By: by Mark Toma
MARIETTA, Ga. – Kennesaw State student-athletes served as the grand marshals of the 2010 Special Olympics Winter Games Opening Ceremony at the Cobb Civic Center on Friday evening.
With a crowd of more than 4,000 in attendance, including 1,500 hundred participants, members of the Kennesaw State men’s basketball, men's golf, men's tennis, women's golf, women's tennis and volleyball teams ushered in the weekend’s 2010 State Indoor Winter Games.
“This was definitely an overwhelming and inspirational night,” said men’s tennis captain Ryan Bouttell. “I can’t explain how special it was for myself and all of us to be here with all of these incredible athletes participating in the Special Olympics.”
More than 80 Kennesaw State student-athletes and coaches, including men’s basketball coach Tony Ingle and men’s golf coach Jay Moseley, helped kick-off the three-day event which saw athletes compete in artistic gymnastics, ice skating, floor hockey, basketball power lifting and roller skating.
“As excited as they were to have us there it was more special for us to be a part,” added Bouttell. “You could see the faces of the athletes light up when they saw us, but for us to be a part of their special day was life changing for me and I’m sure for all the rest of everyone who participated.”
The games officially began with some competitions on Friday morning, but the highlight came at the Opening Ceremonies on Friday night that was followed by a dance.
“The feeling that took place on Friday night was indescribable,” said volleyball player Eman Burns. “To see so many people and athletes come together to support such incredible individuals brought joy to our hearts. It is something we look forward to in the future.”
The games mark the first event of Special Olympics Georgia's 40th anniversary. The organization has grown from 500 athletes in 1970 to nearly 23,000 today. More than 2,000 participants from all over Georgia will compete Jan. 15-17 at various locations in Cobb County.
