ABB aids Special Olympics

This isn't really "ABB Day at SoundOFF!" It just seems like it. From Ken Graber's press release: Metro Milwaukee Special Olympics soccer teams to compete at Summer Games in June (More than 140 athletes and 70 volunteers from ABB’s New Berlin Campus turn out in support of event) WAUKESHA, WI, May 13 2007 . . . Eight (8) teams from the Special Olympics Soccer competition that ABB New Berlin sponsors annually now advance to the State Summer Games, June 5–7, at University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. The District Competition in New Berlin/Waukesha was held on May 10, 2008, with more than 70 volunteers from the ABB New Berlin campus cheering on athletes, helping with game details, breakfast and lunch. "I can assure you ABB will continue to support this event and these athletes, said Rick Hepperla, Senior Vice President and Regional Division Manager, Automation Products, North America, for ABB. "Most of our 425 employees share these metro Milwaukee communities with you athletes – so this is a natural opportunity for us all to give a little something back." Hepperla, along with Aaron Aleithe, general manager of ABB Low Voltage Drives, underwrite the District Competition, to support field rental, food and spirit-ware for the athletes. "This is the 13th Annual District Competition ABB New Berlin has been the sole sponsor of this event -- and we know the Special Olympics organization values the strong bond we’ve built up together through these years," Hepperla noted. More than 140 Athletes Vie for State Fourteen teams, comprised of more than 140 athletes, were on hand to compete for a place in the Summer Games at Stevens Point. The competition draws athletes from greater-Milwaukee area, and participants play five-to-a-side against other teams, with first-, second- and third-place finishers able to qualify for a place in the Wisconsin State Summer Games. The following teams now advance to State: -- North Suburban Cougars -- Watertown Kickers -- Tosa Flames -- Tosa Torches -- ODTC Bananas -- TM Devil Rays -- TM Stingrays -- West Bend Kickers The competition is held annually at Waukesha West High School (3301 Saylesville Rd, Waukesha), in early-to-mid May, in order for advancing teams to ready for state competition. Nearly 1,800 athletes compete in soccer, power lifting, track and field and swimming at the state games, and law enforcement personnel from across the state bring the flame of hope to opening ceremonies in The Law Enforcement Torch Run® Final Leg, noted Chris Reiter, regional director of sports for Special Olympics.