Media covering Special Olympics West Virginia Summer Games June 6-8 at West Virginia University must check-in at a special media registration tent located in the Shell Building Parking Lot directly in front of the Natatorium. Press packets and required media credentialing will be available, as well as venue maps and event schedules. Help facilitating interviews and photos will be provided as needed.

Highlights of this year’s games include:

• A statewide torch run. The torch leaves Sabraton around noon. Led by state law enforcement officers, the run concludes at the Coliseum around 8 p.m, in time for opening ceremonies. A Morgantown police officer and an Upshur County Special Olympian will run it into the Coliseum signifying the official start of the games.

• Opening Ceremonies. 8 p.m. Friday, June 6, at the WVU Coliseum. 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; the lighting of the Flame of Hope, which will burn continuously throughout the weekend; and a parade of nearly 700 athletes from approximately 30 counties.

• Competitions. 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. Events include bocce, tennis, kayaking, aquatics, track and field, softball, cycling, golf and wheelchair races. The demonstration sport will be horseshoes, starting at 1:30 p.m. Saturday above the WVU tennis courts.

• Victory Dance. 7-10 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at the Evansdale Residential Center tennis courts.

• Closing Ceremonies. 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at the WVU outside track near the Coliseum.

Also taking place during the weekend:

• The 4th Annual West Virginia Juggling Festival, June 6-8, at WVU ’s Student Recreation Center. For more information, event schedule and detailed workshop descriptions, visithttp://www.angelfire.com/wv/jugglingfest.

WVU Public Safety Officers will be available throughout the weekend to help media with special parking needs. For more information, or help setting up interviews in advance, please call Pam Stephens, 304-293-5510.