JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. — More than two dozens athletes are gearing up for a busy week. They’ll be competing in the 2014 Special Olympics USA games in New Jersey. On Thursday night the athletes got together at Longview Lake for a barbeque sendoff.
“It’s going to be a bit stressful this next week coming up so this is nice to have some fun with family and friends and get them all pumped up and ready to go,” said Amy Wurst, Special Olympics Missouri board member.
Wurst says the athletes have been training for a year. Each was selected based on much more than their abilities.
“They’re chosen based on, are they good people are the good athletes, do they try hard? It’s all about doing your personal best. If they get a medal, that’s great, if they don’t, it’s okay too,” explained Wurst.
They drive to St. Louis Friday and take part in a statewide sendoff, before flying to New Jersey this weekend.
