Rookie quarterback and no. 1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell poses with Special Olympics athlete Keri Klass at the Raiders Golf Classic tournament benefiting Special Olympics Northern California on Thursday, June 14, at Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton.

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PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 21, 2007--The Oakland Raiders raised more than $200,000 for Special Olympics Northern California as part of the 2nd Annual Raiders Golf Classic June 14 at Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton. More than 300 golfers were paired with Oakland Raiders players, legends and coaches to play a round of golf and celebrate the achievements of local Special Olympics athletes. Proceeds from this year's event will help underwrite costs associated with the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games, which were held earlier this month for more than 1,000 athletes at UC Berkeley.

"We are pleased that the Raiders were able to exceed our expectations and make more than $200,000 for Special Olympics this year," said Jill Osur, Sr. Vice President of Special Olympics Northern California. "Our programs are free for our athletes and their families, and this money will go along way in helping us reach the more 300,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities in Northern California who could benefit from Special Olympics."

"This has been a wonderful partnership for an even greater cause -- we are happy to help the Special Olympics make a difference in the community," said Artie Gigantino, senior administrator for the Oakland Raiders.

This year's event, presented by Preferred Financial, was packed with giveaways and contests on almost every hole, such as longest drive, hole-in-one, accuracy drive, and longest putt. While making their way through the 18-hole course, golfers enjoyed food and beverages, received Raiders-signed memorabilia, and were encouraged by the Raiderettes. Raider legends Jim Plunkett, Ted Hendricks, Tim Brown and Daryle Lamonica, as well as new Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin, served as celebrity captains on the foursomes. Rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell also came out to pay a special visit.

"Anything I can do to come out and give back to the community, I'm willing to do," said Russell, who was attending his first Raiders Golf Classic after being drafted no. 1 by the Silver and Black back in April. "God bless (the Special Olympics athletes) and our best wishes go out to (them) to better themselves."

Raiders' legend Jim Plunkett, who has been involved with Special Olympics since 1982, was also grateful for the opportunity to raise money for Special Olympics athletes.

"Raising money to help the Special Olympics do what they need to do to take care of these kids, to help them get along in life ... is certainly a great cause to be involved in," said Plunkett.

Special Olympics Northern California provides free, year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for individuals ages 8-80 with developmental disabilities. In Northern California, more than 15,000 athletes compete in 19 sports including: Alpine Skiing, Aquatics, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Cross Country Skiing, Floor Hockey, Golf, Gymnastics, Long Distance Running/Walking, Powerlifting, Roller Skating, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field and Volleyball.

The Raiders Golf Classic is part of a three-year partnership between the Raiders and Special Olympics Northern California.

About Special Olympics Northern California: Special Olympics Northern California is a free year-round sports program that serves more than 15,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities.
For more information, please visit: www.sonc.org.

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