2 days ago
Special Olympics Pennsylvania summer games set to kickoff in State College
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — The 55th annual Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games are getting set to kick off in State College.
Over 2,000 athletes and 750 coaches will travel to Penn State for three days of competition in athletics, equestrian, basketball, golf, gymnastics, softball, swimming, and tennis. This is a weekend to compete, have fun, and build lifelong friendships.
'Memories, building friendships, remembering how hard they've worked, what they've overcome, the challenges, and having the courage to show up and give their best,' Chief People Officer & Executive Vice President of Operations for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Pam Velasquez, said.
While all of the focus is on the athletes competing, behind the scenes, over 1,000 volunteers will be assisting over the three days. However, they say they could use a few hundred more.
'Our volunteers are the backbone of everything we do. We still have open spots available over the next few days. So please come out and join us. There are many ways to be involved,' Velasquez said.
One couple has been volunteering with Special Olympics for over 20 years. Robert & Christine Masters began volunteering when their son was 8-years-old. They volunteer because of the energy, excitement, and fun they have during the event.
'It doesn't matter how good or bad a day you're having, if you come down here and you hang out with these athletes for any length of time, you will be having a great day when you leave, and so that's why it's worth coming back,' Robert Masters said.
The hard work the Masters see during the weekend is inspiring.
'I think every day when I work with Special Olympics athletes, the kind of hurdles they have to overcome just to get out of bed in the morning and to get here more so than anything I experience, it just makes the rest of the things I might be worried about melt away and I just enjoy spending time with them, their smiles really are the best thing,' Christine Masters said.
The games are set to kick off with an opening ceremony on Thursday, June 5, at 7:15 p.m. For a full schedule, follow the link here.
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