Nearly 300 special athletes will be competing on Friday at Welch Stadium.
The Emporia State University Special Athletes Track and Field Day will begin with the parade of athletes at 9:30 a.m. with events going through 2 p.m.
Event Spokesperson and Riverside Elementary Special Education Teacher Kelly Olson says she’s excited to see her former and current students compete for gold medals.
Event Spokesperson Kari Wallace says the event continues to grow every year after having nearly 200 athletes from 20 schools and organizations in the first year of the event.
The event was created by Emporia State Assistant Professor of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Dr. Hannah Kipfer, who was inspired by her brother and the special athletes’ events held in her hometown in Pennsylvania.
Athletes will participate in a variety of events ranging from walking and running to throwing and even competing in relays.
