Special Olympics has been going strong in Kansas for 40 years. The tradition of improving physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence, a more positive self-image, friendships and increased family support for people with intellectual disabilities is a proud one.

Hays actively is involved with this proud tradition. Hundreds of volunteers, dozens of sponsoring businesses and the significant efforts of the Knights of Columbus, Hays High School, Fort Hays State University, Hays Recreation Commission and the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce are lending a hand for the Kansas Special Olympics State Basketball and Cheerleading competition at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

If you're not one of those volunteers or did not attend the spectacular opening ceremonies Thursday night, surely you've noticed the influx of visitors to our fair community. There are more than 1,600 athletes and coaches from throughout the state taking part in this year's competition.

If you get the opportunity, stop by and watch the excitement. There are 150 games scheduled through Saturday.

Gloria VonFeldt, director of the Hays ARC chapter and who's been involved with Special Olympics for more than 25 years, said the athletes enjoy having community support and the community can learn a lot from watching. It's win-win.

But even if you don't experience emotional impact from viewing any of the games, know you're gaining from the economic impact such a large group has on the local economy. Sixteen hundred guests are a lot when it comes to hotels, restaurants and retail outlets.

We welcome all the Special Olympians with open arms. We hope your stay here is enjoyable. As far as the games are concerned, we hope you win. But if you don't win, as your oath goes, let you be brave in the attempt.

Editorial by Patrick Lowry

plowry@dailynews.net