The University of Texas at Arlington and the City of Arlington are very pleased to host the Special Olympics Texas 2012 Summer Games. The Games this year will feature 6 sports (athletics, basketball, gymnastics, soccer, tennis and equestrian), and over 3,000 athletes who will come from around the state to descend upon Arlington and compete in the largest amateur sporting event in Texas.

The mission of Special Olympics Texas is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics provides continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families and other Special Olympics athletes in the community.

Special Olympics Texas holds more than 300 competitions annually on area, regional and state levels. Event divisions are based on age, gender and ability level to give athletes an equal chance to win. Each participant receives a medal or ribbon following his/her event.

Come cheer on hundreds of Law Enforcement Torch Run volunteers as they carry the Special Olympics Texas Flame of Hope into UTA Maverick Stadium on Friday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m.

Opening Ceremonies will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the UTA Maverick Stadium on Friday, May 25. The evening will begin with the entry of the law enforcement officers, followed by the Parade of Athletes.

Enjoy the competition and special events; and with more than 3,000 athletes and 1,000 coaches participating in this event, we should all be proud of these athletes and celebrate with them as they shine on and off of the field of play.

For more information visit www.sotx.org/competitions/summergames.