The 10th annual Special Olympics Hometown Rivals game was held yesterday at Foley Field with more than 100 athletes from various UGA sports participating with the Special Olympics athletes.

Every year, student-athletes at Georgia team up with Special Olympics athletes from Athens-Clarke County. The athletes are divided into two teams and compete together in the East vs. West matchup. Each Special Olympics athlete steps up to the plate and rounds the bases alongside a Georgia player.

Running back D’Andre Swift threw out the first pitch with baseball infielder/pitcher Aaron Schunk catching the ceremonial throw.

Special Olympics at UGA eliminates all costs of participation for Athens-Clarke County athletes and their families every year for the Georgia Summer and Winter Games. The organization hopes to raise $15,000 through corporate and individual contributions. All funding will go to covering the costs of sending chosen athletes to the Special Olympics Summer and Winter Games.

Special Olympics at UGA raises funds and provides support for programming in the Athens-Clarke County school system including volunteers for adapted physical education, events and awareness campaigns for children and athletes with special needs.