CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than 900 coaches and athletes with disabilities from across the state are in Charleston this weekend for the 11th Annual Special Olympics.
“You can see it in their eyes they’re ready to go,” said John Corbett, CEO of the Special Olympics West Virginia. “This is something they’ll always remember and we’re glad that we give them the opportunity to experience something like this.”
The event got underway Friday afternoon at the University of Charleston’s Laidley Field and will run through Sunday.
Athletes can compete in different sports such as track and field, softball, swimming, golf, tennis and more. Also, activities such as karaoke, face painting and other games with prizes were set up.
Gary Grose, 10, of Harrison County, said he won several medals for sports he likes to play.
“Football, basketball, running, bowling,” he said.
Charles Critchfield, of Clarksburg, took some time out from karaoke to speak with MetroNews.
“They only had time for one song, so I sung from Weird Al I did ‘White and Nerdy’ for them,” he laughed while continuing to sing, “I’m just so white and nerdy!”
Winning about three medals, Critchfield said he typically likes to go skiing, play basketball, vollyball and bowling. He said he participates in the Special Olympics every year because it brings people together.
“Seeing all my old friends, taking a lot of pictures and entertaining people,” he said.
Awards are also handed out throughout the day. Corbett said the athletes trained for weeks before coming to Charleston. He said it’s a great way to show people with disabilities are able to play sports and have a good time just like anyone else.
“They do show that they can run a track event, that they can hit a softball, that they can jump in a pool and swim,” Corbett said. “It doesn’t necessarily focus on their disabilities this weekend, but it focuses on their abilities.”
The Special Olympics opening ceremony will be held at Haddad Riverfront Park Friday night prior to the opening of the Moses Auto Group Live on the Levee.
There are 29 out of West Virginia’s 55 counties represented in this weekend’s event, Corbett said.