As runners prepare to line up on the track on May 6 and 7 to compete in the Area 16 Special Olympics track meet, organizers are inviting the public to pack the stands and cheer on the athletes.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. One of the biggest events of the year is the track and field meet.

Elementary and middle schoolers race on Monday, May 6; high school and adult Special Olympic athletes compete on Tuesday, May 7.

To help each of the participants prepare, training is offered in the form of personalized approaches, certified coaches and dedicated volunteers.

During the track meet, each participant is paired with a student athlete from different area high schools and universities who volunteers to help with the participant’s confidence in social interactions during the event.

In addition to standard track events such as the 200, 1500 and 5000 meter runs, relays, hurdles and long jump, some athletes will compete in modified events like the 25-meter assisted walk or the tennis ball throw. Special Olympic track meets also have categories for blind and wheelchair-bound competitors.

Every athlete is given a T-shirt, is able to participate in two events (so they receive two medals and are recognized twice throughout the event), and Area 16 provides each participant with a meal from McDonald’s through a partnership with the McGuire Group.

Come out to support the Area 16 Special Olympics at Middle Tennessee State University’s Dean A. Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium at 1568 Greenland Dr., Murfreesboro, on Monday, May 6, and Tuesday, May 7.

For more information on the Special Olympics, visit specialolympicstn.org.