Hy-Vee Inc., an employee-owned corporation which operates 224 retail stores in seven Midwestern states, joined the efforts of Special Olympics Iowa in 1997 and became a statewide partner in 2007 to provides Iowans with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to become more physically fit.

As a company dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, it is a natural fit for Hy-Vee to support an organization that thrives on encouraging activity. For the past 10 years, Hy-Vee has been involved with Special Olympics Iowa through various scholarships and event support. When the first-ever Special Olympics USA National Games were hosted in Ames, July 2-7, 2006, Hy-Vee proudly stepped forward as the Games' largest sponsor and as the official sponsor of the National Games Volunteer Program. In addition, Hy-Vee donated 550,000 bottles of water labeled with the Special Olympics insignia to keep everyone hydrated during the Games.

Hy-Vee salutes its many employees who compete in Special Olympics, as well as those who serve as coaches, volunteers, mentors and in other capacities. A West Des Moines store director currently serves on the SOIA Board of Directors.

"Some of our best employees compete and volunteer with Special Olympics Iowa and we couldn't be more proud to support their effort and the work this organization is a part of," says Ric Jurgens, chairman, CEO and president of Hy-Vee.

Hy-Vee ranks among the top 20 supermarket chains and the top 35 private companies in the nation. The company was named 2006 Retailer of the Year by Supermarket News, the authoritative voice of the food industry.

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