SPECIAL OLYMPICS PLANNED FOR SATURDAY

Great weather, great attitudes and great competition are expected Saturday when some 350 athletes compete in the Southeast Area Special Olympics Track and Field Meet.

Opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics begin at 10 a.m. at the Central High School Track, 205 Caruthers. Athletes, aged 5 to 85, will represent some 19 counties from St. Francois County to the north to the Arkansas line to the south.

Newcomers to the competition can expect "tons of smiles, tons of enthusiasm" as the athletes begin competitions in traditional and unique track and field events, said Penny Williams of the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department. The event is always well attended by people who enjoy athletics or seeing the excitement of the athletes.

"You can't walk onto that field without getting excited about their being there," said Williams. "They just love being there, and that's contagious."

Although Saturday's event is the most popular, Special Olympics activities are held year-round. Just as in high school athletics, people with disabilities may choose to be involved in a number of athletic seasons, including basketball, softball and bowling.

By offering a variety of activities year-round, Special Olympics provides an inclusive atmosphere that allows those with special needs to be involved in their communities, Williams said.

"They work in sheltered workshops and out in the community, but recreation sometimes is lacking," she said. "These individuals do not get a chance to compete in high school athletics. This is their one chance to compete and win a medal."

Special Olympics competitions would not be possible without a massive volunteer effort. Community groups, law enforcement and military personnel, and community members often pitch in for the event. This year, Southeast Missouri State University students also will volunteer as part of Greek Week activities.

The event is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department, Chartwell's food service, Pepsi-Cola, Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart, Noon Optimists, Kiwanis Club, Commerce Bank, and Ahrens Appraisal Service.

"It's a big event for the Parks and Rec Department and a big event for the community and everyone.," Williams said. "Everyone loves to play a role."

Some 200 athletes from Saturday's competition will advance to state contests held next month at Fort Leonard Wood. Williams said her department holds fund raisers throughout the year to cover costs for transportation of athletes to regional and state contests. However, some private companies who work with athletes also will raise money for transportation costs.

"Transportation is an issue for some groups," she said. "We encourage all of the agencies that participate to assist us in the fund raising for transportation."

For more information, contact the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department at 335-2859.