Special Olympics Illinois Lottery Ticket - first U.S. Lottery game to benefit Special Olympics

as posted by Special Olympics Illinois

The Illinois Lottery and Special Olympics Illinois are proud to announce the first U.S. Lottery game to benefit Special Olympics. Gov. Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 219 at the 2014 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 13, 2014, at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium in Normal.

“There are few things as inspiring as watching a Special Olympics competition,” said Gov. Quinn. “The athletes’ cheerful determination can brighten anyone’s day. With this Lottery ticket, we are returning the favor by helping more of these competitors realize their Olympic dreams.”

Sponsors of Senate Bill 219 creating include: Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) and Reps. Fran Hurley (D-Chicago) and Dan Burke (D-Chicago).

The new game will provide funds for training and competition programs that benefit more than 21,000 Special Olympics athletes in Illinois from all 102 Illinois counties. These funds will also allow for the organization to continue transforming lives. The Lottery ticket will help Special Olympics Illinois offer increased participation for eligible athletes in the state as well as pursue additional national and international opportunities for their existing athletes.

New money generated from the Lottery game will not be used for administrative expenses.

“We are incredibly grateful for this new initiative that will allow Special Olympics Illinois to continue transforming the lives of both current and future generations of Special Olympics athletes. Funds raised from this game will lead to further innovation and program growth, and expand opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families and volunteers throughout Illinois,” said Dave Breen, Special Olympics Illinois President & CEO.

Specialty games like the Special Olympics Illinois ticket personify the heart and soul of the Lottery. The Special Olympics Illinois ticket will be offered as part of a rotating schedule of special Lottery instant games that benefit unique causes and will be available in February 2015 at Illinois Lottery retailers throughout the state.

http://www.soill.org/go-for-the-gold-special-olympics-illinois-lottery-game/

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Play the ticket that benefits Special Olympics Illinois and supports our athletes. #ILLotterySpecialOlympics