Opening ceremony for the Special Olympics Summer Games kicks off at NC State

The opening ceremony for the Special Olympics took place on North Carolina State University's campus Friday evening.

More than 1300 athletes will participate in the Special Olympics Summer Games, where individuals with intellectual disabilities compete in events like powerlifting and gymnastics.

The ceremony is a pep rally to get athletes, coaches and volunteers hyped for a weekend of good competition.

"Are you ready to run?! Are you ready to swim?! Are you ready to PLAY?! Have fun and God bless!" said Governor Roy Cooper, (D) NC.

Cooper helped kick off the opening ceremonies for the 2023 Special Olympics Summer Games.

The Triangle is hosting more than 1300 athletes representing counties from the coast to the mountains.

They will compete in events such as basketball, bowling and other sports.

"I've been training a lot more usual this year," said Phillip Blount, Special Olympics Athlete.

Blount has been competing as a track and field athlete for 16 years.

He's driven to a bigger goal beyond summer games in North Carolina.

"This will get me ready for the world games," said Blount.

Athletes like Blount live by inspirational words and a motivational push from coaches who want to see them win.

"This gives athletes the ability to overcome obstacles in their life," said Jake Harkey, Special Olympics Coach. "Everyone gets an opportunity here to compete."

He says the athletes doing the best to their ability is all that matters.

Special Olympics NC takes place in Raleigh, Cary, and Holly Springs.

World Games will be held in Berlin, Germany, June 17-25 this year.