Fall State Games takes over Portland metro

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Special Olympics Oregon athletes took over Portland metro this weekend for the annual Fall State Games, the culmination of training and competition that goes on throughout the state.

Britt Oase, the CEO of Special Olympics Oregon, said the weekend events were scheduled at Providence Park, THPRD and Lincoln High School. There were matches with the unified champions school teams, with all the local programs from around Oregon competing on the field.

"Special Olympics serves children and adults living with intellectual disabilities. It's Oregon's largest disability population," Oase told KOIN 6 News. "And we use sports as a platform for health, fitness, inclusion, friendships -- all of the wonderful things that come from training and competing in a sport you love."

There were also healthy athlete screenings at Lincoln High School and a dance scheduled for Saturday night, she said.

"Our athletes are friends, they have so much fun together. And just being able to perform in front of your family and showcase your talents -- and they're really hyper-competitive. So it's really fun to watch the matchups and the medal ceremony, a really incredible moment of joy for them," she said.

The Fall State Games continue through Sunday.