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Hello
I read your blog about the scarves. Thought you might be interested in the total results to which you contributed. Thanks for the good words and good work.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nancy L. Jewell
(704) 329-5031
nancy.jewell@coats.com


SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES TO BE WRAPPED IN
COATS & CLARK RED HEART® SUPER SAVER™
Over 40,000 scarves received from Knit and Crochet Enthusiasts

(CHARLOTTE, NC) . . . When the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games (http://www.2009worldgames.org/) begin in Boise, ID, February 7 – 13, 2009, one thing is for certain. All athletes, the delegates supporting them and visiting dignitaries will be donning Red Heart® (http://www.redheart.com) Super Saver™ Delft Blue and White scarves lovingly made by knit and crochet enthusiasts from around the world.

The World Winter Games recently announced receipt of over 40,000 (and counting) handmade scarves, in response to an October 2008 partnership with Coats & Clark (http://www.coatsandclark.com) and the Special Olympics World Winter Games. The goal was simple; top the 2007 goal of 1,000 by reaching for 5,000 scarves made from Red Heart® Super Saver™ Delft Blue and White yarn, the official colors of the World Winter Games. The response was more then spectacular.

“We are so excited and more then thrilled with the outpouring of support from our generous knitters and crocheters,” said Alyson Bell, senior vice president, sales and marketing needlecrafts for Coats & Clark. “It is just a true testament to the spirit of people who want to give of their hands and from their hearts. It speaks volumes!”

No special pattern or skill was required. The only rule was the scarves had to be hand knitted or crocheted using the Red Heart® Super Saver™ Delft Blue and White yarns. Most scarves were accompanied by special handwritten notes of encouragement to the athletes.

Stories of great giving are emerging from this outpouring of support like the students in the Birmingham, MI school district who, over their winter break, made over 300 scarves, some knitting and crocheting for the first time ever. These kids reached out to their parents, grandparents and teachers to learn the craft, making the experience not only charitable but generational. The staff from Coats & Clark offices made more then 460 while Ravelry.com supporters contributed over 1,200 alone.

The scarves have already made an appearance wrapped around Special Olympic athletes who participated in the Inauguration Parade of President Barak Obama Tuesday, January 20, in Washington DC. Plus, the scarves may pop up on sports commentators or a talk show or two, according to the International Special Olympics team. The Red Heart® Super Saver™ scarves will be worn for the Opening Ceremony in Boise, February 7, where special mention will be made about the love that went into each and every stitch, keeping the athlete warm and encouraging them to reach for their goals.

“The warmth of these scarves will wrap the athletes in love and support. As a matter of fact, we could probably wrap all the spectators too,” quips Bell.

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January 21, 2008

Editors Note: Photo available upon request. Contact Nancy L. Jewell, nancy.jewell@coats.com
To interview spokesperson from Special Olympic World Winter Games or Alyson Bell from Coats & Clark, contact Nancy L. Jewell, nancy.jewell@coats.com

About Coats & Clark and Red Heart®:
Coats & Clark, is one of the most recognized names in yarn, sewing and needlecraft products in America. First marketed in 1936 under the name Chadwick’s Red Heart, the Red Heart® brand today continues to exude its founding principles; quality, value and inspiration for the knitting and crochet enthusiast. For more information, visit www.redheart.com or www.coatsandclark.com.

About the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games:
The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in Idaho, USA, 7-13 February 2009 and nearly 2,500 athletes from more than 100 countries are expected to compete. Surpassing the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games in athlete numbers and participating nations, the World Winter Games will be the largest multi-day winter sporting event ever held in Idaho. Competition will take place in seven winter sports – Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing and Speed Skating. Competition and other activities will take place in communities and venues throughout Idaho including but not limited to Boise, Sun Valley and McCall. For more information, visit www.2009WorldGames.org.