The Montana Special Olympics Summer Games kicked off Tuesday in Missoula. This is the second year that the games have been held there.
"You have to choose between your life and what is expected of your expectations."
That’s Austin Hurd, an athlete from Missoula.
"You know, I have William’s Syndrome, and what William’s Syndrome means to me is having a gift." said Hurd.
He loves to compete in the bowling event and was the emcee for last year’s opening ceremonies.
"I had never spoken in front of that many people in my whole life. I made the crowd go wild and it was great to see so many athletes and supporters."
The games have been held in Montana annually since 1970. Over 1,100 athletes are participating this year. There are events held for athletes from as young as 8, to adults.
Allen Kessler, the event’s public relations manager, says the crowd is such an important part of the Special Olympics, especially to the athletes.
"You will see when you go to one of these events. You will see right away the reaction of athletes when they cross the finish line, or when they’re participating in one of their events. And they have people cheering them on, it’s a really emotional event. They really react to it."
Volunteer slots are still available for the last day of the games.
You can find the Montana Special Olympics schedule of events here.
