Approximately 1,500 volunteers are needed to help run the West Virginia Special Olympics Summer Games at West Virginia University June 8-10. WVU has been the host for the summer games for the past three years, said Nancy Moore, WVU s Special Olympics coordinator. Participants always tell me how rewarding it is to help the athletes and to be a part of their joy and achievement. More than 500 athletes from most of West Virginia s 55 counties are expected to participate in the activities again this year.
Events range from bocce and swimming to track and field.
The athletes are awesome, and they are so very appreciative of the volunteers who take the time to come out and cheer them on. This really is a mutually beneficial experience. Volunteers of all ages help athletes get to and from the games, provide encouragement, keep score, register teams, help run extracurricular activities in the Olympic Village, provide first aid, assist with opening and closing ceremonies and generally just help out in all aspects of the competition and pageantry. This year s opening ceremony is set for 8 p.m. Friday, June 8, at Mountaineer Field. Spectator attendance at the opening ceremony is one area officials want to improve.