After months of trying to determine where the games would be played and weeks upon weeks of planning, Special Olympic athletes have finally arrived to compete in sports they love to play.
The games officially kicked off Friday with bowling events set up for 8 a.m. at both the Belt Bowl and the SouthSide Family Fun Center. Every lane was filled with athletes, coaches and volunteers.
Harrison McLean is the volunteer coordinator for the states Special Olympics and he said the athletes — and organizers — are happy the games have started.
“It’s good to get the competition underway, its been kind of a long preparation process but once we get the balls rolling in the lanes, it pays off,” McLean said.
The athletes are here to have fun, but also come away with some medals as well. After all, this is the Olympics. Sean Agnew has competed in the Olympic games for years and he said winning isn’t the only thing he gets out of the competitions.
“(My favorite part) is making new friends and having fun,” Agnew said. “I just like people coming out and supporting Special Olympics.”
The opening ceremony had some of the athletes having a dance routine to some of Michael Jackson’s songs such as “Beat It” and “BAD” and god they did an amazing job! Look at the Opening Ceremony here:
The festivities continued into the evening with the games opening ceremonies happening in the Bishop LeBlond gymnasium. The event featured a magician, a routine by cheerleaders and a torch-bearing ceremony to close out the event.
McLean said the ceremony is meant to honor the athletes who have put in months of training to prepare.
“Really, the star of the show will be the athletes. That’s really kind of a time to recognize them and all of the work that they put in,” McLean said.
While the games have been fun for the athletes, that’s not the only thing that has gotten them excited about being in St. Joseph.
“We always talk to them and they always say that they love traveling to new places and seeing new things,” McLean said. “They’ve been training for months to get here, so they’re really happy to be here.”
The games will continue on Saturday with more bowling events and basketball. Over 140 teams will be participating in the basketball games that will be played at high schools throughout the day. Over 3,000 athletes and coaches have come to St. Joseph to participate in the Special Olympics.
For more information about The Special Olympics CLICK HERE
SOURCE: News Press Now
