TEMPLATE NEWSLETTER STORY

Holiday Music That Brings Joy to the World

The A Very Special Christmas® Series celebrates 25 years of bringing joy to the world

Looking for a gift that gives back? This holiday season give the gift of music that truly gives back – A Very Special Christmas®. Each one of the 9 albums in the A Very Special Christmas® series features new and traditional Christmas songs by top artists of yesterday and today such as Train, Jon Bon Jovi, Madonna, U2, Colbie Caillat, Jason Mraz, Carrie Underwood and many more, all who have donated their time and talent to support Special Olympics.

There are nearly 200 million people in the world with intellectual disabilities. Many of them struggle for the opportunity to be integrated into society and in their communities, and even to receive proper medical care. The consequences of this are serious and real. They are faced with discrimination, stigma and abuse that deny them their most basic human rights to health, education, and sometimes life itself.

Since 1968, Special Olympics has used sport to empower people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. Special Olympics’ growing presence in the developing world has brought to light the struggles faced by people with intellectual disabilities. Now, with 4 million athletes in over 170 countries, Special Olympics has become the premier sports and health organization for one of the world’s most forgotten populations. The artists who dedicate their time and talents to support ‘A Very Special Christmas®’ -- and the people who purchase the album -- are helping give people with intellectual disabilities the chance to come out of the shadows and feel accepted in their communities through the sports and programs Special Olympics provides. They are giving Special Olympics the power to forever change lives by replacing the stifling silence of ignorance with the sounds of beautiful music. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from sales of the A Very Special Christmas® series directly support innovative training initiatives that encourage growth and provide creative ways to advance the Special Olympics movement around the world.

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If you are a fan of sports that create unity, athletes who inspire, andconnections that foster acceptance, then you are already a fan of Special Olympics. This year, give family and friends the gift of a lifetime, and the gift of life to others. Support and purchase A Very Special Christmas®, and help ensure a very special future for millions with intellectual disability worldwide.

Details about where A Very Special Christmas® is available on www.averyspecialchristmas.org.