The Special Olympics’ biggest event in the state is fast approaching and help is needed.
The annual Summer Games of the Special Olympics kicks off June 7 and runs through June 9. For three days, more than 2,500 Special Olympians and coaches will meet at University Park to compete in many athletic games. Currently, volunteers are being recruited and they are needed to help with set-up and the pregame activities.
‘The Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games could not happen without thousands of local volunteers who pitch in each year to manage the Olympic Village, time events, plan award ceremonies and guide athletes,’ said Jeff Smith, from Penn State outreach and a Special Olympics volunteer.
‘The volunteer need is great, and I am constantly amazed by the support of the Penn State and Centre Region community each year in supporting this wonderful event.’
Athletes will compete for three days in events such as swimming, basketball, bowling, horse-riding, golfing, gymnastics, softball and tennis. Events are held around the University Park campus and in the Centre Region.
Volunteers are needed from June 4-9 to serve in roles that include being a competition officials, as bowling lane monitors, athlete escorts, assistants for athlete evaluators and award presenters.
Help also is needed in making beds, driving water trucks, and performing other tasks.
Safety and security operations staff also are needed and qualifications mandate that safety and security operations staff volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are able to keep calm and provide accurate information in the event of an emergency, medical or otherwise.
Complete volunteer registration and more information is available at the summer games’ website.
Any groups who want to volunteer can contact Smith at jjs27@psu.edu.
