Let the games begin! The 33rd annual St. Thomas-St. John Special Olympics Games will take off Saturday morning at the Charlotte Amalie High School track.
The games provide Olympic-type sports, training and competition for physically- or intellectually-challenged individuals—all of whom have an exciting time at the meets. Each year in the territory about 250 children and adults participate.
"It’s something they look forward to," said Janice Lee, the organization’s chapter director. "So far this year, we have 70 registered for Saturday. We have about 125 volunteers, but what we really need is for folks to come out to cheer on the athletes, give them support."
First lady Cecile deJongh will preside over the opening ceremonies, Lee said, which will commence with a parade of athletes marching around the track, followed by prayers, the national anthem, music by the high school JROTC band, followed by the first lady officially giving the opening signal.
The games will run through the afternoon, include 100- and 50-meter runs, standing broad jump, basketball and a 100-meter wheelchair race.
Lee said the organization is encouraging kindergarten students to participate this year. "They must have a parent or guardian’s approval. We’d like to start a program like Head Start for the youngsters," she said.
Though five years is the youngest age that can enter, Lee said there is no age limit for older athletes. "We have a category for 20 years and up," she said.
"We love having people come to watch the athletes perform, not necessarily the volunteers assigned to work, but the parents, friends, everybody in the community to cheer them on."
St. Croix had its Special Olympics competition last weekend, Lee said, with about 100 athletes performing.
Registration for St. Thomas is ongoing. It is urgent that parents/guardians get the medical release forms signed and submitted soon, Lee said.
Anyone interested in volunteering or entering the games, or wanting more information, should call Lee at 772-2277 or Kishma Creque at 776-0343.
Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m.
