Special Olympics Summer Games of Tennessee underway in Nashville
Two-day event is being held at Lipscomb and Centennial Sportsplex
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - There are 1,100 athletes from across the state competing in six different events over two dats at the Special Olympics Tennessee Summer Games.
“I just think what is amazing about this event is you see pure, unfiltered joy. You see athletes being able to participate, to be included in events, win gold medals, and just be able to be their best and achieve their personal best and achieve their goals they want to do in sports,” said Justin Bradford of Special Olympics Tennessee.
Yes, the goal is to win.
But fun and inclusion are the main objectives.
Javier Barron-Galvez is a runner from Giles County.
“I like competing and stuff like this. And it’s fun,” said Barron-Galvez.
“Javier has such an amazing attitude. He cheers on all of his fellow athletes and he loves to compete. It doesn’t matter what Javier is doing. He’s happy,” said Giles County area coach Chrissy Hood.
Same could be said for Wilson County’s Emily Burkett.
She’s quite the bocce ball player.
“At USA Games in Orlando, she won two golds. So pretty good. Very proud,” said Mary Lee Burkett, Emily’s mom and Wilson County/Trousdale County co-director.
“It’s like bowling on the ground,” said Emily about bocce ball.
“(You have to) hit the pallina or the big balls.”
These games showcase so many wonderful things about the human spirit.
That’s evident by the families cheering on their athletes.
“The parents enjoy watching, getting to sit back and watch their child have fun. So, I think it’s just a great time, rain or shine,” said Burkett.
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