(Photo submitted) These local individuals are among the 2,800 athletes competing in the Special Olympics of Iowa summer games in Ames. They are, front row from left: Emily Joy, Allyssa Stallings, Erin Peterson and Tanya Ryker. Back row: Tom Schmelling, Brian Leth, Dallas Ross, Brian Tifft, Crystal Tifft, Kogan Petersen, Justin Woodyard, Don Poffinbarger, Dustin Meyeraan and Anthony Stewart.

The Special Olympics of Iowa (SOI) will be holding its State Summer Games May 22-24 in Ames. Opening ceremonies, which commenced Thursday night in Hilton Coliseum, had Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy speaking, along with Special Oympics Global Messengers Tyler Leech and Shannon Hickey.

"This is the largest Special Olympics Iowa event held during the year," said SOI President/CEO Rich Fellingham.

Today, 26 local athletes will be competing in various track and field and swimming events. Among those scheduled to compete are Nathan Baxter, Emily Joy, Brian Leth, Dustin Meyeraan, Kogan Petersen, Erin Peterson, Donald Poffinbarger, Dallas Ross, Tanya Ryker, Tom Schmeling, Allyssa Stallings, Anthony Stewart, Crystal Tifft, Justin Woodyard, Leann Arthur, Cody Betz, Mitchell Carrigan, Trenton Clark, Kim Duff, Jon Greer, Allie McGruder, Codey Nelson, Riley Puterbaugh, Cody Ross, Megan Rouse and Robert Winter.

"Very excited and devoted to this competition" is how head coach Rhonda Thorton described the local athletes. "The excitement is not only in the competition, but in the overall picture of the trip."