There's something exhilarating about watching athletes compete at the top of their game.

The rush of energy they exert while putting forth their greatest effort for the win; the look on their face when they know they tried their very hardest and, no matter the outcome, have indeed succeeded.

For many, the pinnacle event to see such athletes is the Olympic Games, which will take place this Aug. 8, 2008 in Beijing, China.

However, as the final leg of the Torch Run concludes at the capitol this Friday, so will begin one of the most exciting and heartwarming events to take place in Richmond, the 2008 Special Olympics Virginia (SOVA) Summer Games.

And because "it's just not as special without fans," SOVA wants each of you there.

The focus of this year's Games is the mission to get all Richmonders to "Volunteer to Cheer," with a set goal of filling the stands with 3,000 fans – all of whom will certainly find these athletes worthy of cheers and applause.

SOVA volunteer, Meg Powell, who helps coach the softball team, the Henrico Hurricanes, sent an email to her friends, family, and co-workers, urging them to attend Saturday's games, assuring that they would leave having grown and changed in ways they never thought possible.

In Powell's email she lists three realizations that she herself has taken away from the volunteer experiences with Special Olympics. She writes about the feelings of overwhelming joy and success after, "helping a 27-year-old woman with Cerebral Palsy throw a basketball against a wall and catch it for the first time;"

Unconditional acceptance and friendship, "when a teammate demands that I use his bat and instead of calling me by my name, says 'my friend;'"

And that of empowerment, "when the coach explains to me that as a society we have to stop focusing on the disability and promote the ability in everyone."

At the minimum, SOVA is asking Richmonders to spare two-hours of their time as a Summer Games enthusiastic "fan-atic," and at the most, an entire weekend. Because the Games take places at various locations around Richmond, SOVA has made it easy for you to sign-up to "Volunteer to Cheer."

Those wishing to participate may sign up for specific games and time slots at volunteer2cheer.com. At each event, tables will be armed with markers, poster board and decorations to make signs and all attendees will receive free "cheer sticks" to help pump up the spirit.

Too excited to wait for the weekend? Show your support before the games even start by attending the Torch Run and Opening Ceremony.

The Torch Run, which began on May 22 in Norfolk, will conclude at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, June 6 at the capitol. These "Guardians of the Flame" as they are called, will have proudly carried the "Flame of Hope" for 16 days and more than 2,000 miles by the time it reaches Richmond.

From the capitol, more than 100 local law enforcement officers will make the journey to the Opening Ceremony of the Games, held at the University of Richmond.

Not only does the torch stand to kick-off the SOVA annual Summer Games, it symbolizes our state's commitment and mission towards the acceptance of Special Olympics athletes throughout the Commonwealth.

And with acceptance, comes celebration.

With more than 1,500 of the SOVA's athletes in attendance, the Opening Ceremony promises to be a party you won't want to miss. Athletes will parade into the Robins Center at U of R, where the official lighting of the Olympic Cauldron will take place and guest speakers will address the crowd.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and not ending until the last medal is awarded, athletes will be going for the gold in sports such as bowling, power lifting, softball, swimming, track & field and tennis.

Rounding out full circle, a Family Festival will bring the Games to a close and will feature a variety of games, entertainment and displays for athletes, their families and supporters. At 8 p.m., again in the Robins Center, athletes will gather together for the Closing Ceremony and Victory Dance.

"They're all just such a blast, and such wonderful people," Powell said.

"For the people who will be supporting and pushing these athletes along to do their best and strive for that gold medal, the feeling they will walk away with, should be overwhelming. That they were able to be apart of somebody's success."

• The 2008 Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games will open with the Torch Run and Opening Ceremony at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, June 6 at the capitol and continue at the Robins Center at the University of Richmond. The Games will take place at U of R and at various locations around Richmond, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 7. The Closing Ceremony will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 7 in the Robins Center. For more information and to sign up to "Volunteer to Cheer," visit volunteer2cheer.com.