Athletes wrap up training for local Special Olympics Powerlifting competition

News 11's Reporter Melissa Zaremba went to their final practice before their competition

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY-TV) - After 10 weeks of training and hard work, our local athletes are ready to lift for the Special Olympics in Arizona.

“It’s been pretty good, a lot of heavy numbers and a lot of lifters, the best thing is to see their smiles,” coach Roque Dominguez. 

Athletes will do two lifts, one bench press and one deadlift. 

They really have been working up a sweat. 

“It’s been fun just bring them up like anyone else you know we all get stressed out at the gym and sometimes we can’t lift where we have our bad days and good days but by the end of the session though we all have a good day cause we’re having fun,” said Dominguez.

4th Avenue Gym provided training space for free to get them prepared.

“When you see their smiles all the time and what they really love in life it was so cool to be able to help out and give out the facility for a little bit, so no big deal it was awesome to help,” said owner of 4th Avenue Gym Justin Haile. 

It's been seven years since this meet was held in Yuma for our local athletes. 

“It’s a huge deal for them and I just think that the community needs to come out and the community really needs to really support them and make it loud and cheer them on,” said Haile.

4th Avenue Gym is also selling t-shirts and all proceeds will go to the Special Olympics. 

Make sure to come cheer on our local athletes for their big day this Friday at the 4th Avenue Gym in Foothills. 

4th Avenue Gym in the Foothills is located at 7929 E. 32nd St Ste 1, Yuma, AZ 85365. 

The meet will start at 12 p.m - 2 p.m.

The event is free to the public.