KALISPELL – The Montana Special Olympics has been running for over 30 years and hundreds of athletes from across the state participate in the various events.
Jennifer King, 30, is no stranger to the Olympic games. She competes in various sports like bocce ball, basketball, the 100 meter dash and softball toss.
She has been competing in various sports in the Special Olympics for over 10 years. “My favorite part is to be with my friends and coaches,” explains King.
Montana Special Olympics aims to unify special Olympic athletes through the joy of sports.
King’s coach, Diana Slater has known King for ten years and tells MTN how much sports has made her grow.
“I’m seeing more and more leadership in Jenny. She will go up to people, even new athletes and get them to do things. As you heard, it is about fun for her,” says Slater.
Right now, 2,000 like Jenny from 65 communities around the state train compete for the Special Olympics year round.
The next sport Jenny starts training for is basketball with competitions starting this October.
Reporting by Maren Siu for MTN News
