The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

Police Face-off in Support of Special Olympics

Today (Thursday, March 29) Mile One Centre will be filled with the type of playoff intensity that you expect this time of year. When you check out what is on the ice, you won�t just see good hockey. You will see goodwill in action.

On Thursday night the Newfoundland and Labrador Police Curling Association (NLPCA) will be hosting their Annual Charity Benefit Hockey Game. Facing off against each other will be the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary All Stars versus the Royal Canadian Mounted Police All Stars. Although the game is sure to be intense as both sides battle it out for bragging rights, there will only be one winner: Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador! A portion of the proceeds from Thursday�s game will go to support Special Olympics programs in this province.

�The NLPCA has been supporting Special Olympics since 2005 when they approached us looking to help in any way they could. Since that initial meeting the NLPCA have donated over $10,000 to our cause. They are a great friend and an amazing supporter of our programs and athletes� says Johnny Byrne, SONL Executive Director. �I am continually amazed by the commitment of law enforcement to community programs like Special Olympics. Members of the NLPCA and the Law Enforcement Torch Run go out of their way to raise funds and awareness for our organization. We are indebted to them.�

Thursday�s game will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Mile One Centre. The game will showcase the hockey skills of the cities finest and will also have plenty of surprises that are sure to keep the whole family entertained. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 a piece or four for $30.

Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador is dedicated to enriching the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans with an intellectual disability through sport. It is a provincial not-for-profit grassroots organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities for over 450 athletes of all ages and abilities. There are currently 12 community-based clubs that offer sport programs. Through sport Special Olympics offers athletes and families a sense of achievement and an opportunity to excel as they take on leadership roles within their community

For more information about the NLPCA�s support of Special Olympics programs please contact Executive Director Johnny Byrne.

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