Athletes to attend tournament EL athletes will attend tournament Special Olympics Massachusetts' is pleased to have six athletes representing East Longmeadow competing on Sunday, November 6th in the 2005 Fall Tournament State Soccer Competitions at Governor Dummer Academy in Byfield. The annual Fall Tournament concentrates on two sports, equestrian and soccer. The State Equestrian Tournament in Boxford preceded the State Soccer Tournament on October 15th. Governor Dummer Academy will celebrate its 20th year of hosting the annual soccer event. Nearly 100 teams and 1,000 athletes from all over the Bay State will represent their towns as they compete on over 20 soccer fields at Governor Dummer Academy in five-on-five competitions. Each year, students take an active part organizing the tournament with direction from Special Olympics Massachusetts' staff. Students take a 'heads' or 'shadows' role in the event organization process. 'Head' students worked on the competition last year and direct 'shadow' students who will become 'head' students organizing the event next year. Soccer is one of the most popular sports for Special Olympics athletes. Athletes are able to improve their overall physical fitness through training and competition. Athletes will begin on Sunday with Opening Ceremonies at 8:45 a.m. and will be on the field competing by 10:00 a.m. Awards will be given after all teams from the division have finished competing. Athletes are pleased to have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Polar Beverages Sovereign Bank as the official sponsors of this year's State Soccer Tournament. Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for more than 1.3 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people's diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. Visit Special Olympics online at www.specialolympicsma.org.