Local athletes prep for 2015 Special Olympics Montana Summer State Games

With the 2015 Special Olympics Montana Summer State Games just around the corner, area athletes are training for the big event.

Athletes and their supporters will also be participating in other upcoming Special Olympics events.

The Great Northern Area Special Olympics Games, where about 80 athletes from across the Hi-Line will compete, will take place April 29 in Havre. The 2015 State Summer Games will take place May 19 through 22 in Missoula.

Mandy Hansen, a Havre Special Olympics coach and spokesperson, said athletes are getting geared up for the area and state games.

"It's a team effort," she said. "The athletes have really been working really, really hard, and the coaches - we just guide them."

Hansen said the Havre to Great Falls leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run will take place May 8.

"They will start at the Border Patrol at 8 a.m.," she said. "Anyone who wants to come out and support them are welcome to come out and cheer them on."

Aja Drew, 25, has been participating in Special Olympics for 10 years.

Drew said she has been training for the State Summer Games since last month.

"You have to be dedicated," she said. "The three (events) I'm doing for the Summer Games are bowling, 50-meter and the shot put."

Drew said that she has won 94 medals over the years.

"For Winter Games I got all first," she said.

Hansen added that Special Olympics brings everyone together.

"It brings all different ages, all different backgrounds (together)," she said. "We're all one. We all have different strengths, we all have different gifts - and we just pull together."

For more information on Special Olympics Montana, visit http://www.somt.org.