Games ambassador Penfold, a Tigers season ticket holder, is a member of the East Midlands basketball squad preparing for the Games which kick off with the opening ceremony is at the Walkers Stadium on July 25.
A range of carnival performances have been commissioned for the event and highlights include the parade of the 2,700 Games competitors and the Special Olympics torch lighting the flame.
Opening ceremony tickets are £5 for adults, £3 concessions and £1 for children, allowing the local community can attend and enjoy the celebrations. The proceeds from ticket sales will be re-invested into the Games.
Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Manjula Sood, said: “The opening ceremony marks a very special week for Leicestershire and Rutland and, in particular, for the Special Olympics movement for people with learning disabilities.
“There can be no better way to celebrate than by the coming together of people from all cultures as one great family, and putting on a ceremony to remember. I know it will be a magical event.”
Tigers hosted the 1989 event and Games director Steve Humphries added: "With this national event returning to the city for a second time and the interest already generated so far, I'm sure everyone will want to be at the opening ceremony to offer the warmest of welcomes to all the SOGB athletes, families and friends.
“We look forward to putting on a fantastic show that Leicestershire and Special Olympics athletes will be proud of."
Tickets are on sale now from the Leicester City ticket office. Phone 0844 815 5000, email [email protected] or visit the ticket office at the Walkers Stadium.
For more information on the Special Olympics, see the website at www.SOL2009.com
