68 Olympians from the U.P. compete in Special Olympics

The 2014 Michigan State Special Olympics Summer Games are officially underway

Almost 3,000 athletes from across the state, including 68 from the Upper Peninsula, are in Mount Pleasant at Central Michigan University for the two–day competition. Athletes will compete in sports ranging from track and field and weightlifting to bowling and gymnastics. They also have a chance to qualify for the 2015 World Games in Los Angeles.

The Summer Games are the largest Special Olympics event in the state, with nearly 2,000 volunteers. Competition is done for the day, but there’s a full schedule of events slated to start at 8 a.m. tomorrow.