Shaw Industries Inc. has announced its sponsorship of the Special Olympics Georgia 2012 State Fall Games. The event, October 12-14, will attract more than 1,300 athletes to Dalton, Ga., where seven competitions will be hosted as part of the three-day Special Olympics celebration. The sponsorship commitment consists of the Opening Ceremony, October 12 at the Dalton Trade Center, and awards presentation support for all sporting competitions. This will be the second year the flooring manufacturer has had the honor of sponsoring the state fall games.

“The Special Olympics Georgia State Fall Games are such an important and exciting event for our community and we’re honored to take part as a sponsor,” said Shaw President Randy Merritt. “For three days, our community brings out the Olympic spirit and we watch these athletes truly enjoy themselves. We’re very proud to join the Dalton community in making these events possible.”

This year’s State Fall Games will consist of a variety of sports competitions, including softball, bocce, cycling, long distance walking & running and golf. Shaw associates will volunteer during competitions at select venues throughout Dalton, Ga., including Heritage Point Park, Nob North Golf Club and Downtown Dalton Square. “Support of Special Olympics means that more people with intellectual disabilities can participate in high-quality sports training and competition,” said Georgia Milton-Sheats, Special Olympics Georgia chief executive officer. “When our athletes succeed, attitudes change, communities develop, health and self-esteem are built, and the eyes of the world are focused on all that is good and hopeful and positive. Shaw Industries helps us to achieve this goal.”