PIKEVILLE, KY. – Rain didn’t dampen the spirit of competition Saturday during the Special Olympics Area 3 Track & Field Meet at Prestonsburg High School’s Blackcat Stadium. Special Olympians from across Eastern Kentucky competed for the opportunity to advance on to state competition. Numerous Eastern Kentucky counties – including Floyd, Pike, Martin, Johnson, Knott, Breathitt and Letcher, among others – were represented during the meet. East Kentucky Miners head coach Kevin Keathley, a Floyd County native, values the opportunity he had to serve as guest speaker for the Area 3 Meet. Keathley helped to open the event. 

“Myself and the entire Miners organization have been committed to communities throughout Eastern Kentucky since day one,” Keathley commented. “I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the athletes and supporters. It was an honor to see the athletes compete and have the opportunity to meet and speak with several of them. I’m already looking forward to next year’s Area 3 Meet.” 

Members of the Prestonsburg High School football program, including head coach John DeRossett, assistant coaches and players, volunteered during the Area 3 Meet. 

Both area and regional level competitions serve as qualifying events for athletes who wish to advance to Special Olympics Kentucky state competition. 

In the sports of bowling and track & field, athletes must qualify for state events by participating in their respective area tournament or competition. 

In all other sports, sanctioned regional events are offered. By participation in one of these regional events, athletes qualify for the respective state event. 

The sport of basketball serves as the exception to the "participation" rule of qualifying for state level events. In basketball, teams must place first or second in their division at their assigned regional tournament in order to advance to the state tournament. 

The City of Richmond and Eastern Kentucky University will host the Special Olympics Kentucky Summer Games June 6-8. 

ONLINE: www.soky.org