Special cooperative hits 40th year             Julia Simpkins   Public Affairs Staff

For the 40th year, special athletes from throughout the state will compete in a various challenges at Fort Jackson May 2-4 at the South Carolina Special Olympics.  Hosted by the 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, 193rd Infantry Brigade, this year’s activities will kick off with an opening ceremony May 2 at the MG Robert B. Solomon Center. Nearly 1,000 athletes, civilian volunteer coaches and Soldiers will watch as military police and a mounted patrol from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office escort the torch bearer to the Olympic torch stand –– officially starting the games. The Fort Jackson torch bearer will carry the flame, under police escort, from Olympic torch to Olympic torch throughout South Carolina. The morning of May 3 is when the games will begin, with the 193rd’s Soldiers and volunteer staff shepherding athletes throughout the fast-paced schedule of swimming, bowling and softball. Special Olympics track and field will be held at Richland Northeast High School and the gymnastics competition will be held at Allstar Gymnastics. Sue Maner, vice president of programs and public relations for South Carolina Special Olympics, is overseeing the off-post events, coordinating with coaches and volunteers from around the state. “As we speak, there are 16 track and field events ongoing for athletes who want to qualify to be at Fort Jackson,” she said.  Maner said she will present a ceremonial birthday cake at the opening ceremony.  “We’ll have a big old plywood cake to symbolize the occasion,” she said. “We’ve been doing this for 40 years so there ought to be some acknowledgment.” Lt. Col. Randall Harris, 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment commander, said he was looking forward to hosting this year’s Special Olympics.  “Just like Fort Jackson, 3-13 is proud and excited about hosting the 2008 Special Olympics. We look forward to helping with this great mission. I know it’s going to be great for the families and athletes and it’ll be a great success. It’s also a great opportunity to give back to the community for their support of the Army,” he said. Because of the scope of this year’s games, Col. Kevin Shwedo, Fort Jackson deputy commanding officer, said the need for volunteers is even more immediate. “We welcome both civilian and military volunteers –– from on and off post –– to help us welcome these brave and stalwart athletes, of whom we are all so proud,” he said.  For information about volunteering, call Fort Jackson Special Olympics Project Officer Capt. Stacy King at 751-4363. For information about South Carolina Special Olympics, call Maner at (803) 772-1555 ext. 24. Julia.Simpkins@us.army.mil