Almost 300 athletes with intellectual disabilities from the South Plains Area will compete for the gold medal in track & field events at the annual Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) Area 17 Spring Games, being held Saturday, April 30 at Frenship High School’s Peoples Bank Stadium. Volunteers are still needed. Those interested can call the area office at 806.788.1540 or can show up on the day of the event and register at the Volunteer check-in table.
The Opening Ceremony will be held at 8:00 a.m. The competition will immediately follow at 9:00 a.m. with the last set of events beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Athletes will compete in various track and field events, including: high jump, long jump, mini javelin, shotput, softball throw, standing long jump, tennis ball throw, wheelchair races, assisted walks, distance runs, distance walks and the 4x100m relay.
The oldest athlete in this year’s Games is 83-year-old Buford Higginbotham of the Plainview Stars. Buford has been competing in different events for about 30 years. This year he will take part in the 50-meter assisted walk and the softball throw.
Competitors 12 years old and up will be vying for a chance to qualify for the upcoming statewide competition – Summer Games – which will take place in Arlington from May 26-29.
For more information about this year’s Spring Games, contact Ashley Pena (apena@sotx.org) at 806.788.1540.
About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect. SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 55,200 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646. Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas. Visit the SOTX – South Plains Area Facebook page at fb.com/SOTX17.
(News release from Special Olympics Texas)
