Fun, fanfare and fireworks will abound at West Virginia University June 8-10. Thats when the West Virginia Special Olympics Summer Games, sporting the theme Theres No Stopping Us Now, arrives in Morgantown for the fourth straight year.

Highlights of this years WVU -sponsored activities include a massive contingency of athletes representing 28 West Virginia counties, spectacular opening ceremonies at Mountaineer Field featuring the lighting of the Flame of Hope and a fireworks display, and a weekend full of competitions.

Calling it”an emotionally charged event,”Deborah Fusco of Institutional Advancement said the opening ceremony promises to be exciting.

“Bobby Nicholas will sing a special tribute, and the lighting of the Flame of Hope is always inspirational,”she said.”The fireworks finale and some other special touches should make the opening ceremonies unforgettable. I hope the whole community turns out to support these fine athletes and to enjoy an evening of fun.”

While some of the games begin Friday, most contests will be held on Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, at various locations around the WVU Coliseum and in the Natatorium.

Two relatively new sports, softball and kayaking, which debuted last year, will return again. Other events include bocce, tennis, acquatics, track and field, cycling and wheel chair races.

When athletes are not competing, an array of activities await them in the popular Olympic Village, located in the parking lot next to the Shell Building. Athletes can rest and recoup by participating in karaoke, bingo, ring toss, a dunk tank and more.

The Morgantown Fire Department also will be on-hand to provide a misting spray for the athletes.

At least 1,500 volunteers are needed to help run the games, said Nancy Moore, WVU Special Olympics volunteer coordinator.

“So far, we only have about 100 volunteers signed on,”Moore said,”so we need lots more people to sign up before the games take place next month.”

Volunteers can be athlete buddies, buddy leaders, helpers in Olympic Village and with serving meals.

“We may call it work,”she quipped,”but its really a whole lot of fun.”

The games close on Sunday with a special ceremony to be announced later. For more information on the games, or to register to be a volunteer, call 1-888-988-2269. Applications also are available on-line athttp://www.wvu.edu/~instadv/specialolympics/