HOOD RIVER — Athletes with the Hood River Special Olympics program traveled to Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, for the 2024 Special Olympics Oregon Summer State Games on July 12-14. This year marked the first time since 2017 that the games had been held. There were an estimated 1,000 athletes and 300 coaches who competed in athletics, golf, baseball and softball.

“In Special Olympics the hard work, excitement and sweet sportsmanship cannot be matched,” said Hood River Local Program Coordinator Naomi Grimsley. “The state event was an amazing culmination of the hard work for the Oregon golf, bocce, softball and track and field athletes. What an experience witnessing 1,000 athletes watching out for each other and taking care of each other so well.”