Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games kick off in St. Paul

Thousands of athletes from across the state converged upon St. Paul for the Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games.

The three-day competition started Friday night.

It's not just sporting events keeping the athletes active, there are social events, concerts and celebration ceremonies for all participants. Athletes compete in track and field, swimming, gymnastics and basketball.

"Athletes have been training all year having competing locally and now coming here to compete against all the other athletes in the state of Minnesota. So, it's a big showcase event for them competitively, but then also socially," said Dave Dorn, Special Olympics Minnesota CEO.