Milwaukee Recreation will host the 11th annual citywide Special Olympics tournament on Saturday, June 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Wick Playfield, 4929 W. Vliet St.
Participants will compete in softball, t-ball, bocce, and tennis for the opportunity to qualify for the district competition in July.
"This is a major event for Milwaukee’s Special Olympics program," said assistant recreation supervisor Jodie Theis. "Anyone who attends our tournament will see that our program helps athletes to stay physically fit, socialize with others, and improve self-confidence.”
More than 600 athletes from Milwaukee, Washington and Ozaukee counties will compete for a chance to play at the district competition, Theis said.
“We have 16 softball teams, ten t-ball teams 62 bocce ball teams and 26 tennis players for the day,” she said.
Theis has been running the event in Milwaukee for ten years.
“It’s wonderful to see the camaraderie year after year,” she said. “Some of the athletes don’t get to see each other until the tournaments so it’s great to see that and to see them excel in their sport.”
The event is free and open to the public, a concession stand will be available as well. According to Theis, the organization needs more volunteers to assist with score keeping and other tasks. For more information, or to volunteer, please call (414) 647-6044.
