SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Special Olympics Nevada is inviting adventure seekers to rappel in Reno during the Over the Edge fundraiser on June 4 at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. Up to 100 people will step off the roof of the building’s 27-story tower and rappel more than 300 feet to the bottom. All proceeds go toward providing the free training opportunities, equipment, uniforms and practice venues for some 4,000 Special Olympics athletes in Nevada. In fact, the Special Olympics State Summer Games will coincide with the Over the Edge event, and more than 300 athletes will be competing in Reno during the games while EDGERS are descending the Grand Sierra Resort.
The “EDGERS”, as rappellers are known, gather pledges from donors leading up to the event. All EDGERS must be in good health and weigh no less than 110 pounds and no more than 300 pounds. The rappelling is supervised by Over the Edge, a Nova Scotia company that has organized rappelling events all over North America and employs locals as rope technicians.
“We had an amazing turn out for our Lake Tahoe Polar Plunge fundraiser in March, and now our fundraising will get even wilder with Over the Edge,” said Maggie Schwarz, Regional Vice President of Special Olympics Nevada. “We are thrilled that the Grand Sierra Resort is making history with Special Olympics Nevada by hosting this inaugural event.”
Rick Collett, CEO and President of Special Olympics Nevada, added: “We’re excited about offering a new experience while raising much-needed funds for our athletes. They have a lot of courage and take risks everyday, and this event will give others a chance to experience the same exhilaration of accomplishing something that seems daunting.”
Over the Edge for Special Olympics will be held June 4 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. Those interested in rappelling may sign up at www.OverTheEdgeReno.com, and spectators are invited to attend the event to support the participants.
About Special Olympics Nevada
Special Olympics Nevada is a free year-round sports training and competition program for children and adults with developmental disabilities. About 4,000 compete in 12 sports. This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community Financial support comes almost exclusively from individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations. Find out how you can be a fan and visit www.SONV.org.
