Jesuit High School hosted the 2017 Area IV Summer Games Saturday.

  • Jesuit High School hosted 2017 Area IV Summer Games
  • Hillsborough, Polk students competed in special olympics
  • Athletes to compete in state games in May

“We have 700 athletes here from Hillsborough and Polk counties,” Sarah Gogliormella, The Hillsborough County Director for Special Olympics Florida, said.

The athletes competed in events like soccer, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

"Special Olympics is an amazing program,” 19-year-old athlete Thomas Shervington said. “It helps people of all ages, young or old, and a wide variety of sports both teams and individuals with or without intellectual disabilities."

Shervington participated in soccer Saturday. He has been competing in the Special Olympics for the last six years.

"Back then I was a shy young boy who was barely able to communicate and had a few friends,” Shervington said. “Now it changed me into a confident young athlete with tons of wonderful friends."

The Dad’s Club at Jesuit has been involved with the Special Olympics for the past 17 years. This was the second time the school has hosted the games.

“This is one of my favorite spots to compete in the area games,” Shervington said.

Next, the athletes will compete in the state games in May.