Special Olympics by the numbers

Daily Staff

The Special Olympics came to the ISU campus this weekend.

Out of 2,800 athletes, 1,400 gold medals were awarded.

“This is the largest Special Olympics Iowa event held during the year,” said Special Olympics Iowa President and CEO Mark A. Reed. “Athletes, their families and coaches travel to Ames from every part of the state for this competition.”

Sports included aquatics, track and field, bocce, cycling, developmental sports, soccer skills, soccer and tennis. There was also a roller skating competition held in Des Moines.

“More than 1,200 coaches and chaperones, as well as 1,400 volunteers, donated their time to make this event a success,” said Joyce Allard, director of communications for Special Olympics Iowa.

Also featured at the event was an Olympic festival, a dance and the healthy athletes screening program “to improve greater overall health and fitness for the athletes.”