Lea County Legends has announced the official beginning of the summer session of the Special Olympics for area athletes with special needs who wish to demonstrate their prowess at competing in a variety of events. The summer games will continue to follow the recommended format of the Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) organization with all competitions taking place virtually and records submitted remotely.
Athletes can choose from a wide number of games designed to take advantage of the warmer outdoor weather. There are 34 total events, including a 25-, 50-, 100-, and 200-meter run, roll, and walk, with the 100- and 200-meter divisions offering an assisted walk competition. A softball throw and tennis ball throw competition will complete the athletics portion.
For bocce players, an accuracy contest will be held, while golf players can test themselves in three categories or for their putting sequence skills. Those with admirable endurance can compete at the distance walking challenge, while others can try their hand at the frisbee throw. In the realm of fitness challenges, athletes can compete at air squats, jumping jacks, lunges, mountain climbing, planking, pushups, sit ups, wall sits, and zig-zag jumps.
Every participating athlete can pick from a maximum of four events to compete in. Winners in each category will receive a t-shirt, certificate, and a competition medal.
The SONM will be taking qualifying scores for each event through May 15th, with all scores due by June 15th. To register to compete in the Summer Olympics, click here.
Lea County Legends will be holding in-person practices for the events soon to encourage participants to safely take part in the games. The in-person practices will require participants to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Additionally, SONM has announced a new fitness challenge beginning on Monday, April 19th. Abe’s Focus on Fitness Challenge will teach participants new exercises, how to build workouts, strength-building for sports performance, taking small steps toward better fitness, and focusing on form. To take part, visit the SONM Facebook page.
