MCC needs volunteers for Special Olympics

Jonathon Smith

Over 1,000 athletes will fill the MCC Campus on April 29 to compete in the Arizona Special Olympics’ summer games. The event used to be held at ASU but was changed to MCC two years ago. The number of volunteers rose after coming to MCC, according to Liz Meyer. She estimated that 300 volunteers came from the MCC community.

The games are set-up to simulate the Olympic Games. Opening ceremonies will be on Friday April 30 at 6 p.m.

The opening ceremony will include iconic Olympic events such as the lighting of the torch. A dinner and dance will be held afterwards for athletes and volunteers. Last year the dinner was catered by Panda Express.

Meyer stated that the atmosphere around the games is a friendly one.

“Everyone cheers for everyone,” Meyer said.

The first day of games will be track and field and gymnastics. The track and field events will include the long jump, shot put and races of varying distance.

More track and field, power lifting, volleyball, and kayaking competitions are scheduled for the second day. The kayaking competition will be held at Tempe Town Lake.

The final day’s games include track and field, softball throw, tennis, indoor athletics, and artistic gymnastics. The indoor athletic games involve athletes with wheelchairs.

Joe Chavez decided to volunteer for the event. Chavez is part of the Future Educators club and receives emails about different volunteer opportunities.

“It’s a great way to build your resume and you get the gratification of helping out,” Chavez said.

Chavez is one of 50 people that have volunteered for the event thus far.

To volunteer for the games contact the Service Learning department by phone at (480) 461-7393, or via email at servicelearning@mcmail.maricopa.edu. The Service Learning department is located in the Kirk Center. More information can be found at http://specialolympicsarizona.org/

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

Welcome to the Mesa Legend! Subscribe to know more about what goes on at Mesa Community College!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *