Special Olympics Robeson County wishes to thank its many sponsors for their generous contributions for this 2002 fiscal year.

Our "premier sponsors" are those who have contributed within the year either in-kind or monetary donations of $1,000 or more. We are a nonprofit organization that is supported through private contributions raised from individuals, organizations, corporations, foundations and other sources. No athlete ever pays a fee to participate in Special Olympics, so contributions are very important. Special Olympics Robeson County has no paid staff or coaches. Everyone who works with Special Olympics here in the county is doing so on a volunteer position.

A very special salute goes out to these "premier sponsors": Public Schools of Robeson County; University of North Carolina at Pembroke; Fun-Tees of Lumberton; Pepsi Cola of Lumberton; Robeson County Commissioners; Lumberton Bowling Center; Kiwanis of Robeson; Knights of Columbus #7225; Calabash West and Jimmy's Seafood Restaurant; Expressive Screen Printing; Noble Self-Service Storage; Repeat Performance Thrift Shop; Lumberton Junior Service League; Dr. Arthur Bradford, St. Pauls; Scotland Family Practice -- Dr. Dockery-Belfield, Mr. Denis Ricard, PA-C and office staff; Dr. Joseph Roberts; Dr. Pope Lee and staff, Rowland; Robeson County Parks & Recreation; Lumberton City Parks & Recreation; Total Elite Fitness Center; Island Grove Baptist Church; National Welders Supply Co.; New Hope United Methodist Women, Rowland; Arc of Robeson; Clayson Knitting Co., Red Springs; Lumberton Lions Club; Outer Banks, a Sara Lee Corporation; American Legion Auxiliary Post 271, Rowland; Page Talk, G.H. Smith; Harpers Ferry Baptist Church Brotherhood; Tarheel Developmental Therapy Services Inc.

Special Olympics Robeson County provides year-round quality athletic training and competition for people who are mentally challenged. We are currently serving over 700 athletes. In Special Olympics, the emphasis is not on winning, but on giving your best effort. In fact, before each competition, our athletes repeat the following oath, "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

Special Olympics Robeson County also wishes to thank The Robesonian, The Red Springs Citizen, The Community News and TV-13 for all of its great coverage during our events.

If you would like to learn more about Special Olympics, be a volunteer, get an athlete involved or make a donation, please contact me at 671-8990.

-- Betty Bridgers is the coordinator of the Robeson County Special Olympics.