Volunteers, athletes, make summer games a success

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Despite winning a gold and silver medal in the Special Olympics, Scott Mason said the after-party of the games were the high point.

“I came for the fun of it,” said Scott, who participated in singles and doubles bocce ball. “My favorite part is the music. I really liked ‘Who Let the Dogs Out.’”

The games began May 29 with a parade into the Kelly/Shorts Stadium led by the 126 Army Band Color Guard.

Tracy Davis, Michigan Special Olympics associate director, said the summer games attracted 1,400 volunteers from across the state, ranging from coaches and chaperones to community walk-on volunteers.

Roger Coles, recreation, parks and leisure services chair, was honored during the Special Olympics for having volunteered on the games committee for 30 years.

Thirty-six students from Cole’s RPL 347: Special Olympics: Competition for Persons with Mental Retardation class volunteered at the games.

“They either love it and want to come back or they find they can’t work with persons with disabilities,” he said.

College students weren’t the only ones lending a hand during the events. Emily Bragassa, sophomore from Sacred Heart High School said her favorite part of volunteering was watching the athletes be awarded their medals.

“Without the volunteers the games wouldn’t be able to come off,” she said. “They are what makes the games tick. There is just no way we could run (the games) without them.”

More than 3,000 athletes participated in one of 10 sports including aquatics, athletics, bocce ball, bowling, gymnastics, horseshoes, power lifting, team handball, volleyball and motor activities.

“I think it’s a wonderful program for the athletes that are able to join and participate,” said Kristen Hofmeister, public relations intern. “It helps them become more open and accepting of themselves and meet people who are like them so they don’t feel alone in the world.”

Thirty-eight of the 3,000 participants were from Area 7, which includes Gratiot, Isabella, Clare and Gladwin counties. They were accompanied by 10 coaches and chaperones.

Dick Wood, a horseshoe coach, has been coaching for seven years.

“It’s just a great group of people to work with,” he said. “They are always so appreciative and grateful of everything you do for them.”