Special Olympics kicks off in Raleigh

More than 1,400 athletes will gather in Raleigh and Cary this weekend to compete for the 2014 Special Olympics. Forty-five of the participants will represent North Carolina in June at the USA Games in New Jersey.

There are six sports in the summer games this year, including aquatics, athletics, gymnastics, powerlifting, softball and volleyball. Special Olympics North Carolina trains more than 38,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round.

The open ceremony will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion in Walnut Creek. A DJ and live performers will provide entertainment for the evening.

Admission to the summer games is free. For more information, visit the Special Olympics North Carolina website or call 1-800-843-6276.