Special Olympics Summer Classic in Colorado Springs

the competition is heating up for 150 special olympic athletes in colorado springs. they’re taking part in several events this weekend for the 2015 southeast area summer classic at memorial park in colorado springs. krdo newschannel13’s zach pagano finds out how competitive sports are changing lives. at the special olympics summer classic hardwork and determination are taking center field. i like to meet new friends and i like to do the best i can and stuff. i participated in special olympics for 26 years. athletes are showing their strength in everything from cycling to softball. i’m competing in singles and unified today. it’s a chance for sports fans of all skill levels to be part of a team. i like to compete because i’m on a new team called the fireballs and i competed for a long time. this is my first year joining their team. and the z? teams have plenty of support from a full crowd. many of our athletes are adult athletes. they don’t have large families to accompany them, so we want the community to come and support them, cheer them on and really make a big rally for what’s going on. standup- the athletes train hard for today and they know competition creates bond???? bonds that will last ? much longer than the time spent on the fiel time spent on the field. when you’ve got grueling traing and you’ve got all the things going on preparing for this, then they’ve got this culminating event, they’re excited and they’re ready to show the skills they’ve learned over the last couple of weeks. athletes are giving the games their all… just do your best, and whatever you win, first second or third, do your best. but they also understand the true meaning of sportsmanship. in colorado springs, zach pagano, krdo newschannel 13. the southeast area summer classic continues tomorrow. special olympic athletes will take part in a golf tournament at cherokee ridge golf course.