WHO:  Special Olympics was founded on the belief that people with mental retardation can learn, enjoy, and benefit from participation in individual and team sports.  Special Olympics tries to provide year round sports training and the best in athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children eight years of age and older, as well as adults with mental retardation.

WHAT:  16th Annual Special Olympics Regional Soccer Tournament sponsored by Hammer FC.

WHEN/HOW:  Special Olympics Tournament on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the Hammer Soccer Field.  The tournament will consist of Special Olympics Soccer Teams from Kentucky and Ohio playing against each other.  It is our way to showcase Special Olympics athletes playing the game they love -- soccer.

CONTACT: Janet Smith: Hamilton County SO Director: 513-271-2606 (W)  smithj@zoomtown.com; Hammer Leader- Mollie Ritter (ritter@classicshammerfc.com)

Hammer FC hosted the 15^th annual adidas Blue Chip Special Olympics tournament on Saturday, May 15^th, 2010.  In attendance were ten teams of amazing special athletes, families, friends and Hammer volunteers. 

Janet Smith of Hamilton County Special Olympics commented “THANK YOU!!!!!! What a great soccer tournament. We cannot thank you enough for all that you did to make this tournament a success. All the volunteers did a terrific job. Everyone had a great time and they are all looking forward to next year’s event!”

At Hammer, we are very proud of our relationship with Special Olympics. We are thankful to Special Olympics for giving us the opportunity to help these amazing special soccer players. 

Special thanks goes to Mollie Ritter and the many wonderful Hammer players and parents that volunteered to make this another special event.

Sporting a Hammer FC skull cap and t-shirt, Doug Saylor took the Polar Bear Plunge to support the Special Olympics.  Hammer FC has a long history of supporting Special Olympics through hosting its regional tournament and making a donation.  This year, through the efforts of Hammer FC Board Member, Doug Saylor led the charge and literally made a splash to help Special Olympics.  Doug’s efforts was able to raise money for this wonderful cause.

Congratulations and thank you Doug!

Hammer FC regards Special Olympics as our “special” interest. Each year at the Showcase we sponsor a clinic for Special Olympics soccer players. We also hold a Special Olympics soccer tournament for local teams from Ohio and Kentucky during or just after the Showcase.

Special Olympics is founded on the belief that people with mental retardation can learn, enjoy, and benefit from participation in individual and team sports. The people at Special Olympics try and provide year round sports training and the best athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children eight years of age and older, as well as adults with mental retardation.

2009 adidas BLUE CHIP SHOWCASE SPECIAL OLYMPICS 

The 2009 adidas Blue Chip Showcase Special Olympics Clinic and Showcase went off on Sunday, May 17th, 2009 under beautiful blue skies.  Once again the event was held at the Classics Hammer Soccer Complex on Kellogg Avenue.  This year’s event was fantastic.  The participants were great and the fan support was wonderful.  Thanks to everyone in Hammer and Special Olympics for putting on such an event.  Special thanks to our Hammer players who volunteered during the event.  It showed the strong giving spirit that is Hammer FC.

Hammer FC makes a donation to Special Olympics each year at the conclusion of the Special Olympics Soccer tournament we host.

2009 Event Pictures