CMU welcomes Special Olympics

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About 1,500 volunteers and 2,700 athletes will come together for this summer’s Michigan Special Olympics.

Opening Ceremonies take place Thursday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, followed by a carnival in the Rose Pond Area. Competition starts Friday and concludes on Saturday.

A program that relies on its volunteer base, compassionate workers and private donations, Special Olympics Michigan offers its participants an environment where they can improve social skills and build life-long friendships.

Central Michigan University’s campus has been home to the games for the past 36 years.

“It’s the culminating event,” said Heather Burke, manager of Coaches Education and Volunteers. “Athletes train for eight weeks and it is neat to see everyone come together.”

The Central Region’s Special Olympics headquarters is located on CMU’s campus and the organization is able to use the university’s facilities, including Rose Arena, the Student Activity Center, Indoor Athletic Complex and Kelly/Shorts Stadium for events. Athletes also can stay in the residence halls during the three-day event.

The events range from bocce ball to standing long jump to softball.

This year, Detroit Lions quarterback Drew Stanton and other surprise guests are scheduled to speak and interact with the athletes.

A new program called Young Athletes was also created for children ages 2 through 7 who are not old enough to participate in the games.

“It’s a stepping stone,” Burke said of the skill-based program that aims to help children with cognitive, social and physical disabilities.

Those with mild to severe intellectual disabilities can participate in the Special Olympics. With conditions such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Autism on the rise, the needs for positive programs are in high demand.

“It’s hard to conceptualize what it means to the participants,” Vanessa Walsh, Special Olympics spokeswoman said.

The Games help athletes with self-esteem and physical fitness and offer free health services. Free eyeglasses are one of the services provided to participants as a part of the Opening Eyes Initiative.

Changing the lives of the participants is a key function of the organization. However, the Olympics aims to change the participants’ perception about themselves is also important.

“We fully embrace people with disabilities,” Walsh said. “Special Olympics is an inclusive, open and accepting environment,” Walsh said.

Walsh, who was a four-year volunteer for Special Olympics before moving toward a permanent position, encourages others to get involved.

“Once you get a chance to work with Special Olympics, you get hooked” Walsh said.

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