Efforts to attract the 2014 Special Olympics National Games to Lawrence should be enthusiastically supported by city and Kansas University officials.

At their Tuesday meeting, Lawrence city commissioners are scheduled to hear a presentation from the head of Special Olympics Kansas about a proposal to host the national games in July 2014. Preliminary plans include the use of many city and KU facilities for the games, which would be expected to draw about 4,000 athletes and coaches.

The estimated 15,000 friends and family members who would come to support the athletes, along with an estimated 35,000 spectators, would have a big economic impact on Lawrence. Beyond the dollars and cents, however, is the opportunity to support an event that has meant so much to so many competitors over the years.

Anyone who has ever witnessed or been involved with a Special Olympics event knows what a great program it is. Hosting the national games in Lawrence would be both a great privilege and an economic boon for the community.