Special Olympics Summer Games

Last weekend, more than 2,500 hundred athletes competed at the Special Olympics Summer Games, at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Delegations from across the State of Minnesota descended upon the campus as a finish to the season, and to showcase their skills in basketball, swimming, track and field, and gymnastics. The gymnastics events were held the prior weekend at Concordia University.

There was more than just competition going on though. There were several activities, the dance tent was very well attended, as well as the healthy athlete screenings. So, while athletes were waiting to compete, they could go through screenings for hearing, eyesight, and get a new pair of glasses if needed, as well as looking at a healthy diet. They also had fit feet screenings and dental screenings, with a new toothbrush. If the athletes did at least 3 of the healthy athlete screenings, they could get a new pair of tennis shoes, and all of these are free for the athletes!

During Opening Ceremonies, there was the finish of the LETR where the Flame of Hope was brought to the grounds. The Lieutenant Governor, Peggy Flanagan made a speech and there were a couple of pro athletes whose names are quite familiar; Joe Mauer and John Randall. After all that, of course, some dancing and celebrating.

I never get tired of attending the State Games for Special Olympics, there's always something exciting and fun, and then to see the looks on the faces of the athletes as they compete and show off their medals, hard work pays off. Owatonna Area Special Olympics sent up teams for basketball, swimming, and track.