Special Olympics Idaho is honored to be selected as a candidate for the 2011 Wal-Mart Associate Choice Program. For many years Wal-Mart’s support has allowed Special Olympics Idaho to help individuals with intellectual disabilities. Wal-Mart’s contributions have helped to give all 3,000 Special Olympics Idaho Athletes access to free hearing, vision, dental, feet and physical therapy screenings, as well as nutritional general health information. Wal-Mart’s contributions have also funded new outreach programs in Idaho Schools including as well as the Unified Sports Program which teams people with and without intellectual disabilities together in training and competition.

As Special Olympics moves into its fifth decade, we are gaining a new understanding of the importance of the movement. In the smiles, in the relationships formed, and in the examples set by the athletes, the world sees a new way of thinking, feeling and acting. In a time of war, of economic uncertainty, and of intolerance, the world needs Special Olympics more than ever. Please join us in changing lives, and in changing the world.

Wal-Mart associates can continue to enrich change the lives of Special Olympics athletes by voting for Special Olympics Idaho in the 2011 Wal-Mart Associate Choice Program. Voting takes place June 18, 2011 through August 16, 2011, at www.mywalmart.com.