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***image1***Volunteers are needed for the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern’s 24th Annual Special Olympics Spring Games 2007 to be held May 2 at the German Police Academy in Enkenbach-Alsenborn.
“The Special Olympics have come to be a strong tradition in the KMC,” said Catherine Edmonds, this year’s Special Olympics coordinator.
More than 700 people throughout Germany have volunteered, but with an average of about 700 athletes participating in the Special Olympics here at least 600 volunteers are still needed, said Kari Sharpe, the garrison’s Exceptional Family Member Program manager.
Special Olympics are an international program of athletic competition for children and adults with special needs. It comes to the KMC each year courtesy of the garrison and German Police Academy.
“Without volunteers and their energy, commitment and enthusiasm, the Special Olympics would not be possible,” said Ms. Edmonds. “They are truly the ones who make the day possible for the athletes.”
Volunteers help make this day possible in many ways, said Ms. Sharpe. They can set up, tear down, serve food, register athletes, operate the competitive and non-competitive games, and be a “buddy.” Buddies are paired with athletes and help them throughout the day, going to events and lunch.
“Buddies play a wonderful part in this event,” said Ms. Edmonds. “They are the athletes’ friend, coach and cheerleader.”
Individuals who speak German and English are also needed as translators. Translators will be at designated areas and roaming around the athletic field in case of communication difficulties.
Traditionally, the Special Olympics here have eight competitive games for ages eight and older, and more than 10 non-competitive games for athletes, ages five to seven.
Competitive games include tennis, track and field, badminton, long jump, soccer, basketball, softball and volleyball. Non-competitive games include treasure hunt, parachute, obstacle course and ring toss.
“We have volunteers who have been involved from one year to the next,” said Ms. Sharpe. “Both volunteers and athletes look forward to this special day every spring when the entire community comes together for a day of great fun.”
For more information, call Ms. Edmonds at 489-8359 or 0631-536-8359 or e-mail catherine.edmonds@eur.army.mil.
