Transamerica Supports Two Athletes in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games

Brazil's Adilson Silva and the Netherlands' Sanne Jone Hoedeman to compete in Los Angeles

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Jul 23, 2015, 09:00 ET

BALTIMORE, July 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Transamerica announced today it is supporting two athletes who will compete in the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015: tennis player Adilson Silva from Brazil and track-and-field athlete Sanne Jone Hoedeman from the Netherlands. The LA2015 World Games will be held from July 25 – August 2, 2015 in Los Angeles, and will be the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world this year.

In addition to Mr. Silva and Ms. Hoedeman, the 2015 World Games will welcome more than 6,500 Special Olympics athletes from 165 nations to compete in 25 Olympic-type sports.

"At Transamerica, we're committed to empowering individuals and families to fulfill their potential and achieve their ambitions," said Mark Mullin, president and CEO of Transamerica. "Adilson and Sanne are the embodiment of potential, dedication, hard work, and high ambition. We're so proud to support them and all that they will achieve at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games."

Transamerica employees will support the World Games "Fans in the Stands" program where the Transamerica family will cheer on Adilson and Sanne during the Games.

"Thanks to the generosity of Transamerica and our other corporate supporters, athletes like Adilson and Sanne are able to pursue their talents and dreams by participating in the Special Olympics World Games," said Steven Vanderpool, senior vice president of communications and media operations for the LA2015 World Games. "Transamerica's commitment to supporting all who want to achieve healthy lifestyles aligns with Special Olympics' mission to provide children and adults with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy. We look forward to the 2015 World Games where so many will share their gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community."

The World Games Opening Ceremony will take place at the Memorial Coliseum, site of the Opening Ceremonies of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games, on Saturday, July 25 and will be televised live by ESPN. To buy tickets and learn more, visit LA2015.org/opening-ceremony. For volunteer information, including becoming a Fan in the Stands, visit LA2015.org/volunteer/fans-in-the-stands.

For more information about Transamerica, visit www.Transamerica.com.

About Transamerica
With a history that dates back over 100 years, the Transamerica companies are recognized as leading providers of life insurance, savings and retirement and investment solutions, serving millions of customers throughout the United States. Transamerica works to Transform Tomorrow^® for those who entrust its dedicated professionals with their financial needs, helping them take the necessary steps to achieve their long-term goals and aspirations.

Transamerica's corporate headquarters is located in Baltimore, Maryland, with other major operations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Transamerica is part of the Aegon group of companies. Aegon is one of the world's largest providers of life insurance, pension solutions and asset management products, operating in over 25 markets worldwide with some 28,000 employees. For the full year of 2014, Aegon managed $675 billion in revenue generating investments. References to Transamerica and Aegon relate to affiliated operating companies.

www.transamerica.com.

About the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015)
With 6,500 athletes and 2,000 coaches representing 165 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games - being staged in Los Angeles July 25 through August 2, 2015 - will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games, with the unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, joy and displays of courage and skill that are hallmarks of all Special Olympics events, will feature 25 Olympic-style sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region. The Opening Ceremony will be held July 25 in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games. For more information on the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit LA2015.org and on social with #ReachUpLA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports, every day around the world. The Special Olympics empowers people with intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Using sports as the catalyst and programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and intolerance. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown to more than 4.5 million athletes in 170 countries, supported by more than 1.4 million coaches and volunteers. Visit Special Olympics at specialolympics.org., Engage with us on Twitter @specialolympics, instagram.com/specialolympics, fb.com/specialolympics, youtube.com/specialolympicshq, and specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com.

Media inquiries
Greg Tucker
Phone: 443-475-3017
Email: [email protected]

Julie Quinlan
Phone: 213-742-5134
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Transamerica