The Special Olympics of Ohio Northwest Region is hosting its Spring Games on Sunday, April 30th at Findlay High School beginning at 8 a.m.

The event will feature more than 800 athletes from the 26 counties that make up the region, as well as six programs from other regions across the state.

The games will include bocce, volleyball, track, and other field events.

The athletes will be placed into divisions and compete at those levels for gold, silver, and bronze medals.

“The event is open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend and cheer on the athletes,” said Nadine Weininger with Blanchard Valley Center in Findlay.

With 800 athletes competing, the event is up nearly 240 participants from 2022.

Local program coordinators spend a lot of time working to make sure that everyone who is qualified to participate can do so.

While the event is coordinated by a committee of eight coordinators and a handful of volunteers, the event will be supported by Findlay High School staff and students and nearly 100 other volunteers from across the 26 counties.

Food vendors will include Campus Pollyeyes and the high school.

Athletes who qualify will then compete at the Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games (State Games) in June.

The State Games will take place at The Ohio State University and will feature more than 3,000 athletes competing in the sports mentioned above, including bowling.