MIDLAND, Texas — The countdown is on for The Special Olympic Texas this upcoming season. The Fall Classic Tournament is expected to attract 2,500 athletes and 5,000 spectators to the Permian Basin.
The event kicks off Oct. 3 through Oct. 5 with competitions including bocce, softball, golf, "FUNdamental" sports and more including swimming across the city of Midland and Odessa.
For the first time, the swimming meets will take place at the COM Aquatics in Midland from Oct. 4 to Oct. 5. The Special Olympics Texas anticipates a total of 550 swimmers in total with nearly double the spectators just for the swimming portions.
"It's absolutely incredible...it's completely different from anything we've ever done and I think it's a neat thing for us to have an opportunity to do something that everyone's really excited about," said Brad Swendig, the executive director of COM Aquatics.
There will be a total of five swimming sessions within the two days, each of which calls for the aid of nearly 85 volunteers.
"The biggest thing has been to start getting volunteers lined up....It's sort of been a challenge for us," Swendig said. "But the good news is that we have organizations in town who have volunteers that are stepping up to take care of a session or another."
The Permian Basin Board of Realtors (PBBOR) is one of the organizations looking to fulfill the need for volunteers. It will be participating on Oct. 5.
"As realtors, we love to be involved in the community...I think a lot of people may see us open doors and do paperwork, but at the end of the day, it's important for us to give back to our community," said Kelsie Rasure, the president of PBBOR. "Anytime we have the opportunity to do that, we take it."
The PBBOR wants to gather a group of 62 volunteers for the swimming competition. As of Sept. 20, there are nearly 20 volunteer positions available.
Volunteers can expect to aid with matters such as helping set up and helping people register.
"This community is so great, so giving and generous," Rasure said. "Find any opportunity where you can to give back to the community that gives to us. I think it not only is helpful for our community but it just really helps unite us."
According to Rasure, anyone above the age of 13 years old can submit an online volunteer form with PBBOR for the Special Olympics Texas Swim Meet. The event takes place Saturday, Oct. 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.