Soccer Equipment for Africa Drive

Overview

University Hosts Ninth Annual Special Olympics

A grass-roots movement that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities around the world, Special Olympics is proudly hosted by Wheeling Jesuit University each spring.

WHEELING, WV, May 1, 2009 - Wheeling Jesuit University hosts the annual West Virginia Area I Special Olympics from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday, May 3. Five counties from the Northern Panhandle will participate: Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, and Monongahela.

Brandon Thurber, a senior student from Springdale, Pa. is coordinating the day. According to Thurber, there are over 170 registered athletes participating in a track meet, swim meet, and bocce tournament. Registration for volunteers begins at 12:30 p.m. and opening ceremonies follow at 1 p.m. The Olympic events begin at 1:30.

It opens with the carrying of the Special Olympics torch. Athletes parade onto the Cardinal 400 meter outdoor track, in the spirit of the international Olympic games, amid cheering and applause from the grandstands.

Now in its ninth year of competition, the games inspire and challenge competitors and fans alike. Hundreds of athletes with intellectual disabilities are expected to compete.

The Area I Spring Games feature athletes who compete in shot-put competitions, softball throws, walking and running events, the long jump, bocce and swimming. Music, arts and crafts and other activities will complete the day for the athletes. Medals will be awarded throughout the day.

The University's Circle K International service club works with local organizers to recruit, train and organize volunteers for the Special Olympics. Circle K works in conjunction with other clubs and groups on campus to recruit enough volunteers to help out with the event. Community volunteers also assist.

Those wishing to volunteer can sign up as late as Sunday morning. Because there are volunteers needed for each participant and each athlete can compete in up to three events, lots of assistance is necessary.

During the down time between events, other activities for the athletes will be held in the McDonough Center such as, volleyball, basketball and soccer clinics, crafts and dancing. Clinics for individual sports will also take place and topics include cheering, basketball, lacrosse and soccer. Wheeling Jesuit athletes lead these clinics.

Refreshments will also be served to all athletes.

An international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition, Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.

According to its website, Special Olympics currently serves 2.5 million people in more than 200 programs in over 180 countries. West Virginia's program is headquartered in Charleston, W.Va.

Wheeling Jesuit University
updated 12/2009 by jam