Special Olympics Games to be staged here

 More than 200 athletes will represent 13 teams at today’s Special Olympics-Glacier Area Games.

Opening ceremonies are at 9 a.m. at Legends Stadium in Kalispell.

Following the ceremonies, the athletes will go to different venues. Scheduled events are cycling, bowling, golf, track and field, swimming, and power lifting.

There will be a celebration social afterward from 3 to 5 p.m. at Bethel Church in Kalispell.

The Special Olympics Glacier Area includes 429 athletes, 59 coaches, 13 local program coordinators, six unified partners and 71 registered volunteers, as well as several day-of-event volunteers.

Special Olympics Montana offers year-round activities for people with intellectual disabilities starting at age 8 and continuing into adulthood.

There are 26 official sports including team and individual competitions.

Athletes do not have to pay for anything and awards are given to all participants. 

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community.