Special Olympics Track and Field Event at Dodger Stadium, in Fort Dodge Iowa

Not many know it, but there is a special group of people that pour their heart and soul in to the Olympics. And not one when asked will tell you it is about the medals or being first. They will tell you for them it is just about having the opportunity to play a sport.

On April 20, 2017, even though it was cold and windy hundreds of Special Olympic participants showed up sporting their best track and field outfits just wanting to show every spectator what they had to offer in the sport. No matter if you were young or old everyone was out there cheering them on. So often children with special needs tend to get over looked and this is the one time of the year that none of them feel like they are invincible.  

Robert Porter is one of the very special Olympians that stand out to many. This young man while in a wheelchair when you see him in his chair during the races it is as if he flies. Today during both wheelchair events he landed 1^st place. He will be going to Ames Iowa were the State Championships will be held. Great Job Robert Porter! We will be cheering you on at State. However; Mr. Porter was not the only one that is going to be going to State.

As the Olympics continued there were a few surprises as well. This year they welcomed a new spectator that never left a young ladies side.

One of the other individuals that were interviewed was one of Mr. Porters friends Zachary Judd. Mr. Judd was one of the many that ran his heart out. Mr. Judd took 1^st place in 2 events as well. First was the 50-meter dash and he also placed in the Softball throw. He was so happy that he placed. Zachary stated “I have been doing the Special Olympics since I was in high school. I never that I would still be doing it and I am now 30 years old.” So it goes to show that no matter who you are and how old you are you are still an Olympian no matter what. Good luck to all of the finalists!