DES MOINES, Iowa – Athletes from Special Olympics Iowa will compete at the Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom on Friday, April 29. Seven teams from across the state will be competing in a mixed 4x100 meter relay.
The Special Olympics Iowa teams will include:
- Arc of Story County (Ames)
- Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation
- Scott County Adults (Davenport)
- Sioux City Knights
- Spencer Community Gold
- Spencer Community Purple
- Waterloo Goodwill
This will mark the third time that Special Olympics Iowa teams have competed on the Blue Oval. The meet record for this event was set in 2019 by the Oelwein Huskies with a time of 58.37.
"We're honored to once again host athletes from Special Olympics Iowa at America's Athletic Classic," Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays
Blake Boldon said. "In 2018, when they made their debut, the athletes received a roaring applause accompanied by a standing ovation and we expect to have that same reaction from our fans after the inspiring performances by the athletes."
Special Olympics Iowa athletes have been competing in their own area track and field competitions throughout April to prepare for SOIA's biggest event of the year, Summer Games. In June, 76 athletes from the state of Iowa will be traveling to Orlando, Florida to compete at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in several different sports, with 11 competing in track and field. The Drake Relays presented by Xtream provide an opportunity for SOIA athletes to get more experience while preparing for the Iowa Summer Games and the USA Games.
"We look forward to once again having Special Olympics Iowa athletes included in America's Athletic Classic," Special Olympics Iowa President and CEO John Kliegl said. "Our athletes have been working hard, and it is an honor to have their hard work on display at a world-renowned track and field event."
The Drake Relays will be April 27-30. Special Olympics athletes will be running their relay at 1:15 p.m. on Friday, April 29. Tickets are available at draketix.com/relays.
