Grade school kids eagerly help out the participants on ULM’s campus

Special Olympics of Louisiana, a group aiming to organize sporting events for children and adults with special needs, was at ULM Friday for a basketball game. ULM students who were in the Student Union Building were mobbed by grade school children eager to help out the event’s participants.

“I like helping people, and I like to play basketball,” said Dutches Stanley, who was one of the grade schoolers from Caldwell lending a helping hand. Stanley seemed more than happy to be at ULM to participate and help with the Special Olympics. “I just like helping people,” Stanley said.

Caldwell Parish special education teacher, Paul Shaw, is the man responsible for all of the student participation. Shaw, who is a new teacher at Caldwell, says that he tried to make this event a big deal. “We make it not only special for the participants, but for the helpers as well. And every participant has a helper,” Shaw said. According to Shaw, there are more Special Olympic events being held at ULM. Track and Field will be seen later in the spring. ULM students interested in volunteering can contact the Special Olympics of Louisiana at (985) 345-6644 for more information.