By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
With less than two weeks until the Madison County Special Olympics, organizers say they are still in need of hundreds of volunteers to help ensure a successful event.
The games will be held October 21 at Milton Frank Stadium, featuring more than 530 athletes from Madison County Schools, Madison City Schools, community programs, group homes, and homeschool participants.
Joni Haas, chair of the track and field committee, said the event — the largest local Special Olympics in Alabama — requires at least two volunteers per athlete, or about 1,000 total helpers. So far, roughly 400 people have signed up, leaving organizers about 600 short.
“We need runners, recorders, timers, people who measure the ball throw — and escorts for participants,” Haas said. “There are lots of opportunities. It doesn’t have to be just an escort role.”
In addition to volunteers, organizers are seeking donations for event materials and supplies. Haas said the team still needs about $6,000, including $2,000 for fencing, $4,000 for shirts, and 2,000 bottles of water for athletes and staff.
The event lost its corporate sponsor last year, forcing organizers to rely heavily on community support. Donations and volunteer efforts helped keep the spring 2024 games on track, and Haas hopes the community will rally again.
The torch-lighting ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. on October 21. In case of rain, the event will move to October 23.
Those interested in volunteering can visit facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsMadCoAl. Donations can be made by contacting Kay Scott at 256-651-8925 or KScott4401@aol.com.