USJ hosts Special Olympics event, prepares for state games

JACKSON, Tenn. — The University School of Jackson hosted an important sports event today.

The track and field event by Special Olympics Southwest Region, took place at USJ’s Kirkland Field.

Special Olympics serves athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Events for today’s athletes included the standing long jump, running long jump, 50 meter run, and 100 meter walk.

Southwest Region Area 11 Director for Special Olympics, Jamaal Brady, shares one of the main goals of today’s event.

“We’re bringing the athletes out, testing their time and seeing how fast they are and how far they can throw a softball. This event will lead up to our state games,” said Brady.

The state games will be May 17th and 18th at Lipscomb University.

The event will gather over 800 athletes to compete in six sports.

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