A year from now, Lincoln will take on the responsibility of hosting the national 2010 Special Olympics.

About 3,000 athletes will compete in Lincoln - but they won't be coming alone.

The city also can expect about 1,000 coaches, 8,000 volunteers and nearly 15,000 family members, sponsors and officials.

Officials will get a chance to practice this weekend, when more than 300 Special Olympics athletes from across the country compete in the 2009 Special Olympics National Invitational Golf & Softball Tournament in Lincoln.

"This is really our big test event," said Sarah Leeth, director of marketing and fund development for the 2010 games.

With Lincoln hosting the national games next summer, this weekend's events will provide organizers a chance to test all of their systems - including transportation, communications and delegation services.

The tournament will be a microcosm of next year's events, scheduled July 18-23.

While athletes competing in this weekend's tournament will be arriving privately, transportation will be something of an event itself next summer.

More than 300 Cessna jets will deliver athletes and coaches to Duncan Aviation every 90 seconds for 12 hours straight, Leeth said.

And Harrison Ford - yes, that Harrison Ford - will deliver the first group on his personal jet, she said.

Officials are inviting the public to come out and watch this weekend, to get a taste of what the Special Olympics is all about.

"We will also use this event as a springboard in rallying efforts for volunteer recruitment for the 2010 USA National Games," said Bob Gobrecht, managing director for Special Olympics North America.

Leeth said the best way Lincolnites and Nebraskans can help this weekend is to show up in the stands and cheer on the athletes.

The tournament kicks off Friday with an opening ceremony at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Reach Hilary Kindschuh at 473-7120 or hkindschuh@journalstar.com.