Athletes compete in Special Olympics

New Haven (WTNH) - Athletes from all across the state took time this weekend to compete in the Special Olympics of Connecticut. More than 2,000 people took part in 21 different sports.

Once again, the Campus of Southern Connecticut State became the home to the kind of excitement, dedication and victory that only these athletes can provide.

All-out effort, one last reach for the gusto and gold medals with golden smiles to match. The message has always been the joy of competition. But as the games have grown, the intensity has increased. Twenty-years-ago, reaching this point was the goal. Now, athletes want to burst through new barriers.

"All the athletes are put into ability divisions," said President of CT Special Olympics Beau Doherty. "All the athletes that run the 50 meter dash in 12 seconds or 42 seconds, they are all competing against one another."

And the 2,300 athletes that exert so much energy, are getting professional care along with expert training and education.

"We have a lot of athletes being screened," said Doherty. "Some health and fitness issues in one of the big dorms, down the road here. It's turning out to be a good day."

And while this might be the last day of the Olympics schedule, the athletes don't have to wait long to get a taste of more competition.

"We have three other huge events during the year and there are all sorts of qualifying events to get to go to those events," said Doherty.

Actually there are 52 events during the calender year for those athletes in grade school all the way to the adult competitions.