Special Olympics Texas Offered Thrill Of Victory Without Agony Of Defeat [UPDATED]

LEANDER, TX -- Hundreds of Special Olympics Texas athletes from throughout Central Texas competed in various track and field events last Saturday during the 2016 Spring Games.

The event -- a qualifying event for the Arlington state meet among athletes 12 years and up -- was staged at Leander High School's Bible Stadium. State competition is scheduled Memorial Day weekend.

Athletes ranging in age from 8 to 71 trained for at least eight weeks leading up to Saturday's event, said Special Olympics Texas spokesman Steve Helm.

More than 1,500 people -- athletes, volunteers, coaches, family, friends and supporters -- attended the Leander athletic competition.

"We had more than 800 athletes compete the track & field events between the two days," Helm noted to illustrate the success of the competition.

Athletes were awarded with gold, silver and bronze medals or a ribbon, based on the results of their event.

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From May 6:

LEANDER, TX -- Special Olympics Texas will stage its annual Spring Games this Saturday (May 7) featuring athletes vying to qualify for the statewide Summer Games in Arlington.

More than 800 athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete in a variety of track and field events: high jump; long jump; mini javelin; shotput; softball throw; standing long jump; tennis ball throw; wheelchair races; assisted walks; distance runs; distance walks; and more.

Athletes will be awarded medals or ribbons, depending on the results of their athletic performance.

Prior to their displays of athletic prowess, these special competitors will participate in a parade of athletes and the lighting of the cauldron.

A special feature of the meet will be Pflugerville ISD athlete Elena Chacon and her father, Joe Chacon of the Austin Police Department, running the final leg of torch runs. For her part, Elena additionally is scheduled to compete in the 50 mm run and the softball throw.

All athletes 12 years and up will be vying to qualify for the statewide Summer Games, which will be held in Arlington, May 26-29.

The event is scheduled May 7. The opening ceremony is 8:30 a.m. with competition taking place from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The games will be staged at Leander High School's Bible Stadium, 3301 S. Bagdad Rd. in Cedar Park.

Let the games begin!

>>> Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Texas