By ALICIA KNIGH
As the world prepares for the excitement of the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, BYU is preparing for an Olympic event with an even greater mission.
BYU is hosting Utah's Special Olympics May 30 - June 1. These games provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.
These games give them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families and other athletes.
Lyn Rees, the director of public relations for the Special Olympics, said that the benefits of the organization affect all those involved.
'It is a great experience. The athletes learn the sports and they have the skills to participate. They are able to socialize and meet the other athletes. It helps build their self-esteem and makes them feel that they are able to participate. They really give it their all,' she said.
'The volunteers also grow by participating. It builds character. The volunteers want to do it again and again because it is a challenge. But it is worthwhile. The volunteers really grow as they get close to the athletes,' Rees said.
The Utah Special Olympics relies on the support of more than 5,000 volunteers statewide to conduct the sports competition and training programs. These volunteers can give a few hours or hundreds of hours to the program.
Jennifer Burns, a junior from Centerville majoring in recreation management, will volunteer for the first time this week.
'I am excited to do it. I think that it is great to get all those kids involved,' she said.
Gilberto Quezada, receptionist for BYUSA, encouraged everyone to come and volunteer.
'Anyone can show up at 8:30 a.m. at the south end of the BYU outdoor track. Just show up.'
The games will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on each of the three days.