Published June 04. 2015 12:00AM
Whitehall High School hosted the annual Special Olympics Track & Field Day May 8 at the sports stadiums.
Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 500 athletes participated in the event.
"This is just one of our many events; however, it is the largest within Lehigh County," Munir Sayegh, the event organizer, said. "Every participant is assigned a buddy to help navigate through the Olympics."
More than 200 students from schools within Lehigh County volunteered their time.
According to www.specialolympics.org, the first Special Olympics International Summer Games was held in 1968.
According to Sayegh, the organization offers training and events throughout the year. Spring, summer, fall and winter sports include bowling, swimming, golf, basketball, gymnastics, soccer, roller skating and skiing, as well as dances, family picnics and dinners.
Special Olympics Lehigh County is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organizations that benefits children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It is funded through the generosity of corporations, service organizations and individuals.
To learn more about its programs, make a financial contribution, sponsor a program or volunteer with the Special Olympics Lehigh County, email lehighcountyso@hotmail.com or call 610-432-5346.
PRESS PHOTOS BY TINAMARIE MARTIN James Eichelman, Zachary Hixson, John Weiseman and Logan McGinley, all of Whitehall, take a break during the Special Olympics competition May 8. Zach and Logan are Whitehall High School students who volunteered as buddies for the day. James and John, who competed in the games, said running is their favorite event.
