The annual spring games competition of the Special Olympics Texas took place Saturday morning at Turner Stadium. After opening ceremonies, special Olympians wasted no time in showing off their skills.
It was a big day for the more-than-500 athletes hoping to show off their skills on the track and in the filed, as they went for the gold in the Special Olympics Texas Spring Games.
"My son is 25 now and he started out when he was eight," Robin Judman said.
Judman's son is one of the athletes with disabilities competing in the event at Humble ISD's George Turner Stadium. And while this mom is there to cheer on a win, she says it's about so much more than that.
"The first time we started him out, it was my husband at one end and I was at the other end to make him run to us because he wouldn't come the first time," she said. "And then to win the honor, I think as a parent you are crying the whole time because they've achieved that."
With the help of volunteers, non-profit Special Olympics Texas helps children and adults develop physical fitness, friendships and life skills.
"And the teamwork, oh my Gosh. The first time somebody fell down when they were running the relay and he stopped, and his team stopped to pick up the athlete that fell and they all walked in together. I think I'll probably never forget that," Judman said.
"To our athletes, it's their opportunity to have their athletic competition and show their best that they can do, and show they can be an athlete just like anybody else," said Renee Klovenski with Special Olympics Texas.
All the athletes walked away with an medal or ribbon. Those who placed first, second or third qualified to participate in the statewide summer games in Arlington later this month.
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