Thirteen track-and-field athletes from Maryville’s Therapeutic Residential Programs will be among the Special Olympics competitors on Sunday, April 17, when the Area 18 Spring Games take place at Prospect High School.

Boys from the Maryville Des Plaines Campus and girls from the Maryville Bartlett Campus will participate in two events: the 50-Meter Dash and the Softball Throw. Maryville Recreation Director Edward Strabel has been supervising practice sessions at both locations in anticipation of the big event, which will include opening ceremonies complete with an Olympic torch relay. “The kids always love to participate, to get out there and do their best,” he said. “It’s also a big social event for them. Sometimes, they can get a little nervous beforehand, but our goals are always to have fun and to show good sportsmanship.”

Special Olympics Illinois hosts 18 Spring Games throughout the state, with almost 10,000 athletes competing over a three-week span. Finalists will advance to the Summer Games in Bloomington on June 10-12, 2016.  Since its beginning in 1968, the Special Olympics has promoted the overall well-being of people with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics delivers high-quality training and competition in an inclusive culture that stresses athletic excellence, emphasizes good health and celebrates achievement.

The Special Olympics Spring Games will take place at Prospect High School, 801 W. Kensington Road, in Mount Prospect, on Sunday, April 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Admission is free.

Maryville offers Therapeutic Residential Services for boys at its Des Plaines Campus and similar programs for girls at its Bartlett Campus.  To learn more about Maryville and its programs for children and families, please visit www.maryvilleacademy.org.