RICHMOND, Ky. — Special Olympics Kentucky held its state summer games over the weekend and people from all over the commonwealth made their way over to Eastern Kentucky University to participate.

What You Need To Know

  • Special Olympics Kentucky's state summer games took place on Friday and Saturday at Eastern Kentucky University

  • Over 1,000 people from different parts of Kentucky participated

  • Track & field, soccer, rhythmic gymnastics, and bocce were the sports that athletes competed in

  • Katie Williams traveled to Richmond from Central City and has been part of Special Olympics Kentucky for over two decades

One of the over 1,000 athletes that competed was 34-year-old Katie Williams. She has been part of the organization since she was eight-years-old. Williams is also an athlete board representative for Special Olympics Kentucky and feels that participating as an athlete has given her valuable skills.

“It has built my confidence significantly,” said Williams. “I feel comfortable talking, directing people in the right direction, talking about Special Olympics to other people.”

Those with the organization see that across the board with several of the athletes that compete.

“The lessons that they learn here translate well off the track or the field or the gymnastics mats into jobs, and into schools, and into activities like that, and that’s really what makes events like the Special Olympics and our state summer games so important,” said Mark Buerger, a director with the organization.

Getting the chance to meet other people and create memories is part of the experience, and Williams says she has made a lot of friends throughout the years.

“It means a lot for this particular event because we not only compete, but we have fun, we get to stay in the dorms and experience the college life,” said Williams.

There were several sports that participants competed in for this weekend’s summer games.

“This is our biggest event of the year so we’ve got track & field and that includes events like the softball throw, we have rhythmic gymnastics, soccer and bocce are all this weekend and these are our state championships in those four events,” said Buerger.

Brueger says that the medals athletes compete for are tangible symbols for them to take home and show people their accomplishment.

Next weekend, Special Olympics Kentucky is sending athletes to the World Games that are taking place in Berlin. Those competitions will begin on June 17 and about 7,000 athletes from around the world will be participating.

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