MACOMB, Ill. – As part of its ongoing community service efforts, the Western Illinois softball team spent part of an afternoon helping conduct a practice session with the Macomb Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs will represent the McDonough County Special Recreation Association at this weekend's Illinois Special Olympics State Softball Tournament in Decatur, Ill.

"Last fall I had the opportunity to volunteer at a number of events for the Special Olympics," said Western Illinois assistant coach Tami Magner. "One of the biggest things we stress to our team is giving back to the community and we thought coming out today would be a great way to continue to give back."

The Fighting Leathernecks participation in the day's practice was a welcomed addition to the team's preparation schedule as the team had the opportunity to work one-on-one with several of the Bulldog players.

"The Western Illinois softball team had some involvement with us last semester when we brought our team out to a few of their games," said Rachel Lenz, supervisor of the MCSRA. "We're a little short-staffed at times so to get the team to come out and give our participants some individual training is great."

During the session, the squads split in to two groups to work on both defensive and offensive skills. Several of the Leathernecks helped with infield drills and pitching while others worked with the Bulldogs on hitting.

"This is something we wish we could do a lot more of," said Nikki Gray, program coordinator for the MCSRA/Special Olympics. "Our players basically idolize the Western Illinois athletes almost as if they were in the professional ranks. It really means a lot to everyone here to see the softball team come out for this."

Not only was the afternoon a positive impact on the Bulldogs, but on the Leatherneck players as well.

"It's great to come out and support the community like this," said senior outfielder Colleen Biebel. "I love coming out and working with the Special Olympics, it' a great chance to do something positive."

"It's really fun to come out and pass on some of our knowledge of the game," said senior Michelle Prieto. "The best part about this is to see how excited everyone was to have us out here today."

The Bulldogs will begin tournament play on Saturday at the Illinois Special Olympics Outdoor Festival, which will also include competitions in equestrian, teeball and golf.

For more information about the MSCRA or to find out how you can help, call (309) 833-4562 or visit www.parks.macomb.com. The Special Recreation Association can also be reached via email at parks@macomb.com