MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — The talents of some “amazing” athletes will be highlighted Friday and Saturday as Special Olympics South Carolina hosts its 2024 Fall Games on the Grand Strand.
It’s the third year the games have been held in Myrtle Beach since the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of the participants from across the state have been training for up to a year. Nearly 1,000 athletes and their partners will compete in seven sports at Coastal Carolina University and the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
Participants will be going for gold in bocce, bowling, disc golf, golf, flag football, soccer and volleyball. They will also be celebrating all their hard work together.
Many Unified partners are in Special Olympics South Carolina’s Unified Champions Schools Programs, from elementary school to college. They do not have intellectual disabilities, but they train with the athletes and form strong friendships with them.
Law enforcement officers will bring in the Flame of Hope as opening ceremonies and a torch run take place on Friday. Competitions will happen all day Saturday, with a carnival-like Olympic Town and the Healthy Athletes Program. Through this program, clinical directors can give free health screenings and referrals to athletes.