Yuma Special Olympics hosts final event before statewide competition with track and field event

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Yuma Special Olympics athletes demonstrated their speed and agility at their track and field event, with support from the Yuma Police Department. Participants competed in a variety of events, showcasing their athletic abilities and enthusiasm for the friendly competition.

Athletes Abel Gomez and Aidan Gomez shared their excitement about the experience.

“The events were great,” said Abel Gomez. Aidan Gomez added, “It was fantastic.”

For the Gomez brothers, the event was about more than winning medals. They emphasized the importance of connecting with others and building friendships.

“It went fantastic. We just get along with friends, and get new friends to meet that can hang out with each other,” Aidan said.

Their grandmother and coach, Nora Smith, expressed pride in the athletes’ development and achievements.

“As a coach, you get to see them advance from when they first started, so you get just as excited as they do... It’s just wonderful,” she said.

Members of the Yuma Police Department attended the event to show their support for the athletes. Among them was Sergeant Christina Fernandez, who has been selected to represent Arizona at the upcoming USA Games in Minnesota. She will participate in a run across the state to help light the Olympic torch.

“I’m really excited and honored to have been selected to represent Arizona and the first officer to represent the Yuma Police Department in this run,” Fernandez said.

While regional competition has concluded, athletes will now turn their focus to preparing for the statewide tournament scheduled for May.