Every fall, thousands gather on the grounds of Lake Land College to join in the Special Olympics Family Festival.

About 1,000 special Olympians participate in a range of events like bowling, basketball, football, golf and volleyball. Another thousand volunteers help run the events, work registry and serve food.

This year is the 23rd annual Special Olympics to be held at Lake Land College.

Participants from ages 8 to 80 come from all over central Illinois to partake in the activities.

The day starts with opening ceremonies, followed by a parade. Following the parade is a carnival-like atmosphere where Special Olympians, family members and volunteers of all ages play games until the closing ceremonies.

Vickie Wickham, the Special Olympics Contact, said 663 Eastern students volunteered their time to serve as a Friend-For-A-Day last year.

A Friend-For-A-Day is a volunteer who is paired up with a Special Olympian and plays games like the bean-bag toss, balloon launch or even karaoke.

“We usually get between 600 and 700 Eastern students who volunteer their time,” Wickham said.

This year, the main attraction is the “Raminator,” a monster truck that will be on display. Drivers Mark and Tim Hall of Champaign will be signing autographs.

The festival is looking for students who are willing to volunteer their time.

“(For anyone who participates), volunteering is a great heartwarming experience,” said Wickham.

The SOFF is 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16 at Lake Land

College. To volunteer, pick up a registration form in Buzzard Hall Room 1212.

The Friend-For-A-Day orientation is at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 7 in

Buzzard Auditorium.

This event is closed to the public and volunteers must register to participate. Volunteers must also be at least 16 years old. The Special Olympics is a smoke-free environment.