CITY HOST TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS SATURDAY

More than 300 athletes will converge Saturday on the Abe Stuber Track and Field Complex on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau for the Special Olympics.

Penny Wingerter, a city recreation coordinator, said the city's parks and recreation department will host the event.

"The parks and recreation department has always had a role on the committee organizing the event, but this is the first year we're actually hosting it," she said.

Wingerter said she's happy to report that securing volunteers to help with the olympics hasn't been a problem.

"That was something we were really worried about because the university has always hosted the olympics in the past and they always got a lot of the college students and faculty to help out," she said.

"I didn't know if the community would respond the same way the university has in the past, but they really came through."

Several college fraternities and sororities, in addition to university athletes, have again volunteered to help with the one-day event.

Registration for the Special Olympics will begin at 8:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies are scheduled for 10:30. The track and field meet will conclude by 3 p.m.

Special athletes will come from several counties in Southeast Missouri, including Cape Girardeau, Perry, Bollinger, Stoddard, Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid and Pemiscot.

They'll compete in a number of running events as well as field events such as standing long jump, high jump, shot put, and softball throw.

"The whole goal of Special Olympics is to get these kids to participate in regular athletic events," Wingerter said. "In the parks and recreation department, we're trying to create more therapeutic programs, and Special Olympics is something we're going to be very involved with."

The department last summer held the Special Olympics district soccer event, and now is working to bring similar aquatics and volleyball meets to Cape Girardeau.

Wingerter said she expects as many as 200 volunteers for Saturday's Special Olympics.

"A lot of these teams need a lot of people to make sure their kids get to where they're going," she said. "No coach can take care of a large group regardless of what their disabilities are."

Not only is volunteering for Special Olympics a big help to the athletes and their coaches, it's rewarding for the volunteer.

"There's not a more rewarding experience than seeing those special athletes cross the finish line," Wingerter said. "It just gives you a warm feeling knowing you're part of something that lets them compete in athletic events and to see them succeed and have a good time."

A table will be set up accept volunteers during registration, and all athletes and volunteers for the event will be served a free lunch.

Wingerter said Special Olympics has gained in popularity over the past few years, a trend she expects will continue.

"It's definitely growing," she said. "People are really doing all they can to see things provided for people in the community that often are unable to participate in sports events."

Sponsors for this year's Special Olympics include Commerce Bank; Wal-Mart Supercenter; K103 radio; Procter and Gamble, Coca-Cola; and Service Master.