Special Olympics Autumn Rollerski-athon



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Contact:  Sandy Hutchins

Northeastern Illinois Special Olympics

630/377-6480

September 3, 2000



 



Special Olympics Autumn Rollerski-athon  October 28, 2000


It has been a while since there was an organized rollerski event in the
Chicago area, but Germina Skis/North America and the Northeastern Illinois
Special Olympics will change that on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Lisle. The first
Special Olympics Autumn Rollerski-a-thon will be conducted from 8 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. that day at Community Park, just off of Route 53 along Short
Street.  A minimum pledge of $25 is required from each participant, with
proceeds going to benefit the Illinois team in the 2001 Winter Special
Olympics in Alaska.

Depending on the pledge, quality premiums are earned, including Germina
Nordic skis.  The person who raises the most money will receive a free
pair of Enduro Rollerskis.  Other products will include Native eyewear and
Cerax polymer.  Participants ski as long or short as they want. More and
more  products are being added to the premium list daily. Roller skiers
and in-line skaters who train with poles, and  in-line skaters are also
welcome.

"This is a first time event," said Joe Gollinger, National Sales Manager for
Naperville-based Germina/North America.  "It's not a race. Basically, it's a
chance for people to network, talk about the upcoming season and earn some
great prizes for fulfilling pledges. Most importantly, it's for the kids. There's never been an event like this in
Illinois to raise funds for (winter sport) Special Olympics kids. My long
term goal is to work with Special Olympics and develop a National
RollerSki-a-thon series."

For pledge cards and more information, contact the Northeastern Illinois Special Olympics, Attn. Sandy Hutchins, P.O. Box 879, St.Charles, IL 60174. Phone is (630) 377-7250. Fax is (630) 377-8315. Germina's Gollinger can be reached at (630) 355-6480. For those unfamiliar with rollerskiing, it is what cross-country skiers do as part of their offseason training and what they do during winters when there is no snow. It's easy and it's fun.