USA National Games Special Events Special Olympics will hold their first USA National Games in 2006, an experience that will uplift the spirit and touch the heart of both athlete and spectator. Seeing the athletes reach deep inside for the best in themselves brings us closer to the best in all of us. “The 2006 Special Olympics USA National Games will serve to focus America 's attention on intellectual disabilities,” said Elaine Heiber, chairperson of the Games Organizing Committee. “Our goal has been to not only create an incredible experience for athletes, coaches, volunteers, and family members, but to create an atmosphere that fosters discussion and direction. We want to improve the lives of those with intellectual disabilities, and this event will be a catalyst for a great deal of good.” A number of national celebrities have volunteered for the USA National Games, including Iowa native Tom Arnold (center, photo above) who will serve as the National Games' Volunteer Ambassador as well as the emcee of Opening Ceremonies on 2 July. A long-time supporter of Special Olympics, actor/comedian Arnold is pictured here with Special Olympics Texas athletes Janna Ambort (left) and Nicole Bradley at the 14 December 2005 Los Angeles, California, USA, premiere of The Ringer, a comedy by the Farrelly Brothers about an ordinary man who attempts to "fix" a Special Olympics competition; Ambort and Bradley had roles in the film. [Photo by Juan Ocampo/Bernstein & Associates] The mission of the Games is to provide a first-class sporting event that celebrates the achievements of Special Olympics athletes in an Olympic environment while showcasing their talents, promoting understanding of the qualities and capabilities of persons with intellectual disabilities, and increasing public awareness and acceptance. The following special events and activities will take place in conjunction with the Games' sports competitions: 26 June-1 July: Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg Kick Off, Chicago, Illinois — More than 100 Law Enforcement officers from throughout the United States will serve as Guardians of the Flame as they journey to Ames, Iowa to safely deliver the Special Olympics Flame of Hope to the USA National Games. Celebration events will occur along the route to Ames, Iowa.      < More on the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg and its participants. > 1 July: Cessna Airlift, Des Moines International Airport — More than 400 Citations will transport nearly 2,500 athletes and coaches to Iowa to participate in the Games. Planes will land and take off every 60-90 seconds during a 12-hour period. 1 July: National Research Symposium, Gateway Hotel and Conference Center Ames — Review of groundbreaking studies and key finding in the area of intellectual disabilities, as well as highlights on subjects ranging from health and fitness, attitude change, and the impact of the Special Olympics movement. The keynote address will be “Ready Providers and Healthy People — Mandate & Opportunity” delivered by Admiral Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S., Surgeon General of the United States      < More on the Research Symposium. > With more than 3,000 Special Olympics athletes from all 50 states attending the USA National Games, the 4th of July celebration will be spectacular — the Iowa State Center will host a community celebration and fireworks display. 2 July: U.S. Congressional Field Hearing led by Sen. Tom Harkin, Benton Auditorium Iowa State University — The Senate Appropriations Committee, and more specifically the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education sub-committee, will examine the status of people with intellectual disabilities and what has to be done to address the health, education and other needs of this population.       < More on the Field Hearing and how you can participate. > 2 July: Opening Ceremonies, Hilton Coliseum Iowa State University — an exciting and entertaining show with pageantry to open the first-ever USA National Games. 3 July: National Youth Forum, Fisher Theatre Iowa State University — an assembly bringing youth with and without intellectual disabilities together for an inspiring and educational discussion. 4 July: Community Celebration and Spectacular Fireworks Display, Iowa State Center 5 July: Family Forum, Scheman, Benton Auditorium Iowa State University — an activity tailored for family members of Special Olympics athletes to learn more about the opportunities with Special olympics and to provide a network of friends and supporters. 7 July: Closing Ceremonies, Hilton Coliseum Iowa State University — an event to celebrate the accomplishments of the athletes and official close the Games. 2-7 July: Healthy Athletes Screenings — Volunteer medical professionals will provide competing athletes a variety of free health assessments including vision, dental, audiology and physical therapy. 3-7 July: Festival Village, Hilton Coliseum Iowa State University — an interactive experience for spectators and the community to come together and celebrate Special Olympics and the athletes.