SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — Slippery Rock University is hosting Special Olympics Pennsylvania Sept. 29. SRU is the site of the annual Western Fall Section, where over 400 athletes and 200 coaches will compete.

SOPA has about 100 volunteers signed up for the event and is looking for up to 200 more.

“Without volunteers, we really wouldn't be able to do anything,' said Mike Ermer, western competition director. “It's the lifeblood of the organization.”

Athletes from Western Pennsylvania will compete in team and individual events in four sports: bocce, long-distance walking and running, powerlifting, soccer and volleyball.

The Western Fall Sectional will kick-off at 9:15 a.m. with opening ceremonies in the Slippery Rock Aebersold Recreation Center Gym A.

For more information, visit www.specialolympicspa.org.

This is an excerpt — pick up Sunday's Butler Eagle to read more about the event.