Agganis Special Olympics Day Sept. 14

SAUGUS – The 8th Annual Agganis Special Olympics Day will be Saturday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at World Series Park, featuring 120 Special Olympic athletes who will compete in softball and flag football tournaments that start at 9 a.m. All will receive medals in the closing ceremony.Saugus Special Needs children will receive medals in the opening ceremony that starts at 11:30 a.m. They will have participated in the special needs obstacle course that will start at 10 a.m. The obstacle course will be conducted by Josie Penza of Flips & Giggles Gymnastics of Malden.New this year is a moon bounce compliments of Perfect Parties of Peabody, antique cars courtesy of Russell Tripp and Friends, and pony rides compliments of Indian Rock Stables of Saugus.Entertainment will take place on the stage under the pavilion and will start shortly after noon with the Senior Tones followed by the Brady Academy of Irish Dancing, Beat ConnXtionz Dance Company, the Sons & Daughters of Alexander the Great Greek Dancers, and Tom Rosa & Company Singers. The final act will be the Slurred Vision Band.Special Olympics Day takes on a festival atmosphere that includes various booths, costumed characters and a large variety of food and drink.Eddie Palladino, announcer for the Boston Celtics, will once again be the master of ceremonies. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. At 4 p.m. the event will segue into the Annual Saugus Baseball Alumni Game, a fundraiser for the Saugus Diamond Club that supports Saugus baseball.All funds raised for Agganis Special Olympics will go to support a Saugus chapter of Special Olympics that will be administered by Special Olympics Massachusetts. This will allow any special needs person from Saugus to participate in the many sports activities offered by Special Olympics. The Saugus chapter will also be in partnership with the Saugus Public Schools to refer any Special Needs students to the programs.People have already signed up to be volunteers.Agganis Special Olympics Day organizer Bob Davis said, “We’re all set with volunteers even though we appreciate others offering to help. Thanks to all who are willing to give up their day for a great cause.”Pledges from businesses and individuals can be made and will be acknowledged at the event. Anyone who would like to make a monetary pledge can contact Davis at 781-233-4555. Donation checks should be made payable to Special Olympics Massachusetts and mailed to World Series Park, 8 Holden Ave., Saugus, MA 01906.