Special Olympics athletes pose with a member of the Michigan State Police, showcasing how they have exceeded their fundraising goal Thursday. Special Olympics Area 36 raised more than $16,000 during its fundraiser, which saw local police “arrest” individuals who volunteered and whose “bond” money would go to the fundraisers. (Journal photo by Antonio Anderson)

MARQUETTE — Special Olympics Area 36 held a fundraiser Thursday and raised more than $16,000, exceeding its goal of $14,000. Marquette County officials, various law enforcement departments and many more assisted in the endeavor.

“Some of them are volunteering their entire day, which is awesome,” said volunteer Nancy Isaacson.

The organization is entirely volunteer,based and self-funded. It has to raise nearly $50,000 to be able to send its competing athletes downstate for competition, and house them down there as well, racking up an often large bill.

“For buses, just that is sometimes a few thousand dollars,” said Isaacson. “There are some big trips and when it is overnight, it can get expensive.”

The Special Olympics,helps build up small and large motor skills, it has athletes work together in teams and is for any age group.

“It establishes fundamental skills like tossing a ball or swimming,” said Isaacson.

This year the Special Olympics has seen a large growth in the amount of athletes for both children and adults. Due to this, the organization is looking for volunteers to help coach.

“Each area is 100% volunteer,” said Area Director A36 Pamela Bahrman. “So our greatest (need) is of course volunteers and coaches and then financial, because we have to raise our own funds for the program. Which is attending events like today, getting donations and we do grant writing.”

One of the biggest donations from the event came from the Knights of Columbus in Marquette, for a total of $10,000. For those looking to also donate or volunteer, the options can be found online at somi.org/area36.

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.