Special Olympics of Kansas Athletes Compete at Summer Games

What started with torch runs through communities across Kansas culminated in the Special Olympics of Kansas Summer Games at Maize South High School in Wichita on June 5th and 6th. Athletes from around the state gathered to compete in a wide variety of events. From dashes to relays, the track events brought fast-paced energy, while the field events showed power and determination.

The State Summer Games is one of the major events the Special Olympics of Kansas hosts each year, but the organization also helps coordinate more than 170 events across Kansas. The organization strives to showcase the incredible abilities of the athletes who participate in the various events it hosts, with nearly 5,000 athletes registered. The events wouldn’t be possible without a dedicated group of volunteers, with just under 10,000 helping run competitions and fundraisers. One specific group helps with the torch run. A total of 1,200 law enforcement personnel logged 1,563 miles across Kansas for the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Special Olympics of Kansas serves 107 local programs and teams and is always looking for more volunteers to continue its mission. If you are interested in helping out, visit their website at www.soks.org. Click to enlarge photos

Photos and article by Tanner Colvin