Volunteers needed for special Olympics at USM Gulf Park

The Institute for Disability Studies at USM’s Gulf Park campus is hosting the third annual Mississippi Coast Region Special Olympics Summer Games. The event is happening June 10th and they need volunteers.
More than 100 athletes will participate. The Olympic Games will include softball, soccer, horseshoes, and croquet. Volunteers are needed to assist as either a game volunteer or an athlete friend who supports their assigned athlete throughout the games.
Organizers tell News 25 it’s a rewarding experience for both the athletes and the volunteers and some lifelong friendships are formed in the process. Management and Volunteer Services Specialist Devin Bellman said, “A lot of the same people come out every year and they just have a special bond between each other. When you’re in the trenches and you’re boosting each other’s confidence, because it goes both ways with the boost of confidence, it really forms a cemented bond with each other.”
All individuals must be at least 16 years of age. The deadline to sign up is Monday, June 5th. For more information about volunteering or to sign up contact Devin Bellman at 228-214-3400.