Special Olympics Arizona to kick off annual summer games this week

PHOENIX — The Arizona branch of the Special Olympics will kick off its annual summer games on Thursday, allowing more than 1,600 athletes from across the state to compete in a variety of sports over a three-day period.

The yearly event will have a Glitz and Glam theme to help celebrate Special Olympics’ 50th anniversary.

Special Olympics Arizona and Sanderson Ford will partner to feature a law enforcement torch run on Thursday.

The run will pair both athletes and law enforcement officers as they travel more than 15 miles across the Valley to advocate for a “more inclusive society for all,” a press release said.

It will start off in the American Legion parking lot in Glendale, pass through Sanderson Ford and continue on through the Ascension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley en route to the Community Carnival Celebration at Kiva Field Park.

Sanderson Ford will follow the athletes and officers with a truck full of water to help keep them hydrated in the warm Phoenix area heat.

The official opening ceremony for the summer games will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Raymond S. Kellis High School in Glendale on Friday.

The event will help set the stage for the games, which will kick off with a standing long jump event on Friday and wrap up with the tennis ball throw on Saturday.

More than 1,600 athletes were expected to participate in this year’s event, with an additional 1,300 volunteers working along side them.

In addition to the sporting events, participants and spectators can also enjoy some arts and crafts, a dance floor, snacks and a photo booth.

Related

Scottsdale considers new restrictions for large water users as demand risesAZ Political Podcast: MCCCD board candidates make case for footballs’ return to junior collegesArizona expands aerospace and defense training with new $6.4 million facilityScottsdale Unified approves closure of two schools amid declining enrollmentAndy Biggs shares debate stage with No Labels candidate as Gov Katie Hobbs sits outDave Ramsey says: Bad things happen when you don’t save money!