At the end of the month, Ontario’s best athletes will all be in one place, looking to fulfill their Olympic dreams.

The Ontario Special Olympic Spring Games run May 29 to 31 in Oshawa.

However, before any athlete can get to those games, volunteer are needed to help out, especially in track and field.

York South co-ordinators need help to jump-start what was  once a thriving track and field club for athletes with disabilities in Richmond Hill, Aurora, Markham and Vaughan.

It was offered here until four years ago, when the head coach at the time moved away.

But both Central West district developer, Hellaina VanErp-Rothenburg and co-ordinator Margaret French of Newmarket, are trying to fill the void and rekindle a local track club to make it possible for the athletes to take part.

“We would like to start off with one club with three or four volunteers helping. There are quite a few athletes who want to be involved,” Ms. French said.

“York region has always been very strong in supporting Special Olympics in schools and we want to provide athletes with the opportunity to participate in track and field.” Ms. VanErp-Rothenburg added.

She said such activities not only get and keep athletes in shape for the summer season, but also have them conditioned come the winter.

“They would have something to go into that would keep them in shape all year round,” she said.

Normally emphasizing on the sprints, the long jump and shot put, a Richmond Hill club would be focused on the fundamental aspects of track and field: running, jumping and throwing,

Unfortunately, even with the high jump and hurdles as official Special Olympic events, the lack of proper equipment doesn’t allow for much practice for participants.

And regardless of how physically gifted the participants are, they hope to offer appropriate activities.

“There may be some athletes who have a background in athletics and may run for longer distances, and that can be accommodated,” Ms VanErp-Rothenburg said.

But before that takes place, help is needed for the track program.

Though all volunteers are expected to have basic knowledge of sports and fitness, the desire to coach and teach are a higher priority than knowing the intricacies of the sport.

“Things like that are not needed at all. We want those who are wanting to help,” Ms VanErp-Rothenburg said.

Potential coaching volunteers would be expected to plan weekly practices throughout the season, running from May to September, at Cardinal Carter High School in Aurora.

“They (coaches) need to be able to get along with all the different levels of athletes present and don’t have to be experienced in working with someone who has a disability. They just need a lot of enthusiasm,” Ms. French said.

They would also need to ensure the athletes have proper and well-maintained equipment.

“With track and field that may mean confirming with the local school board about a track with long jump pits, measuring tapes, stop watches and shot puts to practice with,” Ms VanErp-Rothenburg said.

Working with administrative volunteers, coaches would be expected to ensure volunteers and athletes in the program are registered, whereas assistant coaches would work with the athletes on their fitness and skill development.

“I believe anyone who coaches anything should come out and support, because something like this is very rewarding,” Ms VanErp-Rothenburg said.

Although preparing athletes for competition would be a big part of the club’s activities, their goals are not limited to that.    

“Special Olympics Ontario is dedicated to enriching the lives of people with an intellectual disability through sport,” Ms VanErp-Rothenburg said.

She notes many athletes including Richmond Hill resident Alex Keeting have been successful with being able to be a part of various clubs.

In 2006, the multi-sport athlete represented Ontario at the Canada Summer Games in Brandon.

For information on how you can get involved, go to osoinc.com or e-mail Ms French at margaret.french@servicecanada.gc.ca