Banners full of well-wishes to greet Special Olympians

Signatures are filling banners around town to welcome more than 700 athletes to Cape Girardeau for the Special Olympics State Outdoor Championships from Aug. 13 to 15.

These banners, at some of the businesses sponsoring the event, will be combined to make a backdrop for opening ceremonies and medals presentations.

"Special Olympics could provide something, but we wanted something unique to Cape," said Penny Williams, recreation division manager for Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation, who is helping coordinate the competition. "It will be great for these athletes to know that all the people of Cape Girardeau will have wished them good luck."

Banners are at the Southeast Missourian, Mississippi River Radio, Southeast Missouri Hospital's HealthPoint Fitness and Procter & Gamble. All of those companies and KFVS12 contributed at least $10,000 to help put on the Special Olympics event in Cape Girardeau, said Mandi Mueller, public relations coordinator with Special Olympics Missouri.

People are encouraged to write a special note of encouragement for the athletes taking part in the state games here, Williams said.

The Special Olympics State Outdoor Championships will include golf, tennis, individual and team softball competitions. Contests will be held at the Southeast Missouri State University Tennis Complex, Cape Jaycee Municipal Golf Course and Shawnee Sports Complex in Cape Girardeau.

All events are free and open to the public, Mueller said.

About 300 volunteers are needed to help with the events. People may register to volunteer or view a complete event schedule online at www.somo.org.

mmiller@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent addresses:

301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO

324 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO

2126 Independence Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

14484 State Highway 177, Cape Girardeau, MO