800 Athletes to shine at Special Olympics

Marlene Belitz, from Tagesförderstätte Logo in Pirmasens, reacts to the crowd's applause after receiving a gold medal at the 2006 U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern Special Olympics Spring Games at the Police Academy in Enkenbach-Alsenborn. This year's games will be held May 6 at the academy. Photo by Christine June

800 Athletes to shine at Special Olympics

Tobias Zwally, 8, from the Reha-Westpfalz Schule in Landstuhl, Germany, shows his medal to his Buddy, Caryn Rodriguez, Vogelweh Elementary School fifth-grade teacher, while watching an exhibition soccer game between teams U.S.A. and Germany at the 2007 U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern’s Special Olympics Spring Games at the Police Academy in Enkenbach-Alsenborn. Photo by Christine June

A call for spectators: 800 Athletes to shine at Special Olympics

Published April 24, 2008
By Christine June
U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- People throughout Europe are encouraged to root for 800 German and American athletes at the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern's Special Olympics Spring Games May 6 at the German Police Academy in Enkenbach-Alsenborn.

"With more than 30 schools represented throughout Germany, we have many athletes who will not be able to have their friends and families there to cheer them on," said Kimberly Hicks, this year's Special Olympics coordinator. "This year we are putting out a call for more people throughout the community to come and cheer for the athletes."

Special Olympics is an international program of athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It comes to the KMC each year courtesy of the garrison and German Police Academy.

"Everyone truly gives of themselves to ensure that all the athletes have a good time," said Ms. Hicks.

She added that shuttle buses will be picking up passengers at several installations in the Kaiserslautern military community. Spectators from surrounding communities are encouraged to use this shuttle service.

More than 1,400 people throughout Germany have already volunteered for this year's games, said Ms. Hicks.

"Without volunteers and their energy, commitment and enthusiasm, the Special Olympics would not be possible," said Kari Sharpe, the garrison's Exceptional Family Member Program manager.

Volunteers make this day possible in many ways, said Ms. Sharpe. They can set up, tear down, serve food, register athletes, operate the competitive and non-competitive games, and be a "buddy." Buddies are paired with athletes and help them throughout the day, going to events and lunch.

Traditionally, the Special Olympics here has eight competitive games for ages eight and older, and more than 10 non-competitive games for athletes, ages five to seven. Competitive games include tennis, track and field, badminton, bocce ball, soccer, basketball, softball and volleyball. Non-competitive games include treasure hunt, bean-bag toss, obstacle course and ring toss.

"Both volunteers and athletes look forward to this special day every spring when the entire community comes together for a day of great fun," said Ms. Sharpe.

For a complete shuttle schedule, visit the garrison's Web site.