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Indianapolis, IN - Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita will welcome a group of special needs children, their families and caregivers for a tour of Indiana's State House on Monday, November 7, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. The children are participants of Heart of Sailing, an Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation which teaches sailing as a form of recreational therapy for children with developmental disabilities. Secretary Rokita, known for his commitment to volunteerism, acknowledged Heart of Sailing's service to the community and issued a personal tour invitation to the attendees at Heart of Sailing's launch party at Geist Reservoir in July 2005.

Heart of Sailing concluded its summer Daysail Program on October 28, 2005, with more than 150 special needs children having participated in the inaugural season. During the winter months, Heart of Sailing will continue to provide unique opportunities for recreational therapy and cultural enrichment, beginning with the special event at the Indiana State House. Following a special welcoming reception by Secretary Rokita, the tour will provide Heart of Sailing's participants a first-hand opportunity to learn more about the construction, history, and current functions of this significant center of state government.

"I truly admire the charitable efforts of Heart of Sailing's team, and am inspired by the passion and excitement the children derive from the program. I am proud that our office can host a group of such exceptional young men and women," Rokita said. "I am confident this day will not only be an educational experience, but also an enjoyable one for all those attending."

Following the tour, participants and guests will enjoy meeting Indiana's own National Hotrod Association team, Hornet Racing, one of Heart of Sailing's Sponsors. Driver Tony Valasek, a successful Indianapolis businessman, has been pursuing his racing dreams, and competed at the U.S. Nationals event held at Indianapolis Raceway Park over Labor Day weekend. Tony's 1000 HP 1965 Ford Falcon proudly bears the Heart of Sailing logo on its hood and will be on display outside the State House as part of Monday's event. Participants will be able to pose for photos with Tony and his dragster and learn more about this increasingly popular sport.

For more information, or to RSVP, please visit www.heartofsailing.org, or e-mail asmall@heartofsailing.org. To learn more about Hornet Racing, check out www.hornetracing.com. You can also read more about Indiana's State House at www.in.gov/statehouse/.

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