April 19, 2002

Poughkeepsie, NY - Sunday April 21st will see the James J. McCann Recreation Center on the campus of Marist College, host the Special Olympics Section II Basketball, Power Lifting and Aquatics Sectional.

The full day event begins at 10:00 am with the opening ceremonies, as Marist College track and field athletes Clare Knapp and Kirk Dorton serve as torch bearers to open the event. Marist head men's basketball coach Dave Magarity will serve as the Master of Ceremonies, presiding over the opening of the sectional. The national anthem will be sung by the Marist College singing group 'The Sirens', who opened numerous Marist basketball games in the past season.

Over 350 Special Olympians are expected to attend the event, which will feature competition in swimming, basketball and power lifting. Competition will begin in all three disciplines at 10:30 am, and will conclude at approximately 4:00 pm on Sunday.

The Marist College Athletic Department, year round sponsors of Special Olympic events throughout Dutchess County, will have 75 student-athletes and coaches participating in the day's events.

For more information on attending the Special Olympics Sectional on Sunday, please call the Marist College Athletic Department at 845-575-3699, extension 12301.