On Sunday, the David L. Singer Memorial Foundation hosted The Area 8 Track and Field Games Event at the Traz Powell Stadium in North Miami. This year the foundation celebrated the 40th year anniversary of hosting these specific games with the Special Olympics Florida.
Over 400 athletes from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties showed up to compete for the chance to win and qualify for states, which would bring them closer to qualifying for the USA Games and eventually the World Special Olympics. These athletes had the opportunity to compete in the standard wheelchair races, the short sprints, the relay baton pass, the shot put, the long jumps and the softball and tennis throw.
“We raise the money for these events. We work with all the vendors to get all the tents, chairs, balloons, and everything you see around here,” said Ed Smith, chairman of the David L. Singer Memorial Foundation. He and his family have organized these events for the past 25 years.
The day is all about inclusion and belonging to the community. Once the athletes were done participating in their events, they had the opportunity to enjoy the music, food, face painting, carnival games and even a wellness check-up at the Olympic Village.
The Special Olympics Florida is always looking for volunteers for these events. For more information go to specialolympicsflorida.org
