46 Special Olympics Teams Compete In Soccer Tournament In Owasso

More than 40 Special Olympics teams from around the state competed in a soccer tournament in Owasso Wednesday.

Organizers said these players know the true value of sports. 

"It is just as competitive as any other sport you have ever been to," said John Seals with Special Olympics Oklahoma. 

It is a very warm welcome back to in-person events for Special Olympics Oklahoma. The players have come from all over the state to be a part of the games. The teams are made up of players with and without intellectual disabilities.

"We think it adds so much to people's lives to come out and compete and we haven't got to do this for almost two years now," said Seals. "We have got 46 teams here from all over the state."

COVID-19 has changed the way these games happen. The public isn't allowed to come watch and cheer the players on, it's just family, players, and coaches but regardless of the changes, the kids were having a ball.

The referees volunteer their time to be here, saying these games are what sports should be.

"This is for the true love of sport- it is not playing for money, it is not playing for college scholarship, it is not people spending all of their money taking their kids all over the country- they are playing for the love of the game," said Seals.