MERIDIAN -- The 41st Idaho Special Olympics Summer Games officially begin on Friday June, 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Meridian Speedway, 335 South Main Street, Meridian.
Friday's events will kick-off the annual competition with a parade of athletes, part of an opening ceremony that will feature hundreds from across the state. The athletes will march through the speedway, and then be treated to a race featuring unique 'hornet' class, gas powered race cars.
Saturday's competition begins at 8 a.m. with basketball at Timberline High School, and ends with a victory dance at the Timberline High School gym.
Other events include:
- 9 a.m. Aquatics Competition begins: West YMCA
- 9 a.m. Cycling Competition begins: Idaho State Police Headquarters
- 9 a.m. Powerlifting Competition begins: Timberline High School
- 9 a.m. Athletics Competition begins: Timberline High School
- 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Olympic Town: Timberline High School Auxiliary Gym
- 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Victory Dance: Timberline High School Gym
Laurie La Follett, Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics Idaho, told KTVB that 1,100 athletes from across the state will come and compete in the games. "This organization is so inspiring and life-affirming that once you get involved, you're hooked and it changes your life," La Follett added.
La Follet added that the yearly get-together is about more than just athletics, it's about instilling team spirit and self confidence in competitors with disabilities. "Yes, our athletes compete in sports, and it gives our athletes the same benefits that the general population gets from sports," La Follett said.
You can find more information about special olympics Idaho by visiting the organization's website.
