[size=18px]Former Minnesota Viking Matt Blair Receives Special Olympics Minnesota's 2005 Outstanding Service Award[/size]

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 23
PRNewswire

Matt Blair, former Vikings All-Pro Linebacker and Hopkins resident, was honored with the 2005 Special Olympics Minnesota Outstanding Service Award at the 20th Annual Distinguished Service Awards banquet in Minnetonka Saturday, Jan. 21.

The Distinguished Service Awards recognize Special Olympics Minnesota athletes, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and family members who demonstrated an outstanding amount of support, enthusiasm and time commitment to the organization in 2005.

Blair serves as an honorary spokesperson for Special Olympics Minnesota
and has attended dozens of events in support of its mission. He hosts the Matt Blair Classic, a fundraising golf tournament in its third year running. Blair assists the program in a variety of capacities whether it be through the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon or through the sale of his book, "To Be a Viking." Ten percent of the retail sale of each book is donated to Special Olympics Minnesota.

The 2006 Distinguished Service Awards banquet was held Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest in Minnetonka.

Special Olympics Minnesota enhances the human potential and quality of
life for children and adults with intellectual disabilities by offering year-
round sports training and competition. By sharing their joy and courage, our athletes inspire the human spirit in all of us.


SOURCE Special Olympics Minnesota
Web Site: http://www.somn.org