National Wireless Phone Recycling Partnership promises to change lives of athletes while helping mother nature.

Ocala, FL (PRWEB) February 4, 2005 -- RMS Communications Group Inc. announced today it will partner with Special Olympics to raise money for athletes with intellectual disabilities by collecting and recycling old cell phones. The launch date of the year-long nationwide effort is Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

While the U.S. lags behind much of the industrialized world in phone recycling, American consumers tend to upgrade their phones more often than people of other nations. The result: About 130 million wireless phones that could end up in landfills each year if they are not recycled.

The National Wireless Phone Recycling Partnership offers an opportunity for people across the country to support athletes with intellectual disabilities, helping them gain acceptance in their communities while achieving in their sports, officials of Special Olympics and RMS Communications Group Inc. said.

“We are delighted to be a part of this very worthwhile effort on behalf of Special Olympics athletes,” said James Mosieur, chief executive officer of RMS Communications Group Inc. “Recycling cell phones is a great way to raise money for worthy causes of all kinds, and it is an environmentally friendly exercise, as well.”

“Our Special Olympics athletes thrive in their communities from the benefits they receive on the playing field,” said Tim Shriver, Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics. “Recycled wireless phones will make it possible for athletes to excel in their sports for a season, as well as change negative attitudes about their abilities.”

There are two ways of participating in the effort. Supporters may visit www.specialolympics.org/recycle and register to donate old cell phones. In response, RMS will send a box with prepaid postage to mail in their phones for processing. Also, supporters may look for Recycle for Special Olympics collection bins in various locations throughout their communities.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Intellectual disabilities can be caused by any condition which impairs development of the brain before or during birth or in early childhood. More than 250 causes have been discovered, but they account for only about 25% of the causes of mental retardation. There are 170-190 million people living with intellectual disability, making it the largest disability in the world. Unfortunately, members of this group are often misunderstood, stereotyped and discriminated against.

About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for more than 1.4 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people’s diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. Visit Special Olympics online at www.specialolympics.org.

About RMS Communications Group Inc.
Since 1985 RMS Communications Group, Inc. has been a leading wireless wholesaler with customers all over the world. It supports the wireless industry with innovative services designed to help service providers, wireless agents and corporate customers get the most out of their wireless devices. More information can be found at http://www.RMSComm.com.