The stars will be shining at the 2003 Special Olympics West Virginia Summer Games. The Summer Games, which take place June 6-8, are being hosted by West Virginia University for the sixth consecutive year.
Approximately 700 athletes representing 30 West Virginia counties, will take to the fields at 12:30 p.m. Friday as the weekend of competition begins.
Friday evening, official opening ceremonies kick off at 8 p.m. at the WVU Coliseum as athletes, volunteers and spectators celebrate the spirit of competition and a weekend of fun and friendship when official opening ceremonies get underway.
“In recognition of this year’s theme,’Star Power,’there will be gold, silver and bronze stars everywhere as well as other special touches to make the opening ceremonies unforgettable and inspirational,”said Eloise Tomei, University coordinator of events.
Highlights of opening ceremonies include a keynote address by Jim Lees, chairman of the board, Special Olympics West Virginia; a special tribute sung by Morgantown favorite Bobby Nicholas; and the lighting of the Flame of Hope, which will burn continuously throughout the weekend.
While some of the games begin Friday, most contests will be held on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, at various locations in and around the Coliseum, Shell Building and Natatorium.
This year, due to growing interest, a golf competition has been added to the medal events. Other events include bocce, tennis, kayaking, aquatics, track and field, softball, 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.
Two booths in Olympic Village are designed to be both fun and educational. At the”Special Smiles”booth, dentists are on hand to conduct basic examinations for athletes who have registered for a screening, explained Tomei.
Due to the success of”Special Smiles”at last year’s event, organizers have added an”Opening Eyes”tent this year, where athletes can have their eyes examined.
Many volunteers are still needed to help run the games, said Nancy Moore, WVU Special Olympics volunteer coordinator.
“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 it’s really a whole lot of fun and very rewarding.”
The games close at 11:45 a.m. 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 onlinehttp://www.wvu.edu/specialolympics/. Volunteers may also stop by the WVU Shell Building registration area anytime throughout the weekend.