"Volunteers are essential to this event. We have a very small staff, so we really rely on volunteers," said Mandi Mueller, public relations coordinator for Special Olympics Missouri.
About 230 people have already signed up to assist this weekend in duties ranging from serving meals to athletes to keeping score during games to cleaning up after events.
"They are really the backbone of this event. We couldn't have this event without our volunteers," Mueller said.
Local Special Olympics Outdoor Games volunteer coordinator Jen Rose, assistant director of sports and youth and family programs at Southeast Missouri State University Recreation Services, said she needs more volunteers to work four-hour shifts Friday and Saturday to help with athletic and social events.
Volunteer jobs yet to be filled include tennis competition assistants and golf cart drivers on Friday. Saturday afternoon, volunteers are needed to help with the Victory Village at the Osage Community Centre, which will have a carnival-type atmosphere. During Victory Village athletes can play games, relax and have fun with their friends, Mueller said.
Saturday evening the athletes will have dinner followed by a dance and games at the Southeast Missouri State University Student Recreation Center. Volunteers are needed to help set up for dinner and help with bingo Saturday afternoon and evening, Rose said.
"You'll get as much out of it as you put in it," Mueller said. "It's really inspiring to watch them compete and see that they have a pure love of the sport. You'll see them trying their best and being OK if they don't come in first and helping each other out."
Since Cape Girardeau will host the Special Olympics State Outdoor Championships for three more years, Rose hopes to build a volunteer base that can assist with future Special Olympics events.
"It's an opportunity for members of the community to stay involved with Special Olympics," Rose said.
Special Olympics events will take place at several Cape Girardeau locations throughout the weekend, including the Cape Jaycee Golf Course, Southeast Missouri State University Tennis Complex and Student Recreation Center, Osage Community Centre, Cape Splash and the Arena Building.
