TOLEDO, Ohio — Athletes from all over Lucas County will visit Ohio State University for the Special Olympics state championship this weekend.
The athletes will compete in sports such as bocce ball, powerlifting, tennis, track and field and volleyball with hopes of winning first place in their discipline.
Athletes who participate in the Special Olympics are not charged to do so as the money is raised from private donations and fundraising events.
Sherrie Hathaway, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities Special Olympics commissioner, said the competition means a lot to the athletes.
"They can get upset, show anger or sadness, but are cutthroat to win," Hathaway said.
Leaders say the athletes competing give their all, leaving a lasting impression on those who work with them.
The athletes work hard and deserve respect as they accomplish their dreams of getting a medal for the sports they are participating in, Hathaway said.
"[Some people] see someone with a disability and they talk to them like they're a toddler or a youngster," Hathaway said. "They are grown men and women. Some of them may have different issues they deal with, but everybody deserves a chance to participate in something."
The athletes will arrive at Ohio State on Friday and compete until Sunday.
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