Competition Begins at Special Olympics Minnesota's 2010 Summer Games

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Nearly 1,300 athletes from across Minnesota will take part in state-level track and field, volleyball, tennis and gymnastics competition at the 2010 Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games, June 17-19. Track and field competition kicks off today from 11:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the University of Minnesota's Bierman Athletics Complex (corner of 15th Avenue SE and 5th Street SE). Athletes will continue to compete Friday and Saturday with the support of more than 1,600 volunteers and coaches, as well as countless family members and friends. All competitions are free and open to the public.

Summer Games also provides athletes with opportunities to participate in Healthy Athletes, a free health screening initiative designed to increase the health and fitness of people with intellectual disabilities, a medically underserved population. The Healthy Athletes program works to improve access to health care by providing free screenings, making referrals to local health practitioners and training health professionals and students about the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. The 2010 Healthy Athletes Village will offer four screenings and two health fair events throughout Summer Games. Today's activities include Healthy Hearing, noon-3 p.m., and chair massage, noon-4 p.m.

Between events athletes can also explore Olympic Town, opening at noon today. In addition to carnival games and activities, this year's Olympic Town also features the Olympic Town Stage. Today's stage activities include an autograph-signing session with the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders and a magic show by Star Michaelina.

In case of inclement weather, track and field competition continues in light rain but may be delayed or canceled if there is a heavy downpour, lightning, high winds or other severe weather.

Special Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics' athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world.