More than 50 university athletes contributed their time April 22-24 volunteering for the Forsyth County Spring Games, a Special Olympics event held at Kentner Stadium.

Nearly 600 athletes from 22 participating Forsyth County schools participated in the track and field events during the three-day program.

Kentner Stadium has been home to the Spring Games for 11 years, but according to Julie Griffin, coordinator of Challenging Athletes' Minds for Personal Success/Life Skills in the department of athletics, this year marks the first time the university's student athletes have been so involved.

"Most of the sports have been represented. Even the Deacon made it out here," Griffin said.

"Wake has had a connection with the Special Olympics for years and our office was in touch with them so we worked on getting athletes out here to help the kids," she said.

CHAMPS is a voluntary program designed to provide student-athletes with the tools necessary to help them understand the importance of making a meaningful contribution to their communities.

According to Griffin, athletes from most of the teams volunteered throughout the event, ranging from the football and tennis teams, to the field hockey team and the cheerleaders.

"The athletes have been great, doing more than we ask for," Griffin said. "Even when they had done everything and there was nothing else to do, they supported the kids and cheered them on. I think they even had a great time too."

The Spring Games began with opening ceremonies, including a parade of athletes April 22. The following day, elementary school students competed in various events.

The final day of competition was between adults, middle and high school athletes.

"It's been very successful. With 240 heats over three days, this is the biggest Games yet," said Charyl Clark, the Special Olympics coordinator for Forsyth County.

"They work year-round to come out here and compete, and some even multi-train for multiple events. This is their games," she said.

Clark said that every year a different university group or club dedicates their time to volunteering for the Spring Games.

"It's great for the kids to see that the community is supporting them," Clark said. "They look around and see people cheering for them and they say, 'Wow, even the Deacon is coming out for us.' This week is all about them."

Typically on the day the elementary students compete, about 100 university students hold a carnival through the Volunteer Service Corps for the Olympians and other campus guests consisting of booths and carnival games.

"VSC's part usually is a carnival. But there was a miscommunication between us and the Special Olympics headquarters about the date so it couldn't happen this year," said senior Noelle Shanahan, VSC co-chairwoman.

"It's an opportunity for them to do something outside of competition," Clark said. "It just didn't work out this year."

Approximately 1,400 athletes are in the Forsyth County program, ranging in age from 8 to 65, and compete within their ability level.

"The athletes are able to compete with everyone in their ability," Clark said. "It's a chance for them to shine for themselves. That's what it's all about."