Toronto, ON – With three straight wins under their belts, the Toronto Rock are in preparation for not only their fourth win but also the fourth annual Charity Classic game in support of Special Olympics Ontario. This year’s game, scheduled for this Friday March 4, will mark the third time the Rock has teamed up with Special Olympics to raise funds for community programs, sport training and competition. In the last two years the Rock, in partnership with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, has raised over $50,000 for Special Olympics Ontario.
Special Olympics Ontario’s primary objective is to contribute to the physical, social and physiological development for people who have an intellectual disability though positive, successful experiences in sport. Special Olympics accomplishes this by providing sport training and competition throughout the year for people with an intellectual disability. There are over 14,000 registered athletes who have the opportunity to train and compete in 16 core sports. They compete at community and regional levels and can qualify to participate in Provincial, National and World Games.
Special Olympics’ goal is to prepare athletes for active and successful participation in regular community athletic programs. To achieve the aim of integrating these athletes into community based sports programs, Special Olympics Ontario recognizes the need for, and offers a continuum of integrative opportunities leading towards fully integrated sport programs.
This year’s Charity Classic is scheduled for this weekend when the Rock are set to take on Eastern Division rivals; the Buffalo Bandits. At the game, the Rock will yet again unveil a set of special edition third jerseys that will be auctioned off in a silent auction on the concourse through the first half of the game. The jerseys will be signed by the players and awarded on the floor at the end of the game. The starting bid for each of the 23 jerseys is $150.00 CDN and can be purchased using Visa, Mastercard, American Express or cash. Additional prize packages will also be available on the auction tables as provided by Jetsgo, Brine, Budget Car and Truck Rental, Joe Badali’s, the Westin Harbour Castle, the Buffalo Bandits and the Toronto Rock. Finally, a selection of 2004 Toronto Rock Game Worn Jerseys will also be available for sale at the auction tables. All of the proceeds from the auction and jersey sales will be donated to the Special Olympics Ontario.
A select group of Ontario Special Olympics’ athletes and volunteers will also have the opportunity to participate in a special afternoon of fun and learning through the Passport to Sport program. 150 participants will enjoy a pizza dinner and educational presentation at the Air Canada Centre, followed by the Rock/Bandits game that night.
Tickets are still available for this week’s tilt with the Buffalo Bandits through Ticketmaster outlets online at www.ticketmaster.ca , by phone at (416) 872-5000 or in person at the Box Office at the Air Canada Centre. Don’t forget to quote “ROCKSOLID” to take advantage of our special ticket offer before 5:00pm on Wednesday March 3, 2005.
