Iowa State University Alumni Association| online edition | fall 2006
A special time to be in Ames

 


FALL 2006
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 >>Special Olympics USA National Games

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THE GAMES IN AMES SOAR AND SCORE

The numbers speak for themselves: 3,000 athletes from all 50 states. Nearly 1,000 coaches. 8,000 volunteers. Three years in the planning. One spectacular week-long event.

Ames and Iowa State pulled off the first-ever Special Olympics USA National Games July 2-7 to the resounding praise of athletes, coaches, families, and spectators.

From the torch run to a special airlift to the star-studded opening ceremonies to the competition itself, the Games were an all-around success. Rich Fellingham, the president of Special Olympics Iowa, said he had always been confident Ames would be able to come through in the face of such a tall task as recruiting 8,000 volunteers on the week of July 4th because of the quality of the community and campus.

The event was organized by a local committee consisting primarily of ISU Conference Services, Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Special Olympics Iowa staff – plus dozens of key volunteers – and with the oversight of Special Olympics North America.

In the end, it was a special place for a special event, highlighted by some truly special athletes.

Read on | 24 hours in the life of a Special Olympics USA National Games Volunteer

About the Writer | Carole Gieseke is the editor of VISIONS magazine.