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The Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games are underway this weekend at the University of Minnesota. Athletes are competing in four different events: basketball, gymnastics, swimming and track and field.

Coaches, fans and volunteers are gathering to cheer on athletes and assist with the weekend-long event.

“My emotions are very high right now because we are very blessed,” said Bill Fish, president and CEO of Special Olympics Minnesota. “We’re very, very blessed … to have the opportunity to support our special Olympics Minnesota athletes.” 

This event marks the one-year countdown for the 

, which will be hosted at the University of Minnesota, the National Sports Center in Blaine and other local venues. About 3,000 athletes are expected to participate.

Fish said this year’s event will replicate some logistics needed for next year, but it’s also an opportunity for athletes that won’t participate next year to get their chance to compete.

“We’re able to send about 250 athletes to USA Games next year, but we have thousands of athletes that won’t be participating at the USA Games,” Fish said.

Athletes, and volunteers alike, are having fun.

Special Olympics athlete Abby Pearson said she got into swimming through a friend and wanted to try it out. Abby practices every Saturday, even if she gets nervous.

“I’m just really proud of her,” said Ellen Pearson, Abby’s mother. “I’m proud of how many sports she does through Special Olympics. At the state competition … like she said she is swimming. It’s something she didn’t do a lot when she was younger.”

Special Olympics are also a great opportunity for athletes to make friends, Ellen Pearson added.

“When you volunteer for Special Olympics, there is a certain amount of joy that’s always in the air,” said volunteer Mike Metzmaker. “Whether it comes from the athletes, whether it comes from fellow volunteers, there’s just a lot of fun and celebration of life.”

The Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games run through June 22. Spectators can attend for free.

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Juan Del Valle

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The Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games are underway this weekend at the University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus

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