Miss North Carolina USA, Andrea Duke (left) and Miss North Carolina Teen USA, Julia Dalton (right) announce the official opening of the 2008 SONC Basketball & Cheerleading Tournament!

“We now declare the 2008 Special Olympics North Carolina Midsummer Tournament open!”

Cheers will fill Dorton Arena Friday, July 18, 2008, as Julia Dalton, Miss North Carolina Teen USA, and Andrea Duke, Miss North Carolina USA, say those exciting words.

Julia Dalton, a native of Wilmington, NC, is thrilled to be a part her fourth SONC state-level competition as Miss North Carolina Teen, USA. “ I love Special Olympics because of the accomplishments that athletes make. It makes them feel special, and that’s rewarding for me.”

“It feels really great to open the games and hear everyone cheer. It’s a big moment for me – but it’s even more so for the athletes,” Julia adds.

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Special Olympics athletes from across the state competed in aquatics, gymnastics, powerlifting and volleyball in Raleigh and Cary June 6-8 in the 2008 SONC Summer Games.  Competition in athletics and softball were cancelled due to extreme heat.  Results are posted! Check out the photo gallery for images from the weekend and visit www.soncphotos.com for portrait shots from the dance.  Thank you to all the Volunteers who helped make the 2008 SONC Summer Games a success!   

Law enforcement officers will host two legs of the 2008 World's Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics on Saturday, Sept. 20 in Charlotte at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater and in Raleigh at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion.   Bring your big rig and join the fun!    
Click Here to find out how to participate, become the lead truck, view the routes in each city and more!   

On Saturday, July 26 the Statesville Police Department will host the 9th Annual Poker Run to benefit the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.   The ride will start at Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville and will end at Statesville Civic Center where participants will enjoy a meal donated by Outback.  
Cost is $30 for a single and $35 for  a double.  Registration is at 9 a.m. and the ride starts at 11 a.m.   
Best hand wins a 6' x 14' enclosed trailer; worst hand wins a $500 gift certificate from Tilley Harley-Davidson

On Wednesday, July 30 officers from the Wake Forest Police Department will be at the Texas Roadhouse selling T-shirts and accepting donations for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

The restaurant is generously donating a percentage of their night's receipts to Special Olympics NC as well.  So, gather your family and friends and head down to the Texas Roadhouse for a great meal and support Special Olympics at the same time!

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