Special Olympians compete in regional events

More than 125 athletes gathered Saturday to compete in the Special Olympics Regional Games in Pueblo.

The athletes took part in track and field events, swimming and lifting. They came from all over the region as far as Sterling to compete.

Jolie NeSmith, the regional manager of Special Olympics, says the competitions are important because the Special Olympians have been training for many weeks.

“They’re putting in good, hard effort to be competitive. A big part of our mission statement has to do with joy, so this is a community and they get to come together and see people that they haven’t seen in a couple of months and it’s a place where everybody is welcome,” NeSmith said.

The athletes will move on to the state competition in Grand Junction in June.