On Monday, April 18, 2005, Sean O?Rourke, of Bay Shore, NY, will be the first Special Olympics New York athlete to run in the Boston Marathon. O?Rourke has been participating in Special Olympics since 1996, specializing in track and field competitions, and began running in local marathons a few years ago. Sean will be accompanied by his family and Special Olympics New York-Long Island regional director, Heidi Lindsay, as he paves the way for intellectually disabled athletes to participate in main stream sports, at this landmark event.



Sean O?Rourke began running in 1996. At 27 years old, O?Rourke?s best mile time has been 5 minutes 32 seconds. His best recorded marathon (26 miles) time has been 3 hours 10 minutes. When asked why he decided to participate in this major mainstream event, O?Rourke said ?This is an amazing event to qualify for. One that I?ve only dreamed of. I always strive to do better and push myself, so this is perfect.?...

President George W. Bush visited Bay Shore Long Island today to gather support for his re-election effort. He went to the auto parts maker U.S.A. Industries. There he focused on the economy saying raising taxes and tariffs would harm U.S. businesses and cost jobs. President Bush talked about the economy alongside Vincent Trapani, President of USA Industries, during his visit to the automotive parts company. Bush made remarks about the economy and job training at the business during his visit to New York.

Read more:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/03/20040311-8.html