Special Olympics

Over 400 athletes set to compete in Special Olympics

HOLYOKE On May 13 , over 400 local athletes will be competing in track and field events as part of this area's largest local Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) sporting event. Holyoke High School willonce again be home to this annual event that allows athletes competition experience as they prepare for the 2006 Summer Games held in Boston in June.

Special Olympics offers year round sports training in 26 different sports for athletes of all ability levels, including Unified Sports an inclusion program that matches athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team to train and compete together. On Saturday May 13th, athletes will be competing in track events ranging from wheelchair and assisted walking races to the running long jump, and field events ranging from tennis and softball throws to the shot put.

One exciting component of any Special Olympics event is Olympic Town where athletes, coaches, and families can relax and enjoy themselves between events. It is also an opportunity to make the day a more meaningful experience for our athletes. This year, the focus of Olympic Town is the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Initiative, designed to help our athletes improve their health and fitness, leading to an enhanced sports experience and improved well-being. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, a year-round corporate partner of SOMA, will present "Special Smiles" a free dental screening and hygiene education program to all the athletes, and the Holyoke YMCA will be presenting interactive activities about nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

Volunteers are always need to help make this event a success! If you would like to volunteer for Special Olympics Massachusetts, please contact Heather White at 413-747-8946.