Skills of athletes will not go unnoticed in the 2013 Special Olympics Louisiana State Summer Games, which is Special Olympics Louisiana’s largest annual event to take place May 24-26 at Strawberry Stadium. Over 800 athletes and coaches will come together to compete in track and field, bocce, power lifting and volleyball.
“To showcase the skills of Special Olympics athletes at a state level [is the main goal],” said President and CEO, Pat Carpenter Bourgeois. “Athletes have participated at local, parish and area events and will now participate at the state level. This year they will qualify to be eligible to attend the National Games in 2014 in New Jersey.”
Over 1,000 volunteers will help with completing various tasks leading up to the event such as setting up and serving food.
“A few staff members and students are involved as volunteers,” said Bourgeois. After 12 years at Tulane University, the event will return to Southeastern for the first time since the 70s.
In addition to volunteers,  community members are encouraged to support  participants as they compete in a healthy, fun and exciting  atmosphere.
“I encourage all to become a fan in the stands and join us for an experience of a lifetime,” said Bourgeois.  “The students, staff and community will be touched by the tenacity and impressed by the skill level of our athletes.  Their lives will be changed forever by getting to know our athletes. Participation in this event, even becoming a fan in the stands will become something they will want to repeat.”
Events are open and free to the public, allowing the community to easily take up on this opportunity.
Children and adults with intellectual disabilities are qualified to participate in Special Olympics. Those between ages two to seven may compete in the young athlete program. Others  eight years of age or older may compete in competitive sports.
Those without intellectual disabilities who are interested can participate as a partner for an athlete or play a team sport with an athlete.
Athletes participating will receive a great opportunity to show their talents for those watching and compete fairly.
“[Our expectations are] to provide quality competition for the athletes so they can showcase their skills for the community,” said Bourgeois.  “Also providing top notch officiating of events will give them an equitable playing field to qualify for national games. We also hope there will be fans in the stands to watch our athletes parade into Opening Ceremonies and to watch our flag football game as we honor the military.”
Law Enforcement officers will open the ceremony of the Special Olympics with the escorting of the Olympic Torch.  The closing ceremony and victory dance will be held on Saturday, May 25 at the Pennington Student Activity Center.
Free health and wellness screenings will also be offered to athletes on May 25, in addition to the traditional activities offered, carnival games, booths, an NFL experience and art activities are also being implemented in to this years activities.
For more information about Special Olympics or to sign up as a participant or volunteer, contact Craig Oser at 1-800-345-6644.