Athletes from across the state will be competing in Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) this week. Mesa is proud to host the State Basketball and Cheerleading competition on Friday, Mar. 26 and Saturday, Mar. 27. The competition will take place at Mesa Junior High and High Schools and Mesa Parks and Recreation Facilities.

Over the past twenty years, Special Olympic Arizona has gathered 913 athletes, 40 delegations and 88 coaches, making participation levels to be over 1,200 athletes, coaches and volunteers to SOAZ State Basketball and Cheerleading competition. It is one of the fastest growing sports in Arizona. Basketball teams are grouped in competition divisions according to the athlete’s ability, age and gender. Arizona is also one of the few states to offer Special Olympics Cheerleading competition. Athletes can compete in team competition, unified team competition or individual skills. All athletes learn teamwork while improving their own athletic ability during competition.

The City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Commercial Facilities along with the Mesa Public Schools, Mesa Association of Disabled Sports, the Boeing Company, and the Salt River Indian Community are proud supporters of Special Olympics Arizona. They have volunteered their time and energy to make this experience memorable for the athletes, coaches and parents.

For more information about Special Olympics Arizona visit them at, http://specialolympicsarizona.org. For more information about the State Basketball and Cheerleading competition, call Gail Gilmartin (602) 230-1200 or Jackie Gallo (480) 644-4948.