PRESS RELEASE

Date: June 21, 2007

Contact: Pat Urena, Supervisor Of El Centro Recreation Services (760) 554-5321

Imperial Brings Home The Gold At Special Olympics

El Centro, - The Imperial Valley was represented by many talented athletes to compete in is year’s Special Olympics State Games held in Long Beach, California. Imperial Valley Special Olympics is hosted through the City of El Centro Parks and Recreation Department. Local athletes are from all over the Valley including: El Centro, Brawley, Imperial, Holtville, Seeley, Calexico and Heber. This two day long event yielded over twenty gold medals for the Imperial Valley team.

Kelly Pechtl won 2 –gold and 1 bronze medals for Aquatics and also broke the State games 100 meter record. Donald Amago not only brought a gold medal home but was also selected to be a “Global Messenger” for the US Special Olympics. Global Messengers are an elite group of twelve members that serve a two year term and will address audiences of government officials, business executives and the general public. “Global Messengers are among our most powerful advocates as to what can be achieved through inclusion and acceptance.” states Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver.

This years competitors included: Donald Amago, Danny Gonzalez, Jeremy Gutierrez, Tyler Jensen, Zack Kimball, Jose Sanchez, Stoney Sherman, Becky Samwell, Kelly Pechtl, Christina Thomas, Michel Lee Hack, Connie Torrico, Alex Payan, Angel Lerma, Salvador Juarez and Roberto Garcia. Coaches were Leonard Mendez, Myra Reisin and Tony Garcia. Assistant Coaches were King Kimball, Gilberto Romo and Mrs. Torrico.