentation skills of marching bands, musical acts and drill teams.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee continues to choose particpants for the Inaugural ceremonies.  Groups will be notified on a select basis.  All notifications will be made by January 5.

For more of my inauguration stories, check out the list below. 

1. Inaugural D.C. Ball benefitting Metropolitan Police Boys and Girls clubs
2. 2009 Florida Inauguration Celebration to benefit local Red Cross chapters
3. Mambo For Obama Inaugural Ball added to schedule
4. Texas holding inaugural ball despite no Texan in the White House
5. Local 'The Wire' actor to host the H.O.P.E. Inaugural Youth Ball
6. Conservation Inauguration Gala honors Obamas and Bidens
7. North Carolina Inaugural Ball sold out
8. Celebrate the inauguration by cruising on the Potomac River
9. If you have an inauguration story, I want to hear it!
10. Annapolis, Md. hoping to capture some Obama inauguration business
11. New list of balls, galas, and other events celebrating Obama's inauguration
12. D.C. Council chops off one hour of inaugural drinking time
13. The Newseum is the place to be for Obama's inauguration day

Special Report: Inauguration Day 2009

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