Special Olympics

It's been a wonderful opportunity for Cape Girardeau to host the Special Olympics Missouri State fall Games the past three years. Beginning tonight, the city will host the games for the fourth, and final, time.

This weekend is important for the many athletes, parents and coaches. About 1,100 athletes will be in town to compete. While there will be spirited contests, this is about the athletes having fun and making memories.

One of the highlights of the weekend is the opening ceremonies. They will take place at 7 tonight in the Show Me Center. We hope you'll consider attending and rooting on the athletes. This will be a memorable experience for them, and the support of this community helps make it an unforgettable evening. Local band Shades of Soul will perform a free concert following the ceremonies.

One change to note is the move of a softball field to the Arena Park Saturday. Jennifer Green with Special Olympics said volunteers will be needed there, as well as at the softball field at Shawnee Park also on Saturday.

Volunteers will be need for the Boccee competition at the Shawnee soccer fields from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

Even if you can't volunteer, we hope you will attend one or more of the contests. These athletes appreciate all the fan support.

Thanks again to everyone who helps make Special Olympics happen, and to those whose involvement brought the games to Cape Girardeau.

To see the full schedule of events, visit somo.org/fallgames.