Special Olympics drew 400 athletes

The 35th year of the Special Olympics Spring Games in Erie County were held on Sunday, June 3 at the Sweet Home High School athletic facility. Opening ceremonies, led by Debbie Fleetwood, the Erie County Special Olympics coordinator, were followed by the participants in all 14 track and field events.

Nearly 400 athletes were competing following their many weeks of training. Nearly 100 volunteers came to offer their time and talents to these persevering athletes. In addition to the local events, several finalists will travel to Albany on Father's Day weekend for the state finals.

The Special Olympics International was founded in 1968 under the direction of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. It is still the largest volunteer based organization on an international level. There are 500,000 athletes at the international level who are training and competing in 17 various sports venues.

Training clubs from Amherst, Cheektowaga, Lancaster, BOCES II and Sweet Home were involved and received many ribbon awards. Congratulations to one and all.

Mary Ann McClellan

Williamsville