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Special Olympics Summer World Games Recap - Joe Sharpless THE 2007 SOWSG is now history. It is now truly an International event. I predict that the number of USA referees accepted in the future will be two or less. With the addiiton of China as a past host, we will likely take two from USA, Ireland, Korea and China. With only six other positions normally available, or maybe 13, they will be apportioned to applicants from other countries. SOI is rather insistent that the International technical Officials be representative of the Global community. Until/unless the event is again conducted in the United States will we be able to invite large numbers of our USA referees. Needless to say, it will be highly competitive. Also, we will likely be adopting a policy of a limit of two consecutive Games, thereby ensuring some turnover as the event continues. 
The Games were a huge success and featured 30 teams in three divisions from 20 countries. We had 11 International Technical Officals, plus those from host China. Six countries were represented including the USA, Korea, Denmark, Ireland, Bahrain and China. A no-show referee from Russia was selected. USA referees Corny Galdones (CHR), Rick Laskey (CRR) and Joe Campbell (LSR) all were selected for Gold Medal matches. 
Rick Laskey (CRR) headed our divisioning committee. Bob Stanek (NCR) was a critical member of our evaluation team whose recommendations will be seriously considered for the 2011 Games in Athens, Greece. The Games included a Divisioning Round, Seeding Round and the Championship Round. Six courts were available in the three venues and in three Divisions; Men, Women and Unified. Competition ended by 5 p.m. each day allowing time for evening socials. A wave assignment system allowed sight-seeing time on some days. 
Our only full day off was concurrent with the arrival of a typhoon, and our only rainy day in our two week stay. Many Shanghai sights were the target of half-day excursions and of course "shopping" earned highmarks. Nancy Sommer (CHR) served as the the Head Referee and Debbie Reed (CHR) as the Head Scorekeeper. Both did an outstanding job training, monitoring, assigning and building friendships with the Chinese officials. All officials from outside China earned high praise from our Chinese hosts and from the coaches. Daniel Leake, a National Referee from the ODR, served as as co-Technical Delgate. FIVB decorum, rules and protocol are the rule, with Special Olympic modifications. The SOWSG are now officially a true International Volleyball event. 
It was more than a referee assignment. It was a cultural exchange in its fullest with officiating the reason for being here. The Opening and Closing ceremonies were outstanding, which is not surprising, given the Chinese desire for excellence. The Chinese people are warm, caring and loving. They love sport. More than 1,300 persons were in attendance for the 7-Gold Medal matches on the final day of copmpetition. All of us find leaving China very difficult and wish we could extend our stay. There is much to do, much to see and many people to love. I predict the 2008 Olympic Games will be an unqualified success in Beijing. Joe Sharpless, Technical Delegate for Volleyball |
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