This year's Lawrence County Special Olympics will kick off at 9:20 a.m. Wednesday at Fairland High School's athletic stadium.

Lawrence County Special Olympics Coordinator Sharon Blankenship said approximately 400 students will participate. Additional support personnel include teacher, volunteers and staff.

Three races including

50, 100 and 400 meter dashes are slated along with a 400 meter relay. A standing long jump competition and softball throw will also be conducted.

Events will be tailored to participants' sex, age, times and distances with six students allowed to participate per event.

Medals and ribbons will be given in each division for each event.

"Developmental games will be held inside the gymnasium and include various activities for those students who cannot participate in traditional track events," Blankenship said.

Students in mentally handicapped units in both county public schools and Open Door School are eligible to participate.

In case of rain, the event will be held May 11.