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Cessna

Hampton Inn, Tulsa

For Immediate Release
Date:               June 13, 2006

Contacts:         
Donna Ham, Public Relations Director, 918-481-1234
Derek Cain, Development Dir., 918-481-1234

Special Olympics Oklahoma Athletes to be Part of One of the
Largest Civil Airlifts in History of Aviation

Tulsa, Okla.      On July 1, 2006, Special Olympics Oklahoma Athletes will make history by participating in one of the largest civil airlifts in the history of aviation. Cessna owners and operators will donate more than 230 Cessna Citation Business Jets to transport more than 2,000 Special Olympics athletes from 28 states and 38 different locations to the 2006 Special Olympics USA National Games in Ames, Iowa.

53 Special Olympics Oklahoma Athletes and 15 Coaches will travel from across Oklahoma and meet in Tulsa, Okla. on July 1, 2006. The employees of Hampton Inn, 31st & Memorial, are giving the athletes a send-off around 1:00 p.m.

“The Hampton Inn Tulsa is excited to host the Special Olympics Oklahoma team.  As community leaders we are proud to have the Special Olympics Athletes as our guests for this exciting event.  We encourage the community to be involved in this event. We invite the general public to come out and be a part of our showing of support to these fine athletes on Saturday, July 1st at 1:00 p.m., as they depart Tulsa to compete at the National Games," said Stephanie Lemons, Hampton Inn Tulsa General Manager. From Hampton Inn Tulsa, the athletes will then board two Red Carpet Charter buses that will take them to Mercury Air at Tulsa International Airport.

At 3:30 p.m., July 1, 2006 eight Oklahoma and Missouri Cessna owners/operators will start transporting the Oklahoma Athletes to Ames, Iowa.

"We've supported the Citation Special Olympics Airlift since its inception in 1987," said Joe Sasser, Kerr-McGee chief pilot.  "Many of these Special Olympics athletes would not be able to carry out their dreams of competing at the national event without the airlift, and I enjoy seeing the looks on their faces and their enthusiasm as they board the plane.  We at Kerr-McGee are proud to support these athletes and provide this opportunity."

"Cessna Citation business jet customers generously unite to give the use of their aircraft and crew to make it possible for these athletes to leave Oklahoma and arrive in Des Moines in just over an hour," said Marilyn Richwine, Cessna vice president, Special Olympics Airlift. "This makes travel much easier for the athletes. For many this may even be their first airplane ride, and riding in a Citation business jet is quite a way to go."

Because of the Airlift, the Des Moines airport will be one of the busiest airports in the nation July 1 and 8, with Cessna Citation jets taking off or landing every 60 to 90 seconds.

"The Airlift is a labor of love for Cessna and Cessna customers," Richwine said. "We wish everyone could have the opportunity to see in person the magnitude of the Airlift. The planning is apparent in how smooth the operation goes and the smiles from the athletes, pilots and volunteers make it all worthwhile. It's a way to give a special experience to some very special people."

The companies donating their Cessna Citation Business Jets for transporting Oklahoma athletes to and from the national games are Air Charter Sales LLC, Missouri; Dobber Aviation, LLC, Oklahoma; Great Southern Bancorp, Inc., Missouri; Kerr-McGee Corporation, Oklahoma; Nordam, Oklahoma; Papa Golf Aviation, LLC, Oklahoma; Premier Jet, LLC, Oklahoma; and QuikTrip Corporation.

To make contributions to sponsor an athlete for 2006 competitions and events, please call 1-800-722-9004 or visit the website at www.sook.org. 

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Special Olympics Oklahoma
The Mission of Special Olympics is to provide a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities [mental retardation] and other closely related developmental disabilities. Thanks to Oklahomans, more than 9,200 Special Olympics athletes participate in more than 100 competitions and events on an annual basis. Competition is offered in 16 official sports. More than 1,700 coaches devote their time and experience to the athletes. There are thousands of volunteer opportunities available annually. Visit www.sook.org or call 800-722-9004 for more information.        

Special Olympics Oklahoma
6835 S. Canton Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74136-3429
+1 (918) 481-1234
Fax: +1 (918) 496-1515

Oklahoma City Office:
3701 SE 15th Street
Del City, Oklahoma 73115
+1 (405) 670-3456
Fax: +1 (405) 670-3456