The Special Olympics host regional track meet as part of spring games

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) - The Special Olympics of Kentucky hosted their Area 5 track and field meet at Bowling Green High School Saturday morning.

The meet had over 225 athletes from seven local delegations competing to qualify for the state tournament.

Special Olympics Athlete Dillon Meador enjoys the program and describes his experience with it so far.

“I’m very passionate about Special Olympics as a whole. I went through training, became athlete ambassador through state level and have used that to try and raise awareness about Special Olympics,” said Meador.

Adaptive Recreation Coordinator for Bowling Green Park and Recreation Hanna Staples grew up involved in Special Olympics and believes it holds a special place in her heart.

“We say that a lot with Bowling Green, Special Olympics. We are a family. I truly believe that. I’ve been raised around the program my whole life. So this is my family,” said Staples.

Meador describes how Special Olympics made a difference in his life and gave him a sense of belonging.

“I felt like an outcast. I did not feel like I belonged,” Meador said. “Then I got introduced to Special Olympics where I started getting involved, and it showed me that there were people that were like me in ways, but also different in others.”

Staples is grateful for the opportunity to with work the athletes and have a career based around doing something she loves.

“It’s the biggest part of my life. I tell everyone that you could be having the worst day and to be around them, they’re going to put a smile on your face no matter what. They’re such uplifting individuals,” said Staples.

Athletes are able to advance to the Special Olympics Kentucky State Summer Games in June depending on how they placed.

For more information on events, visit bgky.org.