Colorado Time - Interview |
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Special Olympics Going NationalDo you want to be a part of history? Join Colorado Time Systems and volunteer at the inaugural Special Olympics USA National Games. You'll learn more than the meaning of "inspirational." You may be familiar with the Special Olympics program, which has traditionally been held at the state and international levels. However, this July the Special Olympics will begin its first national program. The USA Special Olympic National Games will bring 3,500 athletes from all 50 states to compete at the Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, July 2-7. MissionNot to be confused with the Paralympics, which are devoted to physically disabled athletes, the Special Olympics provides athletic competition for people with intellectual disabilities. Their mission is to provide sports and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type games. The Special Olympics gives participants the opportunity to develop skills, physical fitness, participate in sharing and friendship. According to The World Health Organization, 170 million people worldwide have an intellectual disability, including 7 million in the United States. An intellectual disability, according to the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR), is based on the following three criteria:
The Special Olympics was established in the United States in 1969 but the July event will be the first-ever USA National Games. The move to a national event is a result of interest and the need to create more competitive opportunities. The 2006 USA National Games are an important part of creating a more accepting, peaceful world. The EventThe reality of the Games is grand. Here's a look at what it will take to make the Special Olympics happen:
Events include aquatics, golf, softball, track & field, gymnastics, tennis, basketball, volleyball, bocce, powerlifting, bowling, and soccer. "The sport of aquatics will provide competitive opportunities for 288 athletes, including 150 females and 138 males. Three athletes are wheelchair athletes," said National Games Chairperson, Elaine Hieber. Colorado Time Systems is proud to contribute equipment and a technician for the aquatics events. "Colorado Time Systems was the first vendor to quickly agree to assisting the games. The Colorado Time Systems contribution will provide state of the art equipment that will truly transform this venue into an Olympic caliber event," said Hieber. "One of the most rewarding experiences for any volunteer is to see the joy and excitement on the faces of the athletes when they enter the venue and see that this venue is where they will be competing. It is often an overwhelming experience for the athlete and the volunteers." How to VolunteerThe drive is on to fulfill the need for 8,000 volunteers by May 1. Volunteers are needed over the span of seven days for every task including registration, scorekeeping, awarding medals, transportation, maintaining hospitality suites, visitor information, posting meet results, maintenance and set up of the venue, and more. "In the sport of aquatics, we need all the usual officials and staff needed for a swim meet. In addition to what is considered standard staffing, we need many more people," said Hieber. "Volunteering for Special Olympics can be a life-changing experience. It is not often that as a volunteer you receive more than what you give, but in Special Olympics that is usually the case. Once a person volunteers for the first time, they are usually 'hooked' for life," said Hieber. Inspired? Looking for a way to put your talents and time to good use? Volunteer for the experience of a lifetime by calling (515) 598-5600, or visit www.2006nationalgames.org to register. |
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