COLUMBUS (WCMH) — With the sound of the starting pistol, the Ohio Special Olympics State Games were off and running in Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium Saturday afternoon.
The games are about more than who gets first place. Competitors and coaches know that there’s something bigger under the competition.
Competitor Diamond Strickland, 14, said “I’m actually blessed and happy about it because we’re special people.”
Diamond’s mom, Cora Strickland, described the experience as “overwhelming” saying “it gives me chills to watch her run and throw the softball.”
One of the Westerville Special Olympics coaches, Josh Cole said “we always enjoy watching them grow. We always challenge them to do better.”
More than 2,700 athletes will take part in the 47th Summer games that run through Sunday.What others are clicking on:
