By Sean Hubbard
Stillwater, Okla. (MCT) — It is their time to shine.
Each year, thousands of Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes pour into Stillwater to put their abilities on display. The athletes are divided into teams, based on the region they live and compete in. There are 14 teams with various numbers of people on each team.
Stillwater has a team of its own, of 66 registered athletes, according to Paul Sisney, Team Stillwater head coach. This team will represent the city against some of the best Special Olympians in the state and country.
To help get them ready and gather some support from the Stillwater community, First United Methodist Church in Stillwater on Wednesday will host a Team Stillwater Pep Rally and Special Olympics Dinner, which will become an annual event, said Alton Carter, FUMC board member.
“They are worth every bit of this pep rally,” Carter said. “They represent Stillwater just like the OSU football team.”
The rally will include an appearance by Pistol Pete, as well as Stillwater High School cheerleaders. From 5-6 p.m., all Team Stillwater members and their families are invited to attend the pep rally and free dinner, where brisket sandwiches, baked beans, salad, dessert, lemonade and tea will be served. The event will be held in the Family Life Center, at the corner of Seventh and Duck.
“They’re excited — about everything,” said Sisney of his team. “It’s their opportunity to shine. It’s one day where everybody looks at them.”
Sisney, who has been the coach for six years, said that there is nothing more rewarding to him than spending time with the athletes and being part of their lives.
“They see right into your heart,” Sisney said. “There is no race or religion. They are happy no matter what.”
A total of approximately 70 volunteers have registered to help with the pep rally and dinner, said Carter, who has been a Special Olympics volunteer since 1988. With a nephew and brother-in-law who competes in Special Olympics, Carter has the first hand experience of watching the athletes compete.
“Not only do you get to see the athletes compete in sports, but you can see how we should treat each other,” Carter said. “They are just there to have fun.”
Volunteers are welcome to come to the Team Stillwater Pep Rally and Special Olympics Dinner if they wish to help, but everyone is encouraged to attend some of the events on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
“They love it when you yell for them,” Sisney said.
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Copyright (c) 2008, Stillwater NewsPress, Okla.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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