2024 Special Olympics RGV Spring Games begins

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The annual Special Olympics RGV Spring Games is here, welcoming athletes to showcase their abilities and compete with others.

For the first time, the Spring Games are hosted by the City of Edinburg and are taking place at the Richard R. Flores Stadium.

Photo by: Emiliano Pena

The Spring Games began Thursday morning with a track and field competition which includes relays, wheelchair races, assisted races and walks.

It is expected to be the largest turnout of athletes in Texas, gathering approximately 1,300 participants.

"Our athletes are here to show everybody what they can do and how hard they compete, how much they practice, how fast they can run, how far they can throw. All those great things," said Lauro Garza, Area Director for Special Olympics Texas RGV.

The two-day event will continue Friday with an opening ceremony to honor the athletes and ongoing track and field competitions.