VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — This weekend, Special Olympics Virginia kicked off its 2023 Fall Championships in Virginia Beach. More than a thousand athletes, coaches, and volunteers came together for the event.
At the Virginia Beach Sports Center and four other venues across the city, athletes competed in seven different sports.
“We have 1,000 athletes and coaches throughout the Virginia Beach area," said Casey Henderson, the organization’s Director of Fitness and Events. “We have bocce and pickleball and volleyball. Then we have bowling, golf, roller skating, and soccer going on outside of the Virginia Beach Sports Center.”
Henderson said her team introduced Pickleball as a new sport this year for athletes to compete in to win a medal.
“Pickleball is very exciting because this is the first time we’ve ever had pickleball at this competition and for Special Olympics," she said.
Henderson said the championships are about celebrating sportsmanship and giving athletes a chance to show off their skills and win big.
“It’s really special that we’re able to provide and really be a part of the journey for a lot of people with disabilities throughout Virginia," Henderson said. "And have them come out and see higher heights and work hard.”
Volleyball player Donte Fleming said he competes in the championships every year.
“I did this all my life," Fleming said. "I took a couple years off because of COVID but I bounced back and played because I love the game and I love the teammates and coaches at Virginia Beach Special Olympics.”
Henderson said the event is all volunteer-based. It's the second largest state-level competition of the year for Special Olympics Virginia