Volunteers needed for upcoming Special Olympics Family Festival
More than 800 Special Olympian athletes from across the area will meet at SOFF 2009 for a day of fun, games and friendship. This year’s celebration will mark the 26th year for the event, which is sponsored by Consolidated Communications and organized by its employees.
At the beginning of the day, each athlete is paired with a Friend-For-A-Day who serves as their host and accompanies them to games, activities, lunch and other events. Other volunteers are needed to work in the game tents, coordinate activities, serve lunch and help with other duties.
SOFF is centered on games and activities in a carnival-type atmosphere for Special Olympian athletes, beginning with opening ceremonies and a parade. There are many games the athletes enjoy, including softball throw, basketball shoot, ring toss, bowling and many others. Unlike traditional Special Olympic games, SOFF is not a competitive event. Each athlete can participate in any of the games or activities and will always be a winner and receive a ribbon or prize.
This year’s event features a Western theme that will be carried out throughout the day’s games and activities. In addition, WCIA news anchor Dave Benton will make an appearance as the event’s special guest.
John Woodruff, chairperson for the 2009 SOFF event, said more than 1,000 volunteers are needed to serve as Friends-For-A-Day and hundreds more are also needed to work as general event volunteers.
“I encourage community members to consider spending a day with us at this year’s event as a volunteer. SOFF is a super event that our athletes look forward to each year and remember for years to come,” Woodruff said. “Serving as a volunteer gives community members the opportunity to make memories of their own that will truly last a lifetime.”
The festival is not open to the public. Only those who register as an event volunteer can participate, and all volunteers must be 16 or older. SOFF is also a non-smoking event.
If you’re interested in signing up as a volunteer, please call 1-800-434-SOFF to request a registration card, stop by the