| Austin Scott signs autographs at the opening ceremonies of the 2006 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games. Over 70 Nittany Lion student-athletes volunteer at the events which last June 8-10. |
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., June 6, 2006 - More than 2,000 athletes and 700 coaches from across the Commonwealth will participate in the 2006 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games, June 8-10 on Penn State's University Park campus.
Tom Bradley, a member of the Nittany Lion coaching staff since 1979, will serve as the Honorary Chair of the 37th annual games. Bradley oversees Penn State's nationally ranked defense and coaches the cornerbacks.
More than 70 Nittany Lion student-athletes, representing at least 10 varsity teams, and members of the Penn State Dance Team, will be among the 2,000 volunteers at the state-level competition, which will include events such as aquatics, athletics, basketball, bowling, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, softball and tennis.
This is the 19th consecutive year Penn State has hosted the summer games, which are sponsored by Sheetz, Inc.
Bradley will be joined by special guests Steve Jones, the voice of the Nittany Lion football and basketball teams on the Penn State Sports Network, and Kellie Goodman, who calls Lady Lion Basketball games for WPSU-TV. Jones will emcee the VIP reception and Closing Ceremonies, while Goodman will emcee the Opening Ceremonies.
The games will kick off on Thursday afternoon with preliminary action in athletics, aquatics, basketball, golf and softball. Thursday at 7:15 p.m. the traditional fanfare of the opening ceremonies will take place at Jeffrey Field, just off University Drive.
On Friday, competition will begin in bowling, equestrian, gymnastics and tennis and will continue through Saturday afternoon. The games will conclude with the Closing Ceremonies and victory dance Saturday night in Rec Hall. There is no admission fee for any of the events.