There was no football game on Friday, April 20, so why were the parking lots packed and Hughes Stadium full of cheering fans?

Every year, Missouri Southern hosts the Southwest Area Special Olympics.

Event participants included 45 schools and agencies. Volunteers included friends and family, high school students, girl scouts, Southern students and athletes.

“This is something we do every year,” said Christina Kohley, senior teacher education major. “This is my second year and I do enjoy it. It’s fun watching these guys.”

Nicole Cirillo, assistant coach for Southern’s volleyball team, said this was her third year volunteering.

“It’s a fun time to come out and help and get involved with the kids,” she said.

The purpose of the event is the children.

Children like 10-year-old Dakota Jordon from Neosho, who won his 50-yard dash race.

Another child, 9-year-old Jonny James from Seneca, won the gold medal in the long jump. He agreed he was excited and had worked hard to earn the medal.

“They practiced everyday,” said his mother, Janie James. “He would come home very tired.”

This was Jonny’s fourth time to participate in the Special Olympics.

“They really look forward to it,” said Jonny’s sister, Jennifer Osgood. “They all get matching T-shirts and they think it’s really cool.”

Lena Tomlinson, Seneca high and middle schools special education teacher, said she had 32 participating students and the Key Club volunteering.

The Key Club is a group of high school students who enjoy community service projects.

“They love it,” Tomlinson said. “They’ve spent six weeks practicing for it.”

Two student council members from Carl Junction High School volunteered for the event.

“It’s so rewarding to be with these kids,” said Alyssa Veri, sophomore at Carl Junction.

Another sophomore, Katie Bromley, said the event is something unique.

“Just to make them happy is worth it,” she said.

Robin Anderson, southwest area director for Special Olympics, said she has been an Olympic employee for two years and had volunteered for 20 years before that.

She said her reasons for her career were found within the event.

“Look around,” she said. “You don’t get this anywhere else. It’s fun, rewarding and it’s the best job in the world.”

Sharon McKinney, a volunteer from Seneca with two children in the event, said she appreciated Southern hosting the event on campus.

“I want to thank the University and all the volunteers,” she said. “It’s a big help and it really means something to everyone.”