Special Olympics Spring games held

The Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) KC Metro Area Spring Games were held Saturday, May 2, at Lee’s Summit North High School. Approximately 450 area athletes participated in the track and field meet. Included in this group of athletes were the Bates County Blazers team, all of which received medals in the 25M Walk & Softball Throw. Front row left-right: Sue Smith, Dawn Wix, & Bonnie Barnett. Back row left-right: Nancy Blake, Lavonne Davison, Connie Larcom, & Janie Smith, all of Adrian. Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. More than 15,000 athletes in the state, including more than 2,000 KC Metro Area athletes, participate in 20 Olympic-type sports through SOMO. Special Olympics provides people with mental disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, or how you can connect a potential athlete with Special Olympics, contact Gayla Boyd at 660-679-5241.