'It's a good time, you make friends and you get to see yourself on the jumbotron'

From left, Jacob Wagner, Scott McCormack, Jacob Nason, Conner Morin, Jeremy Nason, Andre Saranglao (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester resident and Spaulding grad Scott McCormack says he looks forward to the Special Olympics Summer Games every year, because it's "a good time, you makes new friends, it's a great lunch and you get to see yourself on the jumbotron."

Jacob Lane, a freshman at Spaulding High, who will be participating in his first Summer Games, says he likes practicing and exercising, "because I feel healthier."

And Spaulding grad and veteran Summer Gamer Jacob 'Wags' Wagner, 24, whose been participating since 2013, says he just "likes to compete."

Spaulding freshman Jacob Lane will be participating today in his first Summer Games (Courtesy photo)

The three young men are part of a seven-player Red Raider squad that today will join more than 600 Special Olympians from all over the state in this year's Summer Games at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.

Today will feature a full day of competition and qualifying events in Athletics, Bocce, and Powerlifting, according to organizers.

Following Opening Ceremonies, Track and Field competition will continue at the UNH track, followed by an awards ceremony.

Shelby Cote, Special Olympics of New Hampshire Director of Communications and Volunteers notes that this is the largest SONH competition of the year.

"The State Summer Games are where courage ignites, joy is contagious, and the true power of sport is on full display," she said. "With 600 athletes competing in six incredible sports, this is more than a competition. It's a celebration of determination, unity, and the human spirit."

Cote noted it take hundreds of volunteers to create and manage this two-day event and thousands more to assist these Special Olympians in getting ready for the competition.

Darwin Saranglao of Rochester, who heads up the Rochester Red Raiders team, said they need more volunteers at the local level, too.

"We need more help across the board with volunteers who will help students from middle and high school as well as adults who want to continue to compete," she said.

Saranglao noted that when they're younger the schools will find students and staff to help, but once they're grown and adults, that's where they really need volunteers.