Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) secured a preliminary $10,000,000 in funding for the Special Olympics to further their outreach to schools and young people across America, to educate them about the Special Olympics. The money is part of the FY 2011 Labor, Health and Education Appropriations bill. 

The funding is for the Special Olympics’ educational programs which can be integrated into classroom instruction and for activities to increase the participation of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Rep. Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said, “Helping the Special Olympics is simply an honor for me, as what they provide to people with special needs exceeds simple services.  They provide dreams and respect and I am proud to sign my name to this funding request and thank my colleagues who joined me in asking for help to this outstanding organization.”

This action was a preliminary step in the long process and will now be considered by the House Appropriations Committee, and then the full House. The Senate is also working on their version of the bill.

Rep. Engel added, “While this is the beginning of the Appropriations process, I feel very good that funding for this important program was included in this measure. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure this funding is preserved as the bill moves through the legislative process.”

Timothy P. Shriver, Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics International said, “Congressman Engel’s support of this critical legislation will ensure that the positive results of this program – Project Unify – will be extended to more schools and young people around the country.  We applaud his leadership.”

The funding was secured by Rep. Engel along with Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy (D-OH), Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA), Rep. David Price (D-NC) and Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ).

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