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September 9th, 2004 SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES WILL SWIM AN OPEN WATER MILE DURING ELITE SAN FRANCISCO BAY COMPETITION 
Nine Special Olympics athletes from around the world will brave the chilly and sometimes unforgiving tides of the San Francisco Bay in one of the most grueling and prestigious swimming competitions in the world.
On Sunday, 19 September, Kester Edwards (Washington, D.C., USA), Ancil Green (Trinidad & Tobago), Eduardo Herrera (Guatemala), Tam Wai Kip (Hong Kong), Andres Miyares (Florida, USA), Fhad Fayez Abd El Kader El Khaial (Egypt) and three athletes from Northern California, USA — Sam Silver, Jeffery Peterman and Jennie Fong — will represent Special Olympics, swimming one nautical mile from San Francisco Bay's Angel Island to the shores of the village of Tiburon in the RCP Tiburon Mile.
Significantly, Special Olympics athletes will be among some of the world’s top ranked swimmers including: Olympics Gold Medalists Klete Keller, Scott Goldblatt, Natalie Coughlin and Janet Evans. The inclusion of Special Olympics athletes in the Tiburon Mile will help others recognize the underrated ability of people with intellectual disabilities.
"For five years, this race has tested the will and strength of some of the world’s most elite athletes," said Timothy Shriver, Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics. "Having Special Olympics athletes from multiple nations swim in this race will unmask stereotypes linked to people with intellectual disabilities, bringing a new face to what the world perceives as strong and able competitors."
Founded in 1999 by Robert C. Placak, the RCP Tiburon Mile attracts more than 1,000 swimmers between the ages of 13 and 80 — including Olympians and World Champions — who compete for cash and prizes while raising money for Special Olympics Northern California, Marin County. Over the years, more than $112,000 has been raised to fund Special Olympics programming and sports training. Placak’s goal was to create a world-class international swimming event that integrates the local community, working together to give back through the sport of swimming.
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"While many dedicated swimmers, including many past National and Olympic winners, will be swimming that chilly one and a quarter miles across the Bay, it is the Special Olympics swimmers who are in my mind the most worthy, as they have overcome extraordinary obstacles to compete in this race."
BILL PRICE
Two-time winner
Tiburon Mile Mayor's Cup
(who is funding the participation of the Special Olympics athletes.) |
"By providing the opportunity for swimmers of all calibers to compete with each other, it is possible for World-Class Swimmers, Olympians and Special Olympics athletes to inspire each other by standing together with determination and strength," said Placak. "This year we have reached a pinnacle, with participating Olympians direct from the Athens Games and Special Olympics athletes from around the world."
Special Olympics athletes have participated in the Tiburon Mile in the past, but this is the first time athletes from Programs outside the United States will compete. In alignment with the organization’s mission, all nine of the athletes train year-round for long-distance competitions. This opportunity will give them the stage to demonstrate their courage and share their gifts with the global community.
"This will not be my first time swimming in open water, so I know what it takes to go against the elements," said Edwards. "I just think this is an incredible occasion for me and my Special Olympics friends to showcase our ability."
Thanks to the personal contribution of California resident Bill Price, Special Olympics athletes were afforded the opportunity to compete in the Tiburon Mile. Price is funding air transportation and accommodations for the six athletes traveling from outside the Northern California area in addition to paying competition entry fees for the entire Special Olympics group. He has also hired an open water coach to train Silver, Peterman and Fong weekly. A competitive swimmer himself, Price is a two time winner of the Tiburon Mile Mayor’s Cup.
"While many dedicated swimmers, including many past National and Olympic winners, will be swimming that chilly one and a quarter miles across the Bay, it is the Special Olympics swimmers who are in my mind the most worthy, as they have overcome extraordinary obstacles to compete in this race," said Price.
To learn more, visit the RC Tiburon Mile Web site.
Contact:
Jo-Ann Enwezor
Special Olympics
+1 (202) 824-0328
jenwezor@specialolympics.org
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