The Gilmer Kiwanis Club, together with Upshur County Shared Services, has announced that Gilmer will be hosting a Special Olympics Field Day at Buckeye Stadium on Friday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More than 130 athletes from across East Texas will be in Gilmer that day, as well as volunteers from the community.

Athletes will be from Gilmer, Longview, Tyler and Lufkin. As of Wednesday, there were 193 planning to compete.

“That’s pretty awesome for our first Special Olympics Field Day,” said Gilmer Kiwanis Club president-elect Shawyne Donaho.

Athletes and volunteers will be provided with bright-colored T-shirts designed by a Gilmer student athlete, and donating businesses and individuals will be named on the back of the 250 shirts.

Each athlete will received a gold, silver or bronze medal for the event in which he or she participates.

A lunch of hamburgers, chips, cookies and drinks will be provided for each athlete.

The Gilmer High School Buckeye Band will provide music for the athletes to march into the stadium, as well as keeping the excitement going throughout the day, said Mrs. Donaho, Gilmer Kiwanis president-elect.

Gilmer Kiwanis President Ed Williams said that many local businesses, as well as others throughout East Texas, have donated time, money or items to make this first annual Special Olympics Field Day a success in the community, but he said more help is needed.

“If you as a business or individual would like to support these kids, please contact Shawyne Donaho at 903-843-5706, or e-mail sdonaho at telephonespecialist.net,” he said.

Checks may be made payable to the Gilmer Kiwanis Club and marked “Special Olympics.”

“No donation is too small and all help is greatly appreciated,” Williams said.