Special Olympics meet in Edwardsville canceled due to forecast

The Special Olympics Spring Games planned for Saturday in Edwardsville have been canceled because of the threatening forecast.

“I regret to inform you that Area 12 Spring Games in Edwardsville has been canceled for April 30 due to the severe weather forecasts of thunderstorms and already wet conditions,” Special Olympics representative Staci Kampwerth said. “As always, the safety of the athletes, coaches, volunteers, spectators and staff is our top priority, and the forecasted weather makes hosting this competition unsafe. The event will not be rescheduled.”

The event was a local competition designed to determine which athletes would earn a spot to compete at the next level. Instead, a random draw will decide who goes on, Kampwerth said.

About 500 athletes were expected to participate.

This story was originally published April 29, 2016 at 10:50 AM with the headline "Special Olympics meet in Edwardsville canceled due to forecast."