The Louisiana Summer Special Olympics Games are Just Around the Corner!

Louisiana Special Olympics begin May 23, 24 and 25, 2014 at the Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA. You may have heard of the Special Olympics, which is a national organization that gives athletic training, support and events children and adults with disabilities. It gives participants a feeling of achievement, while building their self-esteem, physical and mental abilities, and nurtures lifelong friendships.

SOLA – aka “the Special Olympics Louisiana first instilled the program in 1968. At that time, only 11 athletes participated. This year, over 800 athletes and coaches from around the state will come together in Hammond, Louisiana for the summer events. Some include volleyball, power lifting, track and field events, bocce, and other athletic competitions.

The summer SOLA schedule is as follows:

  • Friday, May 23: Opening Ceremonies, Strawberry Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 24: Competitions from 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Healthy Athletes Screenings &  Olympic Town, 9am-3pm
  • Closing Ceremonies and the Victory Dance-Pennington Center, 6:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 25: Competitions from 8 a.m. – noon.

Over 1000 volunteers are expected to contribute to this fun weekend, serving in tasks such as food preparation, competition setup, guide services, parking and more. If you want to volunteer for this worthwhile day, contact Johnny Braud at 1-800-345-6644. SOLA is a statewide, not-for-profit agency. The goal of Special Olympics Louisiana is to change lives through acceptance, understanding and by including both those who live with or without intellectual disabilities.

The State Summer Olympic Games is Louisiana’s largest annual event. It is free and welcome to the public. Friends and family, or citizens of the communities throughout LA are encouraged to come and support these hard-working athletes.

To learn more, visit this page on the SOLA WEBSITE Special Olympics Louisiana 1000 East Morris Avenue Hammond, LA 70403 (800) 345-6644 Website for Special Olympics Louisiana

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