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Special Olympics a chance to shine

Area residents will have the opportunity to cheer on hundreds of competitors when the 43rd-annual Ohio Area 9 Special Olympics Qualifier is held at the track complex behind Steubenville’s Harding Middle School.

A sea of friendly faces will greet the athletes when the event gets under way at 10 a.m., and we’re hoping area residents can spend a portion of their day rooting on all of the competitors.

Representing programs from Jefferson, Belmont, Holmes, Tuscarawas, Carroll, Harrison, Guernsey and Muskingum counties, the athletes will participate in track and bocce activities at the stadium complex.

The athletes will have the chance to advance to the state Special Olympics Summer Games that will be held June 28-30 in Columbus, but no one who participates on Saturday will lose, because, as always, winning is putting forth the effort.

A large group of volunteers, many of whom return every year, will lend their support on Saturday. These volunteers assist in many ways during the events, including waiting at the finish lines to congratulate the athletes.

Let’s not forget the athletes competing Saturday have worked hard to be able to participate. There’s always a feeling of great enthusiasm, and the events are an opportunity to renew friendships with fellow competitors that have developed during the years.

These games help to improve the athletes’ self-esteem, and that’s always a wonderful thing.

Everyone can help these athletes feel better about themselves by making sure the Harding complex is filled with a crowd of onlookers. Admission is free, and we hope you will be able to commit a few hours of the day to our area athletes.

We appreciate all involved with the Special Olympics, from the sponsors whose donations make the day possible to those who work tirelessly to organize the event. We also thank the hundreds of volunteers whose efforts ensure that each competitor receives encouragement.

But we especially appreciate and congratulate each athlete who will compete. We know they will put forth their best efforts, and that’s what really matters.

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