The what, the where and the when

May 08, 2008

DURHAM -- When the 2008 Special Olympics Spring Games open up on May 29, the campus at Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology will be a busy place.

But soon after, so too will many venues within Durham Region as 721 athletes, 165 coaches and 12 team managers begin their quest for gold at the Spring Games.

No sports are on tap for the opening day, however, the slate is full with the athlete arrival and registration, the opening of the family hospitality centre, the final leg of the torch run (which starts at the Oshawa Centre), the VIP reception and finally the opening ceremonies all tabbed to take place on campus.

The hospitality centre opens at 5 p.m., while at the same time the VIP guests will enjoy their reception at the UOIT business and IT building.

The opening ceremonies will take place at 7 p.m. in the Campus Athletic Centre (CAC), while an early start of 8:30 a.m. will mark the opening of the athletic portion of the Games the following day as the swimmers get set to make a splash at the Pickering Recreation Complex.

While the swimmers look to lead their lanes, the 5- and 10-pin bowlers will get to tossing the ball at North End Bowl and Leisure Lanes at 9:30 a.m.

On the hard court, the basketball gets going at 8:30 a.m. at the CAC, while the powerlifting begins on campus at 10 a.m.

Later in the day on campus, dinner and entertainment for the athletes and coaches will be provided, with a family dinner to follow at the Jubilee Pavilion at 7 p.m.

Day two of competition breaks down in a similar manner with the swimmers hitting the pool at 8:30 a.m. and the bowlers knocking the pins at 9:30 a.m. Basketball again opens at 8:30 a.m. with powerlifting getting off the ground at 10 a.m.

Medal presentations will be taking place all day long both days.

All will gather in at the CAC on the night of May 31 for the closing ceremonies, which will be followed by an athletes dance at 9 p.m.

The final event of the Games will be a volunteer appreciation event June 1 at 12 noon on campus.