Special Olympics Rhode Island hosts Summer Games competitions

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — Special Olympics Rhode Island held its Summer Games at the University of Rhode Island on Saturday.

Over 1000 Special Olympics Athletes competed in bowling, powerlifting, swimming, soccer skills, unified soccer, and track and field.

“When we come together, there nothing we can’t accomplish, and the education and awareness that an event like this raises demonstrates that acceptance and respect and inclusion for all doesn’t just have to be a tag line, it doesn’t have to be something we talk about as a possibility, it’s real, it’s happening, and it’s happening at the state Summer Games,” Special Olympics Rhode Island President and CEO Ed Pacheko said.

The event also hosted free vision, dental, hearing and fitness screenings along with massage therapy for athletes.

The games continue on June 1 in Wakefield.