Athletes Compete in the Special Olympics in Cloquet

It's a Chance for Competitors to Make Friends While Exercising

CLOQUET, Minn.- The cold weather didn’t stop athletes from competing in the Special Olympics held at Cloquet high school, Saturday.

Organizers say the goal of the event is to help people get out and exercise, while socializing with friends. Events held included field events and 10 meter, 200 meter and even up to 1500 meter races.

“Pretty much everybody needs more I guess health and wellness in their life, you know we largely lead sedentary life styles and that’s just exacerbated with this population. There’s a lot of social isolation and a lot of information isn’t as accessible to them as other people sometimes,” said Ben Swarts who works for the Special Olympics of Minnesota.

Athletes’ ages ranged from 12 to over 70 years old.