Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Jason Mraz is the latest in a stellar group of recording artists who have contributed a track to the A Very Special Christmas holiday music series benefiting Special Olympics, the world’s largest movement dedicated to fostering the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. His recording of “Winter Wonderland” will be available on iTunes for the first time in the U.S. starting TODAY. The track will also be offered as a bonus to the purchase of 2009’s acclaimed A Very Special Christmas Volume 7, featuring young superstars Colbie Caillat, Carter Twins, Charice, Miley Cyrus, Kristinia DeBarge, Gloriana, Vanessa Hudgens, Sean Kingston, Leighton Meester, Mitchel Musso, Kellie Pickler, Ashley Tisdale and Carrie Underwood.

Mraz, who grew up listening to classic Christmas recordings by Bing Crosby, Perry Como and the like, remembers the A Very Special Christmas series. “I noticed the Keith Haring album covers when I first started buying cds, and I had them in my collection. Wanting to be an artist that contributes, I was touched that I was asked to take part.”For me Special Olympics is about embracing the abilities that we do have,” he explained. “It’s the same thing I do with my concerts. I just want to shift the attention back to love and joy and happiness in this now moment, and I really get that Special Olympics does that same thing.”

“We are so grateful to the many artists who have contributed to the success of this A Very Special Christmas series,” shared Tim Shriver, Special Olympics Chairman and CEO. “Not only has this music brought joy to the many listeners and fans, but it has brought hope to millions of athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout the world by providing them sports opportunities they never would have imagined.”

Launched in 1987, the A Very Special Christmas series has featured recordings of holiday music by some of the most influential and talented artists of the time including U2, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Madonna, Sting, Bon Jovi, Reba McIntyre, Sheryl Crow, Mary J. Blige, Eric Clapton and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Last year, the torch was passed to a new generation of superstar talent who contributed toA Very Special Christmas Volume 7, the latest edition of the acclaimed album series.

A Very Special Christmas was launched in 1987 when record executive/producer Jimmy Iovine decided that a Christmas album would be a beautiful memorial to his father. His wife Vicki suggested that the album benefit Special Olympics, for which she was working as a volunteer. Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss (the “A” and “M” of A&M Records) helped make the first A Very Special Christmas album possible with an advance and a commitment to handle the record without taking any royalties, and Bobby Shriver signed on as a producer. Keith Haring, one of the great artists of the 20th century, created the Madonna and child artwork that has appeared on every cover.

Selling one million copies in its first year, the premier album, A Very Special Christmas, and the subsequent albums in the series, have generated more than $l00 million for Special Olympics, the most ever raised by a benefit recording series. Disbursed in grants by the Special Olympics Christmas Records Trust, the monies raised each year by the albums/CDs/DVDs play a crucial role in the lives of the least-advantaged Special Olympics athletes in countries around the world where there are inaccurate and prejudiced views about people with intellectual disabilities. Executive Producer Bobby Shriver said last year, “If you look back 20-odd years, nothing else has generated as much money, had as much impact and made as much memorable music.”

Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver passed away last year, but her words about the artists on the first volume of A Very Special Christmas apply to Mraz and all the artists who have participated in the series. “I am full of admiration for the many artists who have helped us. It’s a great tribute that these men and women say to themselves, ‘I’ll use my talent to help others.’ It’s not easy because they’ve got so many demands on them and every charity wants them, but they’ve helped us, and I’m very grateful.”

For more information on Special Olympics, go to www.specialolympics.org For more info on the album series, visit www.veryspecialchristmas.org

For information on the Special Olympics Christmas Trust: AVSC Records Trust Report.

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to more than 3.5 million athletes in over 170 countries in all regions of the world, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programs. Special Olympics now takes place every day, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in places like China and from regions like the Middle East to the community playgrounds and ball fields in every small neighborhood’s backyard.

Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.