MEDIA ALERT for Friday, Nov. 2 Sunday, Nov.

4 VILLANOVA HOSTS SPECIAL OLYMPICS 2012 FALL FESTIVAL

Law Enforcement Torch Run from Philly Art Museum to Villanova University to Kick Event Off

WHAT -- The 24th Annual Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) Fall Festival at Villanova. The event is the largest
student-run Special Olympics event in the world and hosts 1,000 athletes, 400 coaches, and 3,000 volunteers for competition in soccer, volleyball, roller skating, powerlifting, bocce, and long distance running. To kick-off the Fall Festival, members of law enforcement will participate in the Be a Fan Fall Fest Torch Run, a 13mile non-competitive run from the Philadelphia Art Museum to Villanova University benefiting Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) on November 2, 2012.

WHERE
Fall Festival - Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue in Villanova, PA; The Shipley School, 814 Yarrow Street,
Bryn Mawr, PA (some bocce and soccer games); and Marple Sports Arena, 611 South Park Way in Broomall, PA (roller skating only).

Be a Fan Torch Run Steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

WHEN -- Friday, November 2 Sunday, November 4. While preliminary competition will take place during Friday
afternoon, the official start to the weekend is Opening Ceremonies at 7:30 PM that evening. Complete schedule of events can be found here. Highlights, in addition to sporting competitions, include:

Friday
12:45 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Be a Fan Torch Run from Art Museum to Villanova - The Second Annual Be a Fan Fall Festival Torch Run, a 13-mile non-competitive run from the Philadelphia Art Museum to Villanova University benefiting Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA), will officially kick-off from the steps of the Art Museum at 12:45 p.m. as members of the Philadelphia Police Department, SOPA athletes, dignitaries and other members of law enforcement begin the long and inspiring journey after a brief ceremony. Guests slated to attend include: o Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia Police Department o Chief Dave Mettin, Pennridge Police Department o Matthew Aaron, SOPA President and CEO o Other Police Brass from around the region o Don Tollefson, well known local broadcasting personality 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. VIP Reception @ Presidents Lounge, Villanovas Connelly Center This is a reception for SOPA sponsors, Board Members and friends with a check presentation to TD Bank. 7:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies @ The Pavilion at Villanova Guests slated to attend include: o Villanova Assistant Athletic Director, Father Rob Hagan o Emcee John Clark of NBC 10 o Special Olympics PA Global Messengers: Liz Smith, Joe Lyle, Ernie Roundtree and Mike Stephens o Villanova Dance Company, Acapella Groups and Cheerleaders

Saturday
10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Olympic Town @ The Quad (between Sheehan & Sullivan Halls) Olympic Town will offer athletes a variety of fun and activities to keep athletes busy in between competitions. Numerous Villanova student clubs will set up booths and crafts tables and area businesses will participate.

MEDIA ALERT for Friday, Nov. 2 Sunday, Nov. 4

2:00 p.m. Phila. Insurance Award of Valor @ Connelly Center, Cinema The presentation of the prestigious Award of Valor presented by Philadelphia Insurance will be given to one Special Olympics PA athlete. This distinction honors those who demonstrate the spirit to overcome challenges. 8:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Victory Dance @ The Pavilion at Villanova A Victory Dance has become a tradition for Special Olympics and is truly a highlight for the athletes.

Sunday
1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Closing Ceremonies @ The Pavilion. Special Guest slated to attend includes Closing Ceremony emcee Melissa Magee of 6 ABC.

CONTACT Nicole L. Jones, 267-779-3131 -or- Caroline Goldstein, 610-585-4400 - (full schedule found here) MEDIA ARE WELCOME Media are welcomed to attend any portion of the event. Call Nicole Jones at
267-779-3131 or Caroline Goldstein at 610-585-4400 for further information or to arrange interviews.