Special Olympics

The Southeast Missouri spring games of the Missouri Special Olympics were held recently at Southeast Missouri State University. Athletes from 14 counties competed in track and field events. Throughout the summer, the university will also be the host for the Special Olympics outdoor championships that include softball, tennis and golf.

Special Olympics athletes derive enormous satisfaction from participating in these events and in winning medals. Organizers and volunteers who help with the Special Olympics derive equally enormous satisfaction from seeing smiles of triumph on the competitors' faces.

Putting on a Special Olympics competitive event for 800 athletes requires funding and volunteers. The Southeast Missouri outdoor championship events will require up to $60,000 and 400 volunteers. To find out how you can help, contact Penny Williams of the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department at 334-2859.

During the spring games, sorority and fraternity students at the university volunteered to help. "Volunteering to help other people is what being a Greek is about," said Adrienne Hawkins, one of the student volunteers.

The Special Olympics are an important part of our community, and we welcome the visiting athletes and their families. We hope they enjoy what Cape Girardeau has to offer. And hats off to all who donate and volunteer.