Over 500 athletes competing in SD Special Olympics – KELOLAND.com

VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO) Its a big weekend for athletes from across South Dakota taking part in this years Special Olympics. More than 500 athletes are a part of the event this year. The three-day gathering is open to the public and is expected to bring more than a thousand spectators to Vermillion.

For nearly 10 years, Cole Pedersen has been competing in the South Dakota Special Olympics.

I love all of our athletes. Theyre all great competitors. Its more important just to see how everybody comes out, gives it their best no matter what. If they win or lose, its not about that. Its about coming out here and having fun, Pederson said.

In the past, hes done many of the athletic events offered. This year, hes trying something new.

It is my first year doing powerlifting. I just thought Id try something, you know, just fun to come out, have a good time, Pederson said.

While Pedersens day was just getting started, others like Orion Karsch were already in full competition swing.

I already competed in two swimming events. I got a gold medal in both of them, Karsch said.

Karsch said hes been competing since 2019, and hes also been able to conquer his fear of the pool.

I kind of just had to, you know, just stay calm and just say its going to be okay, Karsch said.

The Special Olympics includes more than 20 Olympic-type sports and is supported by more than 100 coaches.

Just the joy that the athletes have and just the joy that the sports brings them is something that cant be described in words, South Dakota Special Olympics Marketing Manager Jill Kvanli said.

And just about every athlete told us the same thing its not about winning.

Its about being a good sport, citizenship and sportsmanship and wishing the other athletes good luck and stuff, Special Olympics athlete Jordan Olson said.

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Over 500 athletes competing in SD Special Olympics - KELOLAND.com