Thrill Seekers Wanted to go Over the Edge on Oct. 13 for Special Olympics

On Saturday, Oct. 13 The VUE- Charlotte on 5th in Uptown Charlotte will be the setting for a unique and thrilling fundraising event. As many as 80 participants will have the opportunity to rappel from the towering skyscraper in support of Special Olympics NC athletes. Interested thrill seekers must be at least 14 years-old and raise a minimum donation of $1,000 by Oct. 13. Fundraising is simple and safe; participants just create a personal fundraising webpage at www.firstgiving.com/sonc and email friends and family. All rappellers will receive a free T-shirt and customized photo of their rappel. Additionally, all who raise $2,000 or more will receive an event video customized with their rappel. On event day Saturday, Oct. 13, all rappells will be streamed live on the Web at www.livestream.com/shorelineproductions.

Among those going Over the Edge is the father and son pair –Brian Tallent and Jordan Tallent, who will be rappelling in honor of their family member Brandon Tallent. SONC athlete Brandon, 24, has competed in tennis, basketball and golf since 2004. In 2010, Brandon won a silver medal at the Special Olympics USA National Games with his basketball team from Mecklenburg County. Brandon will be cheering hard for is father and brother as they make their big descent.

Also among the brave is SONC athlete John Gray of Charlotte, a two-time Special Olympics World Games athlete, who most also won a silver medal with the 2010 Special Olympics National Games basketball team. John braved the building last year and wants to enjoy the spectacular views again in 2012.

Chubby Bear, the Charlotte Checker's mascot has ice in his veins. He can't wait to show off his courage in making the steep descent.

Brad Brooker, owner of Grilles Sports Cafe in Mooresville is attempting the feat. His sister Beth is a staff member with Special Olympics NC. Four members of the Charlotte Roller Girls will also descend the 35 stories.

Friends and fans also are encouraged to come out and watch these daredevils descend 35 stories in support of Special Olympics this weekend. The festivities will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Special thanks to Over the Edge - Charlotte sponsors: Cafe Carolina & Bakery, Choate Construction, Sport Clips, Northwood Ravin, MCL Companies, K104.7, Charlotte Roller Girls, Hooters, Adams Outdoor Advertising, The VUE-Charlotte on 5th, and Shoreline Productions.

Special Olympics North Carolina offers year-round sports training and competition for more than 38,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. These athletes inspire greatness through their success and provide motivation to the thousands of coaches, sports officials, local program committee members and event organizers involved in Special Olympics statewide. SONC offers Olympic-type competition in 19 sports on local and state levels. Visit Special Olympics North Carolina at www.specialolympicsnc.com. Engage with us on http://twitter.com/sonc_beafan; http://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsNC and http://www.youtube.com/BeAFanSONC.