The annual Special Olympics Spring Games Track and Field Competition will be held Sunday at Radford University’s Cupp Stadium.
Nearly 120 Special Olympics athletes from across Southwestern Virginia have been training for the event since February.
Opening Ceremonies, which will begin at 12:30 p.m., will include the traditional parade of athletes. The Radford Acabellas, Radford University’s all female Acapella group, will perform the national anthem and four-time Big South Coach of the Year Marci Jenkins Byers, head coach of Radford’s volleyball program will provide welcoming comments.
Representatives of local law enforcement, including Radford City and Christiansburg Police, as well as, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department and Department of Motor Vehicles, will accompany athletes during the torch lighting ceremony.
Track and field events including, throwing and jumping events, along with running events ranging from 50-3000 meters, will follow the torch lighting ceremony. Come early for shot put starting at 10 a.m. and a 5000 meter event at 11:15 a.m. All events should conclude around 4:30 p.m.
Radford University has hosted this event since 2005; soon after the stadium was completed.
“Cupp Stadium is an ideal facility for Special Olympics Track and Field. The Athletic Department and Radford’s varsity team members really make the experience special for our track athletes,” BJ Norris, coordinator and parent of two competitors, said.
Radford University and Virginia Tech students join together with the New River Valley community to celebrate achievements. The community will witness firsthand the spirit of competition and excellence of Special Olympics sports.
These Games are an opportunity for Special Olympics athletes to declare, “I am a champion and I will be included.”
Radford University and Virginia Tech students join together with the New River Valley community to celebrate achievements. Special Olympics has launched a “Volunteer2Cheer” campaign, which brings volunteers together to motivate each individual athlete to do their best in competition.
Some volunteers serve as buddies for the day providing encouragement to athletes before, during, and after their events.
Others are needed to act as officials for the events at the stadium. The goal for the Spring Games is to recruit 500 volunteers.
The games are free and open to the public. Contact Special Olympics at swoffice@specialolympicsva.org for more information on how you or your group can get involved.
Special Olympics is an international program of year-round sports training and athletic competition for youth and adults with intellectual disabilities.
