Big E to salute Special Olympians

Date: 9/26/2014

WEST SPRINGFIELD – The Big E will wrap up its final day of the Fair on Sept. 28 with a salute to the Special Olympics and to all those who work to make this life-changing organization possible. The event will host various activities at Storrowton Village throughout the day.

For more than 40 years, Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) has lead the way for individuals with intellectual disabilities to engage in a healthier lifestyle through sports and healthcare-related programs year-round.

The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with welcome remarks, the Athletes & Coaches’ Oath and an outline for the day’s activities during Opening Ceremony at the Flag Plaza near Gate 5. The highlight of the ceremony will be the Torch Run, beginning at Gate 1 and taking runners along Hampden Avenue and by the Brooks Building to light the Special Olympics Caldron at the Flag Plaza.

At 1 p.m., the SOMA National Games Team will host a Unified Bocce Match on the Green, inviting fairgoers to participate. Global Messenger speeches and Unified cheerleading exhibition will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the Gazebo. Special Olympics will open its doors to fairgoers to participate in Unified Bocce at 3:30 p.m. Following the activities, the Special Olympics team will march in the Daily Parade at 5 pm.

Fairgoers will have the opportunity to meet the 2014 Special Olympics Massachusetts National Games Team and learn more about the successes and achievements of this statewide organization by visiting their table, staffed with athletes, parents and staff members, on the Green at Storrowton Village between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The goal of Special Olympics is to build the confidence and positive self image of athletes, helping them succeed in their daily lives at home, school, work and in the community. Well-trained and dedicated coaches work year-round to instruct individuals with intellectual disabilities in a series of Olympic-type sports.

Special Olympic athletes are also provided with continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, which helps them live happy, healthy and vibrant lives.