Detroit Lions touchdowns help Special Olympics

(DETROIT, Mich.) Sept. 22, 2011 – A strong season start for the Detroit Lions can equate to strong support for Special Olympics Michigan athletes! Fans can help the Lions’ athletes support Special Olympics Michigan athletes!

The “Touch a Heart with Touchdowns” program encourages fans to make pledges of one, five, ten, or more dollars for every touchdown the Detroit Lions score during the 2011 NFL season. All funds raised benefit Special Olympics Michigan athletes.

The Lions scored 41 touchdowns in 2010, making a one-dollar pledge through the “Touch a Heart with Touchdowns” program worth $41. All donations made through the program are tax-deductible and donors will be billed at the conclusion of the season.

The touchdown count for the program will be based on all of the Lions’ regular season and post-season games. All proceeds raised through the program will support year-round sports training and competitions for athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout the state of Michigan. The Detroit Lions have partnered with Special Olympics Michigan with this program for more than 20 years and have been Special Olympics Michigan donors since 1978.

Fans can make pledges to the “Touch a Heart with Touchdowns” program through the end of the Lions’ 2011 season. Pledges can be made online through the Special Olympics Michigan website at www.somi.org or by calling (800) 644-6404.