Over 300 Special Olympics athletes from the Santa Clarita Valley, Tri-Valley, and Antelope Valley regions will be competing in the Tri-Valley Regional Spring Games on Saturday, April 9. Originally called the CV CAN Games, this year’s competition has expanded from a track & field competition to include basketball and bocce tournaments at Crescenta Valley High School, 2900 Community Ave., La Crescenta.

Athletes of all ages have been training and preparing to compete in their various sports. Special Olympics athletes range in age from 8-80 years old. The host delegation, Tri-Valley Glendale, will have over 30 athletes competing in track & field and the basketball and bocce teams will be making their debuts at the tournament.

Patrick McClenahan, 2015 Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles CEO and Glendale resident, will be the master of ceremonies. Opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m. and features the Parade of Athletes, Crescenta Valley High School’s marching band and JROTC color guard. This year’s opening ceremony will conclude with a celebration of the Young Athletes Program, featuring athletes ages 2-7, with and without intellectual disabilities, who have also been training locally.

The bulk of the volunteer force comes from the students at Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS), under the leadership of the Special Olympics Student Leadership Team. CVHS has recently been named a Special Olympics Champion School where educators and students at the school have committed to create a school climate of respect and tolerance for all students with and without intellectual disabilities through school-wide events and activities.

Fans in the Stands have the best seat in the house. See every race finish, every basket made and cheer for the accomplishments of Special Olympics athletes. Bring friends and family for a fun day celebrating the athletes. Fans are welcome to bring food and drink to the spectator areas of the outdoor venues. Only water is allowed inside the gym. No pets allowed on premises.

For other volunteer opportunities for this event, visit: http://www.sosc.org/volunteers/dayofeventand click on Santa Clarita Valley & Tri-Valley Region to find 2016 Tri-Valley Regional Spring Games.

For more information about the Special Olympics 2016 Tri-Valley Regional Spring Games or other Special Olympics events, contact Kim Villa at kvilla@sosc.org.