In 2006, athletes from across the country will converge on Ames to participate in the first-ever National Special Olympics Summer Games.

In February the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau and ISU Conference Services submitted a joint bid to host the event.

On June 14, in front of a crowd of more than 200 people at the Memorial Union that included Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Lt. Governor Sally Pederson, the bid was announced successful.

Timothy Shriver, president and chief executive officer of Special Olympics, said it makes sense to hold the 2006 event in Ames.

“We saw a very strong state program,” Shriver said. “[Ames] presents not only fantastic facilities, but an organized community.”

Harkin said the work of volunteers and officials from Iowa State, Ames and Special Olympics Iowa helped bring the event to Ames.

“A lot of people have worked very hard to make this special dream become a reality,” Harkin said.

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy said the bid was successful because of the partnership between the city and the university.

“This is truly an excellent example of what we can accomplish when we work together,” Geoffroy said.

Iowa State and Ames have jointly hosted the state games every year since 1986. Iowa has held a state Special Olympics annually since 1983.

The events are held at the Iowa State Center, Lied Recreation Center, Beyer Hall and Forker Hall.

A year-round training center is also on the way.

At the opening ceremonies for this year’s games May 22, it was announced that Richard O. Jacobson would donate $500,000 toward the construction of the training facility near Grimes.

Jacobson, who was the major donor to the Jacobson Athletic Building at the north end of Jack Trice Stadium, said he is happy to support the organization.

“It’s just as much fun for those young boys and girls as it is for the great athletes who are getting the limelight for their accomplishments,” he said.

More than 2,500 athletes and 1,200 volunteers helped to make this year’s games, held May 22—24, successful.

The national event is expected to draw between 10,000—15,000 people and generate about $6 million in revenue.

— Daily staff reports contributed to this article.