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Athletes prepare for upcoming State Summer Games
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
A warm up event was hosted at the Austintown Fitch High School football stadium on June 9 for athletes who are participating in the State Summer Games in Columbus on June 23-25.
Many athletes like to come and showcase their talents locally before they head down to Columbus. This is the 48th year the State Summer Games have occurred and Austintown Fitch has been the practice location for all 48 years. The athletes participate in several events like softball, mini javelin and many others that will take place at the State Summer Games.
David Grossman, chair and coordinator of the Mahoning County DD Special Olympics committee, worked with volunteers and coaches to help make the practice Olympics run a success.
“It’s very fun to see people from that far away come down for something like this and all come together. It’s a fun way to incorporate everyone,” said Hannah Edwards, Canfield High School student.
Between 100 and 130 students and people from different organizations and clubs throughout the Mahoning Valley take time to volunteer at this event. Many volunteers came from civic groups in the valley.
“Some faces change, but most athletes have been here before,” said Grossman.
There were around 350 athletes who participated. Many of them are using this as a practice for the State Summer Games and others who didn’t qualify for the State Summer Games came to show the community what they can do. There were athletes from Trumbull Fairhaven, Mahoning County DD, Columbiana and more.