PHOENIX – Over 1,000 athletes from across Arizona will come to Mesa to kick off the fall games for Special Olympics Arizona this week.
On Friday and Saturday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., competitors will face off in swimming and bocce at Skyline High School.
The Skyline Aquatic Center will host the swimming competition while the bocce events will be at the high school.
To officially commence the games, an opening ceremony is scheduled on Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The ceremony will welcome the athletes with a parade of participants, a lighting of the torch and dance party.
The two-day event will also offer medical exams and educational programs for the athletes through the Special Olympics Arizona’s Healthy Athletes program.
“We can’t wait to welcome all of the athletes from throughout the state of Arizona to one of our biggest competitions,” Jamie Heckerman, president and CEO of Special Olympics Arizona, said in a press release. “From the opening ceremony, to the athlete dance party, the Healthy Athletes screenings and the two days of competition, fall games is a fun way to not only showcase these tremendous athletes, but to create lasting friendships and memories through these competitive and friendly events.”
Merchandise will also be sold from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days and the money will go to supporting the athletes.
Special Olympics Arizona promotes empowering children and adults with intellectual disabilities through acceptance and inclusion.
In April, Kellis High School in Glendale hosted the summer games, which included track and field, volleyball and powerlifting.