Special Olympics Track And Field Competition To Be Held April 18

The Mobile Area Special Olympics Annual Track and Field Competition, which is the largest Special Olympics track and field event in Alabama, will be held on April 18 at W.P. Davidson High School from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympics-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 friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. During the event, approximately 420 special-needs athletes will be competing in track events such as relays, runs, walks and wheelchair races. There will also be field events such as running and standing long jump, shot put, javelin, softball and tennis ball throw. The Special Olympians will be a variety of both adults and school-aged athletes representing more than 40 Mobile area schools. The competition will begin with the ceremonial Special Olympics Torch Run led by standout Special Olympians who will carry the Flame of Hope around the track.