RADFORD (WSLS 10) -
Special Olympics athletes are getting ready to compete at the state level after the spring games in Radford Saturday.
More than 150 athletes competed in running, jumping and throwing events, as well as wheelchair events during the Special Olympics Spring Games at Radford University. WSLS 10's Dawn Jefferies had the honor of hosting the opening ceremony.
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Running events ranged from 50 meter races to 3000 meter races and a 4X100 relay, which included 5 unified teams, three of which were made up of Special Olympics athletes from the NRV and members of RU's women's volleyball team. Throwing events included shot put, a softball, and the "Turbo Jav", a modified version of the traditional javelin. There were also both running and standing long jump events.
This is the largest event hosted by the Special Olympics in this area. Athletes come from all parts of the New River Valley, Pulaski, Carroll, Mt. Rogers and Wythe counties. Radford has hosted for nearly a decade
Representatives from Radford City Police, led by Chief Donald Goodman, and Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, escorted Special Olympics athletes as they completed the traditional Olympic Torch lighting, according to organizer B.J. Norris. Six Special Olympics athletes completed a relay of the torch around the track at Cupp Stadium, with the final lighting by Special Olympics athlete Josh Norris.
Josh is one of 10 Special Olympics athletes worldwide to be selected to carry the torch in the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run throughout California this summer in the days leading up to the 2015 Special Olympics Summer World Games in Los Angeles.
Winners will take part in the state summer games in Richmond in June.