The National Special Olympics Games will mean fun, organizers
say -- for everyone.
A new town will spring up for five days in this town, from July
19 to 23. It will be a town where people can dance to live music
and eat pizza, wieners and ice cream, and interact with Special
Olympics athletes.
Special Olympics Town will be in and around Pershing Center
downtown. About 10,000 people are expected to visit each day.
Except for the food, most of the fun is free.
"It's going to be a blast," said Josie Cooper of the Special
Olympics, who's overseeing the town.
At the Special Olympics Sports Experience in the Pershing arena,
people can compete against Special Olympics athletes and get to
know them on a personal level.
There will be pool tables, Foosball tables, table-tennis tables.
Twelve flat-screen TVs set up for people to play Wii tennis and
bowling. And golf and NASCAR simulators.
"This is an opportunity for the community to come in and
actually interact with the athletes," Cooper said. "It's going to
open doors and create bonds. It's going to be a unified
atmosphere."
Throughout the five days, Special Olympics athletes will
demonstrate their skills.
Visits will be able to grab a Sharpie and write tributes to
Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who died last
year, on a special memory wall.
Outside Pershing, the Special Olympics Fan Fest will feature
live music and dancing, a sand sculptor, food vendors and booths
with games and activities. Special Olympics gear will be available
for purchase in a big tent.
Each day will have a theme. Monday's will be "Nebraska the Good
Life," and local bands will play.
Tuesday's will be "Move to the Beat," with upbeat music.
Wednesday's will be "The Wild, Wild West," with more rustic
music.
Thursday's will be "Fun in the Sun," with Jimmy Buffett-like
music. But don't expect this town to be Margaritaville - alcohol
won't be sold.
The mission of the town is to unite people of all abilities
through sports and fun, Cooper said.
"If anybody has ever been curious about the Special Olympics and
what it's about," she said, "this is a really good opportunity to
come and learn."
