With the winter Olympics only recently over, the competitive spirit is again brewing. Preparations are beginning for the 2002 West Virginia Special Olympics Summer Games to be held June 7-9 at West Virginia University. This is the fifth consecutive year for the games in Morgantown.
“We are now seeking about 1,500 volunteers from the local area to help run the Summer Games,”said Nancy Moore, volunteer coordinator.
“Each year, the event increases in excitement as more special athletes compete in these important summer games,”she said.”This is a wonderful opportunity for residents, employees and students to get involved in a worthwhile community activity. Participants always tell me how rewarding it is to help the athletes and to be a part of their joy and achievement.”
More than 500 athletes from most of West Virginias 55 counties are expected to participate in events ranging from bocce and swimming to track and field.
“Volunteers of all ages help athletes get to and from the games, provide encouragement, keep score, register teams, help run extracurricular activities in the Olympic Village, provide first aid, assist with opening and closing ceremonies and generally just help out in all aspects of the competition and pageantry,”Moore said.
Opening ceremonies, as well as other special events, will be announced later this spring, but Moore is encouraging Morgantown and area residents to put the evening of Friday, June 7, on their calendars to welcome the athletes in style and to demonstrate pride in hosting these special activities.
“Spectator attendance at the opening ceremony is especially important to the athletes,”she said.
To help with the games, volunteers must fill out applications that are available by calling a special hotline number 1-888-988-2269. A website also will be established within the next few weeks so applicants can apply on-line.
Last year, nearly 1,200 volunteers from around the state assisted in the games attended by nearly 500 athletes and their families.
For more information, call Moore, 304-293-2269.
