Nick Helten
Published: April 22, 2009

DUBUQUE - It was Special Olympics Challenge Day at Hills and Dales Community Center last weekend , but it was also a mother-daughter day for Julie Gillitzer.“We are here today to participate in the events with our daughter Paige,” explains Julie.

Paige and others compete in events like basketball, bowling, and darts. The morning long event is a way for those with special needs to compete and have fun as they reach for their goals.

“It comes from that internal desire to participate with your friends and they recognize that when they do a good job they receive applause and accolades at the end of that event,” said Special Olympics organizer Marilyn Althoff.

Even though the athletes are the stars of the day, those on the sidelines find value in the experience as well.

“A lot of them really appreciate it you can tell and after I got to take a picture with one of them athletes and he carried them around all day it was really cute,” said volunteer Jenna Brown.

Those who organize the event love that their volunteers are there to help athletes realize their dreams.

“All of our volunteers I think have an opportunity first hand to participate in assuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as anyone else in the community,” says Marilyn.

Julie loves the support not just for daughter but for her entire family.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to involve yourself with something that is important and meaningful and I know the Dubuque area is excellent for their support and we really appreciate that, it means a lot to my husband and I,” says Julie.

Special Olympics Iowa is holding more challenge days across the state this month.

For locations and times check out www.soiowa.org.

Nick Helten can be contacted at Nicholas.Helten@loras.edu