Special Olympics of Maryland hosts 1400 athletes for the summer games.

Towson, MD - The summer games for the state's most gifted athletes are going on this weekend.  Special Olympics of Maryland is hosting 1400 athletes at Towson University and Coppin State.

“It inspires me to want to get out there and be athletic," said Margie French, an SOMD athlete for 15 years.

They compete in five different sports, including bocce.  The athletes started their training three months ago, working three times a week to advance to the games.

"It's like opening day at Oriole Park, our first home game at M&T.  This is kind of that event, that excitement that comes every year," said Jason Schriml, SOMD V.P. of Communications. 

The athletes come from all 24 counties in Maryland.  They are as young as 8, and some are still competing in their upper 60's.