Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler says funding for the Special Olympics USA National Games is a top priority this Legislative session.

Lincoln will host the games in July 2010, and the city needs to come up with 9 million dollars to help make the games a success.

"The requirements for the city involve the need of 25,000 motel rooms, and more than 3,000 Special Olympic athletes (will be in town)", President and CEO of the Special Olympics Chuck Cooper says. "The athletes, along with more than 1,000 coaches will fill the dorms at UNL, fill hotels and motels throughout the city. It will literally be game day for 7 consecutive days," Cooper says.

The economic impact the Special Olympics will bring to the Lincoln area is estimated to be around 40 to 50 million dollars.