Special Olympics local Powerlifting meet
News 11 reporter Melissa Zaremba attended the local powerlifting meet before our athletes head to their state competition.
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY-TV) - It’s been 7-years since there was a Special Olympics meet in Yuma and this year it’s finally back.
After 10 weeks of training and hard work, our local athletes are pumped and ready to lift. They are finally ready to compete in the local Special Olympics Powerlifting meet.
“Oh yeah go Yuma,” said local Powerlifter Leslie.
You can see and hear the excitement. It’s great to have the Special Olympics back here in Yuma.
“As a mom and supporter I’m very excited to see all the athletes out here and someone who is involved with the Special Olympics. It's just wonderful to have everyone in person again and to be here at this awesome gym and watch them compete,” Special Olympics Yuma Organizer Kelly Smith.
4th Avenue Gym in the Foothills hosted the powerlifting meet.
With tons of smiles all around, these athletes are pumped, as this moment is their time to shine.
“I think a lot of times they don’t get the spotlight and if it’s one reason or the other they don’t get to go and have those regular sporting events and get cheered on by big crowds or have their parents come out and say this is what my kid and this is what he did,”said manger of Complex Gym Israel Trevino.
Having events like this is important for the community.
“You can actually see these kids function and they are really excited about what they are doing and maybe people without disabilities should take that to heart,” said the owner of the Complex Gym John Cook.
The amount of support is endless, Complex Gym helped prepare and train all athletes.
“They really work harder than a lot of people and harder than most if I’m absolutely honest just because they enjoy the push,” said Trevino.
All are winners, powerlifters received metals and raised over nine hundred dollars for the Special Olympics Arizona.
Now these athletes are getting ready to compete for their statewide competition on May 6th, in Glendale, Arizona.
It’s been 2-years since the Special Olympics Arizona held their statewide competition due to the pandemic so make sure to go cheer them on in the upcoming weeks.
For more information on the Yuma Special Olympics visit click here.
