Special Evening
June 04, 2005 09:42 AM | General
June 4, 2005
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Athletes from around the state are in Morgantown this weekend for the 2005 Special Olympics West Virginia Summer Games. Competition begins on Saturday, June 4, and continues through Sunday, June 5.
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| Morgantown athlete Jeff Dunn and Charleston police officer John Frazier carry the Special Olympics Torch as part of the opening games ceremony Friday night.
All-Pro Photography/Dale Sparks |
On Friday night, athletes took part in the opening ceremony at the WVU Coliseum. Sheri and Staci Pursley of Wood County carried the welcome banner for the athletes and the lighting of the torch was done by Morgantown athlete Jeff Dunn, who was joined by Charleston police officer John Frazier.
The two took part in the Torch Run from the Sabraton Hardee’s to the WVU Coliseum Friday morning.
Prior to yesterday’s event, approximately 200 law enforcement officers carried the Special Olympics Torch across the state to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics West Virginia. The run began on Tuesday, May 31, with officers traveling from Huntington to Charleston. Other legs of the state-wide run were from Charleston to Ripley to Parkersburg, June 1; Beckley to Oak Hill to Fayetteville, June 1; and the Clarksburg area, June 2.
West Virginia University basketball players Mike Gansey and Meg Bulger addressed the competitors Friday night and remained afterward to sign autographs. After the opening ceremony the athletes were treated to an eight-minute light show. Tony Caridi served as master of ceremonies.
About 1,500 volunteers are required to put on the three-day event. This is the eighth consecutive year West Virginia University has played host to the Special Olympics Summer Games. Next year the state games will head to Charleston.
