ERLANGER, Ky. — The spirit of athleticism and inclusivity shined at Lloyd High School in Erlanger, Kentucky, which hosted the Special Olympics Area 7 Track and Field meet Saturday, April 27.

What You Need To Know

  • More than 60 athletes from across Northern Kentucky competed Saturday, April 27 in the Special Olympics Kentucky Area 7 Track and Field Meet 

  • Kieren Davis has participated in the Special Olympics for five years, and this year marked his second running track

  • This is the third of four weekends of the Special Olympics Area Track and Field season, which concludes Saturday, May 11 in Louisville

Through every race over the past five years, Valerie Davis proudly cheers on her son, Kieren. 

"He will do anything for anybody," Davis said. "And usually, while he's running, he will cheer on the other runners at the same time.”

More than 60 athletes from Boone, Campbell, Grant, Kenton and Pendleton counties competed in various activities, including ball-throwing and track. Davis and Mark Stagg, 30-year volunteer program director, said accessibility and fun is the program's No. 1 priority. 

Stagg said the program offers 14 different sports and activities.

"For those that have special needs, children or adults, and you're looking for something for them to do, your options are pretty limited," Stagg said. "This is where Special (Olympics) come in and says, 'Hey, we're here.'"

Davis said Kieren always seems happier when he's with his fellow athletes. 

"Sometimes kids with different needs have trouble finding places where they belong," she said. "He's supposed to be here, and he gets to know that.”

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