Special Olympics Indiana expects ‘biggest games ever’ in Terre Haute
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Leadership with Special Olympics Indiana are expecting thousands of athletes in Terre Haute for this year’s summer games.
“We will have just under 2,900 participants this year, it is our biggest games ever,” said Scott Mingle, director of sports and competition for Special Olympics Indiana.
In addition to the athletes, staff also expect to see 4,000 coaches and administration, and fifteen-hundred volunteers.
The Indiana State University Police will be patrolling the area near the games. Sgt. Jacqueline Smith with the university police says over the years they’ve had to make adjustments, such as their equipment, to ensure safety at these games.
Smith also said the department has extended their medical training to handle any situation that is thrown their way.
“We train on CPR, first aid, AED (automated external defibrillator), and those sorts of things,” Smith said.
Smith said she also expects bumper-to-bumper traffic near the games. She encourages drivers to show patience while passing through the area.
The 2019 Summer Special Olympic games will begin at noon Friday. The opening ceremonies take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Hulman Center.