AUBURN – The Wal-Mart Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to Special Olympics Maine to help strengthen the organization’s statewide programs.

“Special Olympics Maine is pleased to announce that Wal-Mart has joined us in supporting our athletes as a corporate sponsor,” said Phil Geelhoed, president and CEO of Special Olympics Maine. “This extremely generous $50,000 grant will enable us to strengthen our state program by enhancing our 13 area programs across Maine. The end result will be an even better, more consistent experience for our athletes.

Special Olympics Maine, headquartered in South Portland with volunteer area programs located throughout Maine, provides year-round sports training and competition at local, area and state levels for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

The grant will be used to provide new and updated sports equipment and support at the competitive and special events offered throughout Maine each year.

For more information, visit www.specialolympicsmaine.org.