In addition to competing in athletic events, Special Olympic athletes also will be able to participate in the Olympic Village next to Stokes Stadium. The Olympic Village will feature activities such as basket toss, making noodle necklaces, decorating crowns provided by Burger King and playing with puppies from the Humane Society. The Bulldog mascots and area clowns also will entertain the athletes. After being a big hit last year, local police officers and firefighters will bring their vehicles to the Olympic Village again, Gaskill said. The Olympic Village is open to all athletes participating in the Special Olympics but is not a competition.
Participants can visit between their events.
Sophomore Bert Gillette and senior Demetrius Davis are coaching Kirksville's adult Special Olympic track and field team. Their team is called the Kirksville Wolf Pack. Gillette said he has wanted to participate in the Olympics for a long time because he hopes to work with disabled children in the future. SCEC adviser Barbara Heard said the University has been helping with the Olympics for more than 20 years. SCEC encourages students to come to the Olympics.