Junior Disability Championships begin in Spokane

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Junior Disability Championships begin in Spokane

http://www.kxly.com/news/?sect_rank=1 & section_id=559 & story_id=13049

The 2007 National Junior Disability Championships have brought

atheletes from around the U.S. to compete in Spokane.

SPOKANE -- Athletes from across the nation have traveled to Spokane

to participate in the 2007 Junior Disabilities Championship.

Opening ceremonies for this competition took place at 6:00pm on

Sunday and the first event, a 500 meter race, started shortly after.

Over 280 athletes are participating in this week-long event and many

of them have traveled great distances to be here. Some have come

from as far away as North Carolina just to complete in the

wheelchair events.

However, no matter where they all came from, every athlete has

practiced hard for this event and they are all ready for the

competition.

" You have to practice a lot and actually think that you are going to

make it, " Connecticut participant Malachi Mouning said.

Even though these events have just begun, some of the participants

already know that they will be representing the United States in the

World Disability Championships in Australia.

Spectators are encouraged to come cheer on these athletes throughout

the week, but if you are planning to come out, make sure to keep

hydrated as high temperatures are expected all week long.

KXLY4's Autumn Wells contributed to this story.