Letter to the Editor

Special Olympics success

On behalf of Special Olympics Missouri, please extend my deepest gratitude to the volunteers, organizers, sponsors and spectators from Cape Girardeau and the surrounding areas that made the 2011 State Outdoor Championships an incredible success. We couldn't have done it without each and every one of them. Everyone, from athletes to staff members, benefited from the endless hospitality and support from the community.

More than 800 athletes and coaches from around the state took to the links at Jaycee Municipal Golf Course and competed in softball at Shawnee Softball Fields and tennis at Southeast Missouri State University's Redhawks Tennis Complex. Athletes enjoyed a variety of activities at Victory Village, where they also benefited from a Healthy Athletes dental screening, and blew off some steam at the Victory Dance on Saturday night at the SEMO Recreation Complex. Everyone had a wonderful weekend.

The Cape Girardeau community has always been kind to Special Olympics, and the city really rolled out the red carpet for this event. We can't think of an event that was greeted with as kind a reception or as much buzz as the State Outdoor Championships in Cape Girardeau. We look forward to seeing all of you again next year.

MARK MUSSO, president and CEO,

Special Olympics Missouri, Jefferson City, Mo.