This Saturday, the 2015 Spring Games of the Special Olympics will be held at Bear Stadium from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Team Force has been preparing for this competition all semester and will compete against other schools in both running and field events.

LCM participates in this event every year and according to Team Force teacher Terrie Parker, her team has done great in the past and has brought home a large variety of medals and ribbons. The Area 5 meet has typically been held at Lamar University in Beaumont, but this is the first year it will be held at Bear Stadium and Parker is excited about the optimism it will bring to the community.

“Special Olympics enables students with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports and compete with their peers,” Parker said. “Track and field is one of the sports in which they can become involved. By participating, athletes develop self-confidence, become healthier, meet new people, and learn how to become a team member. They and their families are able to feel positive in a world full of negatives.”

Parker said even though most people may think Special Olympics affects only the athletes and their families, anyone may participate with the unified divisions. Partners may also be on teams with Special Olympics athletes.

“Awareness and knowledge of people with disabilities increase, and everyone benefits,” she said. “Similarities are discovered, and the differences become small.”

According to Parker, her athletes have been practicing on the track for the various events in which they will participate and they have also competed in a track meet in Newton, which helped prepare them for this weekend.

“Our students with disabilities work hard and practice hard,” Parker said. “They are capable of much more than one would expect. It is so much fun to see the joy on their faces after they compete. The Special Olympics motto is, ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’ These students are certainly brave, whether they win medals or not.”

The community is welcome to attend this event as “Fans in the Stands” or they may register at http://a05springgames2015.eventbrite.com. This website is through Special Olympics.

Anyone may also volunteer on Saturday, but those under 15 years old must have adult supervision. There will be a free lunch provided for all volunteers and those interested in helping are encouraged to contact Hannah Meek at (409) 833-1636 or [email protected].

LCM also has many students involved in Team Force, who will be there on Saturday to assist their peers and help out where needed.

“We have a great group of student partners that will participate in the unified relays with us,” Parker said. “It is sure to be a day you don’t want to miss.”