PHOTOS FROM THE OPENING CEREMONIES
June 5, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Nearly 2,100 athletes and 800 coaches from across the state will participate in the 2008 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games, June 4-6 on Penn State's University Park campus.
Sixty Penn State student-athletes, representing 11 varsity sports, and members of the cheerleading team will be among the 2,000 volunteers. They will lend a helping hand at the three-day sporting event that includes intense competition in aquatics, athletics, basketball, bowling, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, softball and tennis.
This year marks the 21st consecutive year that Penn State University has hosted the Sheetz, Inc. sponsored event.
Preliminary action begins Thursday at 1:00pm with competition in athletics, aquatics, basketball, golf, and softball. The games will officially be kicked off at 7:15 pm with opening ceremonies to be held at Jeffrey Field, just off University Drive. Lady Lion Head Coach Coquese Washington is serving as Honorary Chairwoman of the games and will address the athletes at both Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Friday will see the start of competition in bowling, equestrian, tennis, and gymnastics. All action wraps up Saturday afternoon with awards ceremonies being held at the conclusion of each sport.
The games will conclude on Saturday night at 8:00 pm with Closing Ceremonies and a victory dance at East Bigler Field. There is no admission fee. The entire event is free.
For more information about the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games or to volunteer at the games, call 800-865-3600 or log onto http://www.specialolympicspa.org.