Craig Howell READY FOR COMPETITION – Representatives of Hancock County Special Olympics spoke with members of Weirton Rotary, Wednesday, discussing some of the plans for the upcoming West Virginia Summer Games, set to take place in Charleston June 6-7. Pictured are, in front from left, Special Olympians Dylan Farmer and Alex Sakkos, and Coach Randy Albaugh, and, in back, Rotarians Tony Viola, Debbie Lawton, Carolyn Anderson, and George Kondik.

WEIRTON – Local Special Olympics athletes are among those heading to Charleston in the coming days to compete in West Virginia’s 2026 Summer Games.

Members of Weirton Rotary had an opportunity to hear from two of them Wednesday, learning more about the organization and the opportunities it provides.

Coach Randy Albaugh, along with athletes Alex Sakkos and Dylan Farmer, spoke to Rotarians during their meeting at Undo’s, discussing their preparations from the West Virginia Summer Games, set to take place in Charleston June 6-7.

“They work very hard in practices,” Albaugh said of the two who will represent Hancock County Special Olympics, also known as Hancock County Pride. “They learn a lot.”

Farmer said he has been part of Special Olympics for eight years, currently focusing on participating in cornhole and basketball.

“The people are really nice to me,” Farmer said, noting he enjoys the experience of being part of a team.

Sakkos, meanwhile has participated in various track and field events, as well as volleyball and bowling. He said, while there is a sense of competition, it’s not always as stressful of an environment.

“There’s pretty much no pressure,” he said. “If you make a mistake, they teach you.”

Sakkos has competed with teams from both Hancock and Ohio counties.

As part of the Summer Games, Sakkos said he plans to compete in track and field events, including the 100-meter dash and shotput and mini-javelin, while Farmer will compete in cornhole.

The Summer Games includes more than 400 athletes from around West Virginia, with competitions

The Summer Games are being sponsored by Toyota West Virginia, Sheetz, Huntington Bank, Encova Foundation of West Virginia, The West Virginia National Guard, the West Virginia Department of Education, WV ABLE, Ridge View BBQ, Charleston Parks and Recreation, YMCA of Kanawha Valley, and Kanawha County Parks and Recreation.

Albaugh said local athletes have seen great support in their efforts to compete.

“Everything we do runs off donations,” Albaugh said. “The community has been incredibly generous.”

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)