North Stafford, Va. –– Some special Olympians came to Stafford to compete last weekend.
More than 800 athletes from across the state participated in Virginia Special Olympics’ basketball challenge, said Virginia Special Olympics spokeswoman Holly Claytor.
On Friday, the opening ceremonies were held at Mountain View High School in North Stafford.
The county’s sheriff’s office assisted athletes in carrying-in the lit torch into the school’s gymnasium to light the cauldron, signaling the start of the competition.
On Saturday and Sunday, athletes went on to play in basketball games at eight public schools in Stafford.
The weekend-long event is one of seven happenings held by Virginia Special Olympics each year. Some of the winners of this competition will go to play during the summer games that will be held in Richmond later this year, said Claytor.
In addition to the athletes, at least 860 people came to cheer them on as they played on the court.
“Our athletes really love the fans and appreciate the support,” said Claytor.
