June, 1995 |
Connecticut Journalism
Award.
Volunteers Prepare for Special Olympic World Games
By Mikisha Brown
It is July 1, 1995 and the Yale Bowl is filled to the brim with spectators. Everyone is cheering at the top of their lungs for the last runner with the Olympic torch who ignites the flame that will burn for the entire week of the games. The 1995 Special Olympic World Games are ready to begin. Next will be the colorful parade of nations in which the athletes for all the countries will enter the track carrying their nations' flags. The athletes have long anticipated this moment and have dedicated years of training just to make it to the games. At the end of this spectacular week, Connecticut will have hosted the largest sporting event in state history.
The mission of the 1995 Special Olympic World Games is to offer athletes from around the world the opportunity to demonstrate the gifts and talents of persons with mental retardation.
From the magnificent opening ceremonies with the lighting of the torch, the music, the celebrities, the fireworks, the parade of tall ships, the sound of the thousand voice choir, to the simple demonstrations of courage and determination during competition, the games will thrill spectators.
The ninth Special Olympic World Games for athletes with mental retardation will begin in three weeks running from July 1 to July 9 and will feature 7,200 athletes from 140 countries
Central students will be among the volunteers aiding athletes or spectators in cases of emergency. The roles of volunteers will be suggested by the color of their shirts: red is for medical, blue is security, gold is safety, purple is guest relations, and turquoise is for support volunteers. Every volunteer has received training and will be readily available to answer any questions you may have.
Besides athletic competition many special events will take place. Singing and dancing will take place in different locations throughout the games. The Sight and Sounds is a seven-day maritime festival which will bring the New Haven Harbor alive with excitement. The harbor will be filled with activities such as the short and tall ship parade, crafts, games, skydivers, blimps, hot air balloons, and military flight demonstrations.
Expo Park is another exciting exhibition area which will feature new products, technology, art, and entertainment. Expo Park will be located on the perimeter of the Yale Bowl.
With so many special activities going on the 1995 Special Olympic World Games is sure to be an unforgettable event. The extinguishing of the Olympic flame will end a week of exhilarating competition, outstanding displays of talent, and heart warming moments of human service.
