Special Olympics Wisconsin
Athletes show off skills at Outdoor Sports Tournament
Nearly 1,000 athletes, 250 coaches and 125 volunteers gathered under sunny skies in Eau Claire on August 6-8 for the 18th Annual Special Olympics Wisconsin Outdoor Sports Tournament.
On Saturday, golfers teed off at Hickory Hills Golf Courses' lush greens while tennis players volleyed on the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's well-manicured courts. Tee-ball and softball players stepped up to the plate while bocce players stood on freshly cut lawns, taking turns tossing towards the palina.
Between competitions, athletes met with nearly 70 medical professionals for free foot and dental screenings as part of Fit Feet and Special Smiles programs. Health care volunteers measured bone density and blood pressure and offered education on physical fitness, nutrition and sun safety at the Health Promotion venue.
As the day turned into night, athletes threw on their ball caps and met with WEAU-TV's Bob Gallagher for the baseball-themed Opening Ceremony. DJ "D-Train" brought all the ingredients for a night of fun complete with dancing and bingo!
Thank you to all our volunteers, coaches, sponsors, and spectators for helping to make this competition such a success!
