Northwest Missouri State University - Tower Yearbook (Maryville, MO)

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Running towards a ' special ' finish ISpecial OlympicsH i H Involved in a special commit- ment, volunteers dedicated many extra hours helping with Special Olympics and gained a better appreciation of others ' handicaps. The event, held April 17, in Ricken- brode Stadium, brought joy to most participating athletes. There was a lot of love and warmth that couldn ' t be found in any other place, volunteer Lisa Courier said. These people didn ' t know hate or anger. They weren ' t discouraged or disappointed when they didn ' t win because they knew, regardless, they still won. Gerald Wright, Special Olympic coordinator for the last five years, said Special Olympics would not exist if it were not for help from campus organizations. Praising them, he said the approximately 50 people who con- tributed time made the event wor- thwhile to special education students. Basically, volunteers ran the show. They timed events, started races and watched equipment. Most campus organizations and the Kiwanis Clubs of Maryville and Burl- ington Junction helped, which gave a blend of campus and community in- volvement, Wright said. Besides helping with Special O- lympics, campus organizations held dances and went to the recreation program, which helped special educa- tion students train for athletic events. Working with Special Olympics and other activities, volunteers had an op- portunity to see mentally handicapped people as individuals with real emo- tions, Wright said. Hopefully the volunteers learned an appreciation of differences in people, Wright said. Generally, though, peo- ple were more alike than different. The kids were special, Courter said. They needed to know someone cared. Over 400 athletes competed in field events ranging from meter dashes to the Softball throw. Special events for those in wheelchairs and those under 8-years-old were also scheduled. People competing in the games ranged in age from 2 to 71 -years old. They (the athletes) had a really great time, Wright said. It was their big day of the year. Even though Special Olympic games were enjoyed and public- ized by area television stations, Wright said it was not the only sporting event held for the special education students. Some students went on and com- peted in state Special Olympic games They weren ' t discouraged or disappointed when they didn ' t win because they knew, regardless, they still won. L. Courter for medals. Wright said several bowl- ing, Softball and basketball tour- naments were sponsored for students, making Special Olympics a year round event. Just seeing the happy faces of the participants made it all worthwhile for most volunteers. It was exciting just to see their faces when they competed, volunteer P.J. Campbell said. 1 wouldn ' t hestitate to be a volunteer again. By Lisa Helzer Teresa Schuelke Special Olympics 1 1

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Two Special Olympic athletes congratulate Special Olympics volunteer Tom Ricker pins each other on their performances in races. Many a ribbon on a participant ' s shirt. Volunteers participants, as well as volunteers, made new spent many hours to make the day a success, friends during the day. -Photo by D. Kempker -Photo by S. Trunkhill r ■mit IttS J -i 1 r V, ' J Helpers stand at the finish line cheering run- ners on. Many volunteers were on hand to lend support and give encouragement. -Photo by S. Trunkhill Cheering on a Special Olympian, Trish McCue stands at the finish line. McCue volunteered her time as a hugger. -Photo by S. Trunkhill .i) [ ' w.i -■ ' % 1 Special Olympics

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