Nearly 1,500 athletes and approximately 350 of their coaches and chaperones will compete May 17 – 19 in the Special Olympics Alabama State Games at Troy University.
This year’s event marks the 13thyear Special Olympians have competed at TROY. This year’s theme is “The Revolution is Inclusion.”
The weekend will kick off with the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run on Friday, May 17. Law enforcement officers from across the state will bring the torch into Troy around 2 p.m. The public is invited to the last leg of the run as it leaves the Troy Police Department and travels south on Brundidge Street and then east on University Avenue, terminating at the Trojan Arena plaza.
Competitions will include 10 sports conducted both on the Troy Campus and at venues in the city of Troy, beginning with the opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. May 17 in Trojan Arena. The ceremony will include a parade of athletes, special welcomes and entertainment.
Sporting events begin on May 18 at 9 a.m. at various venues. Sport events include swimming, gymnastics, equestrian, bowling, track and field, softball/baseball, cycling, bocce, flag football and golf. A Victory Dance will be held Saturday night. This year’s Victory Dance will feature some special entertainment, Scot Bruce, an Elvis tribute artist. The community is invited to the Victory Dance at Trojan Arena to listen to the music of Scot Bruce.
Closing ceremonies will be conducted May 19 and will include a memorial service for those athletes who have died in the past year.
Volunteers for the State Games are being sought, said Dean of Students Herb Reeves.
“The athletes are very excited to be returning to TROY,” Reeves said. “Not only would we extend an invitation for students and community members to participate in the special ceremonies, but volunteers are very important in order to make this event a success,” he said.
To volunteer, contact Reeves at 334-670-3203 or via email atspecialolympics@troy.edu.
“We invite you to visit, cheer or volunteer to assist the athletes in having the best time ever. Your interest and help is greatly appreciated,” he said.
