More than 1,500 athletes are in preparation to kick off the Special Olympics Texas Fall Classic in College Station and Bryan, Texas, being held on October 19-21, including FUNdamental Sports* on October 20-21.
Special Olympics Texas athletes and Unified partners will unite with their teammates in a statewide competition, featuring over 2,000 athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and delegation members dedicated to team operations. Special Olympics Unified programs like The Fall Classic foster inclusivity by bringing athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together to train and compete as one team. Leading up to the event, Unified Partners also engage in various sports, enhancing physical fitness, honing skills, and embracing competition in sports such as Bocce, Golf, Softball, and swimming.
"The Fall Classic serves as a premier state-level platform to honor the unwavering dedication and exceptional achievements of Texas athletes, who have relentlessly trained in a multitude of sports throughout the year, and Texas takes immense pride in hosting this prestigious event, a reason to celebrate the determination and commitment displayed by every athlete," said Adele Spears, Unified Marketing Manager of Special Olympics Texas. "We eagerly anticipate the convergence of our local Texas athletes, dedicated coaches, and invaluable partners this year.”
On October 20 at Bomber Field (2200 Bomber Dr Bryan, Texas 77801) at 7p.m., the Opening Ceremonies, open to the public, will take place with opening remarks from athlete, Johan Vazquez and Unified Partner, Madi Sweeney, representing the College Station ISD delegation. Sponsors include Toyota, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Orange Theory Fitness and Top Golf among others.
Texas Athletes
Blake Johnson – Austin has participated in two FUNdamental sports events in Winter 2023 and Summer 2023. Blake is 18 years old and is known as his mother’s hero, born at 26 weeks and spent over a year in the NICU. He loves to play musical instruments, listen to audiobooks and listen to music. Blake enjoys attending Austin FC soccer games, riding his bike, horseback riding, bowling and going camping. He has enjoyed learning the technique for multiple sports within the FUNdamenal sports program.
Sami Contreras-Vanegas – College Station is a vibrant 10-year-old girl who has embarked on an extraordinary journey since the day she was born. The FUNdamental sports program has given her the opportunity to engage in different sports and opened doors that may have been closed due to her disability. Sami has been able to bond with her little sister as teammates and is looking forward to the Fall Classic.
Social channels will be updated daily with information about delegates from Texas, the Fall Classic overall, their accomplishments, movements, and progress. Follow along on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/specialolympicstx, Twitter: @SOTexas and Instagram: @specialolympicstx.
* FUNdamental Sports is a state-level Traditional or Unified competition for athletes who cannot compete in Special Olympics sports. Athletes participate in a variety of sports that have been adapted to accommodate all ability levels. Sports offered: Bocce, Flag Football, Golf, Softball, and sometimes Swimming.
About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect. SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 58,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646. Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.
Courtesy of David Norris and Madeline Black
