Sports : AmeriCorps members partner with Special Olympics

AmeriCorps volunteers will help VS Special Olympians at Regional Track Meet in CR on April 17.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Special Olympians are preparing to send two dozen athletes to Cedar Rapids for the Regional Track and Field Meet at Coe College on April 17.

Along with their parents and coaches, the local Special Olympians will have another group of helpers: Volunteers from the Vinton AmeriCorps NCCC campus.

During a meeting this week at VS Middle School, the volunteers met with coaches and a few of the athletes. Over a meal of pizza and pop, the volunteers learned about the requirements of participation in Special Olympics events, and made arrangements to participate in local practices as well at the event in Cedar Rapids.

Coach Brian Larkin said that the addition of the AmeriCorps members will help the V-S Special Olympics athletes and coaches significantly in many ways.