The mother of a Special Olympic athlete, Sabrina Johnson, said athletes were harassed and called derogatory names at an Amarillo area gym.
Johnson said the athletes were in a pool at the gym and a man was in one of their reserved lanes. She said when they asked him to switch to another lane he started cursing at the Special Olympic coach and athletes.
“We’re aware of what happened last night it is the second time,” said said Steve Helm, Public Relations Coordinator for Special Olympics Texas. “What we know is that this gentleman had come into the facility while our athletes were practicing during their allotted time which was given to the facility and he started being derogatory giving them remarks that were disrespectful.”
“It’s truly not something that really happens often which is a great thing,” Helm said. “There are times though unfortunately this does happen.”
MyHighPlains.com reached out to the local gym. The incident was confirmed, but there was no comment on what actions were taken.
(Information from MyHighPlains.com)