SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — Slippery Rock University is hosting Special Olympics Pennsylvania Sept. 29.

SRU is the site of the annual Western Fall Sectional, where more than 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 Aebersold Recreation Center Gym A.

Powerlifting and volleyball individual and team competitions will be held at the recreation center.

Competitions are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Long-distance running and walking competitions will be held at the marching band field.

Bocce will take place at the Morrow Field House.

Soccer competitions are set for the McFarland Recreational Sports Complex.

Athletes will have the opportunity to enjoy Olympic Village activities from noon to 3:30 p.m. at all venues. Olympic Village offers athletes a variety of fun activities to keep them busy between competitions. Numerous SRU student clubs will set up booths and crafts tables. Area businesses also will participate.

More than 200 area volunteers recruited from the university, regional clubs, organizations and the surrounding community will help run the event and cheer on athletes. “College students can be a little slow when they’re signing (up),” Ermer said. “But I’m confident (they) will.”

Though volunteers should register before Sept. 29, anyone is welcome to help at any time.

“We’ll take walk-ups on the day of (the event),” Ermer said. “We’ve got something for everybody.”

SOPA helps athletes understand how healthy habits affect sport performance and everyday life by visiting Healthy Habits interactive education stations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Morrow Field House, the recreation center and the McFarland Recreational Sports Complex. It’s open to all athletes.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Ermer at mermer@specialolympicspa.org.

Spectators are welcome to visit any of the competition venues and cheer for athletes. There is no charge to attend SOPA competitions for athletes, volunteers or spectators.

“It’s really a life-changing event,” Ermer said.

SOPA provides year-round training and competition in 21 Olympic-type sports to more than 20,000 children and adults.

For more information, visit www.specialolympicspa.org.