By SARAH THOMACK
St. Joseph Post

Thousands of athletes will be in St. Joseph this weekend for the Special Olympics State Indoor Games.

Special Olympics Missouri Digital Media Coordinator Kayla Hull said about 3,000 athletes, coaches and Unified Partners are traveling to St. Joseph to participate in the basketball and bowling events.

“It’s going to be a weekend full of fun and excitement, the athletes have been training really hard for this,” Hull said. “For anyone who has not been to a Special Olympics event, it’s a great time to just come out and see what Special Olympics is all about and help cheer on the athletes.”

The games kick off Friday with the Opening Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. at Civic Arena.

Competition events will take place at several venues, with bowling competitions on Friday and Saturday and basketball competition on Saturday only.  The public is encouraged to attend all events.

Volunteers are still needed to help out over the weekend. Hull said they need volunteers especially Friday afternoon for bowling and Saturday during basketball games.

For more information and a schedule of events, go to somo.org/indoor.