Special Olympics

More than 900 athletes and their families will be in town next weekend for the 2012 Special Olympics Missouri State Fall Games.

If you've attended past events, you have an idea of how much these games mean to the athletes and their families. These young people face challenges, but there is a sweet spirit in each. The joy they experience when competing is truly heartwarming.

The fun kicks off Oct. 12 with games starting in the morning. At 7 p.m. the opening ceremonies we held at the Show Me Center. This rally, which includes the parade of athletes, is open to the public. The first 250 fans will receive a free T-shirt. There will be guest speakers, and the band Shades of Soul will provide entertainment. The games continue through Oct. 14.

While the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department does a great job coordinating the local effort, it's important to have volunteers on hand. If you're available, we encourage you to sign up to help. To do so, go to www.somo.org/fallgames or call Jen Rose at 651-2105.

Thank you to all those who make these events happen. Cape Girardeau is a wonderful place for events, and we're thrilled to host this year's fall games.