MATTOON, Ill. – More than 700 Special Olympics Athletes and their family members enjoyed a day of fun, games and friendship at the 33rd annual Special Olympics Family Festival (SOFF) on September 17 at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Ill.
For the past 33 years, Consolidated Communications has sponsored and organized the event for Special Olympics athletes from regions 8, 9, 10 and 17 in central Illinois. SOFF features non-competitive games and activities in a carnival-like atmosphere. Each athletes is paired with a volunteer Friend-For-A-Day who spends the day with them and escorts them around the grounds.
This year’s circus-themed SOFF, “The Greatest SOFF on Earth,” included performances by the Gamma Phi Circus from Illinois State University and Rick Dunham appeared as Elvis Himselvis. In addition, a parade of costumed characters, local sports teams, pageant winners and fire trucks kicked the day off.
“This year’s event truly was an amazing day from start to finish,’” said Dan Romack, the 2016 SOFF committee chairman. “It is always exciting to see the smiles on the faces of our athletes as they joined in the activities and games. I sincerely thank our more than 1,200 volunteers who spent countless hours before, during and after ensuring the event was a success.”
Romack thanked First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust and Sarah Bush Lincoln for their help in organizing the event and for partnering with Consolidated Communications. “This event would not be possible without our support from Lake Land College, Eastern Illinois University, Special Olympics Illinois and our partners, sponsors and contributors,” Romack added. “The generosity and support for this event is truly a reflection on our community.”
SOFF 2017 is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017. Learn more about the event at www.consolidated.com/SOFF, on our Special Olympics Family Festival Facebook page orwatch our video.
About Consolidated Communications
Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ: CNSL) provides business and broadband communications services across its 11-state service area to carrier, commercial and consumer customers. For more than a century, the Company has consistently provided innovative, reliable, high-quality products and services. Consolidated Communications offers a wide range of communications solutions including: High-Speed Internet, Data, Digital TV, Phone, managed and cloud services and wireless backhaul over an extensive fiber optic network. Learn more about Consolidated Communications at consolidated.com.
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