Special Olympics softball tournament returns to Owensboro

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) - According to Special Olympics Kentucky, more than 500 Special Olympics athletes from throughout Kentucky are set to hit the fields.

Officials say this will be at Jack C. Fisher Park from September 11 through 13, when the Special Olympics Kentucky State Softball Tournament returns to Owensboro. There will be 40 teams, including seven from Owensboro, competing for medals in 11 divisions in the State Tournament.

Officials say games get underway on September 11 at 6 p.m. on all four Fisher Park fields and continue with four more games at 7:15 p.m. and 8:30. Games will continue on September 12 at 9 a.m., with the final game starting at 2 p.m. The tournament will conclude on September 13, with games starting at 9 and 10:15 a.m.

Officials say six of the eight games on Sunday will be championship games. Spectators are welcome at all game sessions and there is no cost for admission.

For the first time this year, State Softball Tournament weekend will include a Healthy Athletes Village. Healthy Athletes Village is part of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Program, which provides free medical screenings and healthy lifestyle information and instruction to Special Olympics athletes and others with intellectual disabilities. The Healthy Athletes Village will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 12, at Cravens Elementary School in Owensboro. All screenings are free and shuttles will be provided from Jack Fisher Park to the Healthy Athletes Village. Pre-registration is not required, but it is recommended.

Event organizers say in addition to the competitions, Visit Owensboro will be treating the athletes to a Celebration Dance on Saturday night at the Owensboro Sports Center. The dance gets underway at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 8:30.