The indefatigable American spirit and the indomitable zest of nearly 700 athletes and their supporters should make an invincible combination when the Special Olympics West Virginia Summer Games take the field June 7-9 at West Virginia University. This is the fifth year WVU has hosted the competition.
Highlights of this years activities, under the theme Celebrate USA , include close to 700 athletes from more than 32 counties. The athletic competitions get under way at 1 p.m. Friday, June 7, followed by a spectacular opening ceremony at the WVU Coliseum at 8 p.m.
Calling it”a red, white and blue extravaganza of spirit,”Deborah Fusco of Institutional Advancement said the opening ceremony promises to be exciting.
“Tim Shriver, son of Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, will give a keynote address,”Fusco said.”Morgantown favorite Bobby Nicholas will sing a special tribute, and the lighting of the Flame of Hope is always inspirational.”
“There will be red, white and blue everywhere and some other special touches to make the opening ceremonies unforgettable,”she said.”I hope the whole community turns out to support these fine athletes and to enjoy an evening of family fun.”
While some of the games begin Friday, most contests will be held on Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, at various locations in and around the Coliseum, Shell Building and Natatorium.
Two relatively new sports, softball and kayaking, will return. Other events include bocce, tennis, aquatics, track and field, cycling and wheelchair 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 and more.
“There also will be a new Special Smiles booth in Olympic Village designed to increase dental hygiene awareness, which we hope will be both fun and educational,”Fusco said.”For many reasons, dental hygiene can often be a problem for those with developmental challenges. Hopefully, this new venue will help promote good dental hygiene in a way that is helpful and fun.”
The Morgantown Fire Department also will be on-hand to provide a popular misting spray for athletes.
Many volunteers are still needed to help run the games, said Nancy Moore, WVU Special Olympics volunteer coordinator.
“We have several hundred volunteers signed up, but since we have even more athletes than ever participating, we need as much help as we can get,”Moore said.
Volunteers can be athlete buddies, buddy leaders, helpers in Olympic Village or assist with serving meals.
“We may call it work,”Moore quipped,”but its really a whole lot of fun.”
The games close at noon Sunday with a special ceremony at the WVU track.
For more information on the games, or to register to be a volunteer, call 1-888-988-2269. Applications also are available on-line http://www.wvu.edu/specialolympics/ Volunteers may also stop by the WVU Shell Building registration area anytime throughout the weekend.