Special Olympics Missouri selection camp begins in Mid-Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

More than 150 athletes from across the state arrived at the Special Olympics Missouri Training For Life campus on Saturday afternoon for selection camp.

They'll compete in nine different sports in both Jefferson City and Fulton from Sunday through Thursday. The camp will determine which athletes will compete in the USA Games next summer in Orlando, Fla.

Jody Davis is one of the athletes hoping to make it on Team Missouri. She'll compete in track & field and bocce ball this week.

"I'm very excited about the shot put and the javelin," Davis said. "I'm strong, so I think it'll go well."

Along with being an athlete, Davis is also known for her singing ability. The Springfield, Mo. native has been chosen to sing the national anthem before the Jefferson City Renegades game on Sunday.

"I always get nervous before I sing, but they've asked me a couple times to sing," Davis said. "I've sang in front of a big crowd, so just fingers crossed it goes well."

Special Olympics Missouri is holding several other events this week as well as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

SOMO expects to announce Team Missouri on Aug. 1.