October 7, 2005
Albany -- For the first time, the city of Albany is hosting the State Special Olympics Fall Games.
Thousands of athletes, coaches, and supports are in Albany, for the three days of competition. Just like the Olympics, the Special Olympics have an opening ceremony which is being held tonight at 7:00 at the Albany Civic Center.
The Georgia State fall Special Olympics began in Albany Friday afternoon with Bocce at the Exchange Club fairgrounds and softball at Gordon Sports complex.
Athletes like Nandi Issac are ready for the games to begin. "I think it's a very competitive sport and I'm determined and I'm aiming for the gold," Nandi sand.
Nandi and her all-girls team the Bocce Queens have been waiting for today. "Yes, we've been practicing really hard."
Nearly 500 athletes will compete in Bocce over the next three days, including the Mitchell Baker Eagles, who brought two teams to compete. "Well it's the best thing for me," said Childs of the Mitchell Baker Bocce Team.
Nandi said, "They key is to win Bocce, to be a good sport encourage other people and do your best."
And that's what these athlete will strive to do over the next three days, their absolute best, win or lose. "There's a Special Olympics motto that we go by, 'Let me win, if I can not win let me be brave in the attempt.' We're all winners." said Nandi.
There are many events happening over the next three days, tomorrow starts off with golf, cycling, long distance running and walking. They're encouraging south Georgians to come out and support these great athletes. For a complete list of events log onto http://www.specialolympicsga.org
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