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OLD TOWN – For more than 15 years, Molly Berry has been involved in Special Olympics, both as an athlete and a Global Messenger, spreading the word about the program. But this Christmas, she’s taking her message a little further.
In a nationwide contest, Berry was selected from about 50 entries in Maine to design a card for a Special Olympics holiday campaign.
“I was really, really happy and glad I was doing something,” Berry said earlier this week, referring to how it felt when she found out her design had been selected.
The holiday cards, available from card company VistaPrint in 10 designs, were created by seven Special Olympics athletes from across the country.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the cards goes to Special Olympics International, and funds from any cards that are purchased in Maine will go directly to the Maine chapter of the program.
VistaPrint has guaranteed a minimum donation of $75,000 to Special Olympics from this campaign.
“All of the money benefits the athletes,” said Lisa Bird, director of public relations for Maine Special Olympics.
Proceeds in Maine will be used to help pay for housing during Olympic games, equipment and uniforms for athletes, venue charges, and coaches’ training for the state’s more than 3,000 Special Olympics athletes.
“So that they have the top coaches we can provide,” Bird said.
Berry said she intends to buy a couple of the cards to give to friends and said her parents also will be purchasing some to send out this holiday season.
At 23 years old, the Orono High School graduate has won more than 20 medals during her involvement with Special Olympics. Although her favorite event is the mile run, Berry has competed in soccer, basketball, ice skating, skiing, swimming and track and field.
“I try to train all year,” Berry said.
But that can be difficult. In addition to her love of sports, Berry works a few hours a week at Target in Bangor, and also tries to make time to hang out with her friends. There also has to be time for the fashion-savvy young woman to shop.
“I just try to fit it into my busy schedule,” Berry said.
That busy schedule doesn’t surprise anyone who knows Berry.
“She’s a real go-getter,” Bird said.
Berry’s latest venture is to start a Special Olympics cheering squad. “It would be the first Special Olympics cheering team ever, anywhere,” Bird said.
Berry’s not afraid of firsts.
The Christmas card contest was the first art competition Berry ever had entered, but her colored-pencil design of a Special Olympics gold medal caught the eye of representatives from VistaPrint and Special Olympics International.
“I just couldn’t believe that this got chosen,” Berry said of her card, adding that her brother, Timothy Berry, 18, is considered the artist in the family.
“He was kind of jealous,” she said with a grin.
As for the other Olympians who created winning cards, Berry said she liked all the designs.
“I think they were really awesome,” she said. “People did a really nice job on them.”
Prices start at $12.99 for 10 athlete-designed cards. Those who wish to create their own holiday card designs yet still donate to Special Olympics can choose sponsorship levels ranging from $1 to $249. Sponsorship levels are printed on the back of the card as “Sponsor” or in the form of bronze, silver or gold medals. A platinum level also is available. The cards can be seen and purchased at www.Vistaprint.com/some
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