Special Olympic Summer Games start May 14

Friday, May 9, 2014

 

Welcome Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes, May 14-16

Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes from far and wide will start gathering in Stillwater on Wednesday, May 14, at Oklahoma State University for the opening ceremonies of the 2014 Summer Games.  

The Flame of Hope is carried into the opening ceremonies at Gallagher-Iba Arena by runners in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the ceremonies will start at 7:30 p.m. with the traditional Parade of Athletes. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with pre-show entertainment.

The Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes come to the Summer Games after competing in local events.  They will compete in nine sports: Athletics (Track and Field), Bocce, Bowling, Golf, Horseshoes, Powerlifting, Unified 3-on-3 Basketball, and Unified Softball. Other events include Motor Activities and Stars of the Future.

Staff and hundreds of volunteers will be on hand to make sure athletes have three full days of competition, Olympic-style ceremonies, Olympic Village, food, housing and many fun activities.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to plan, organize and accomplish a successful Summer Games every year. Some volunteers come out for a day to assist athletes in their competitions. Some volunteers work virtually year-round on Summer Games' planning committees. People interested in volunteering at Summer Games should contact the State Office at 918-481-1234 or email at info@sook.org.

Businesses send whole teams of volunteers to work a single day or several days at Summer Games. Whatever the level of volunteerism, it is certain they will have a life-changing experience. We prefer volunteers to register in advance; however, it is always great to see people walk up to volunteer the day of an event! We can always place them as fans and cheerleaders or fill in wherever needed.

For more information about Special Olympics Oklahoma, go to http://www.sook.org/