The Special Olympics Texas Fall Classic, hosted by the cities of Midland and Odessa, is currently underway and will continue through October 5.
According to a Facebook post from October 4, the city of Midland encouraged citizens to support the athletes participating in the event. The post included a welcome video featuring Mayor Lori Blong. "The Permian Basin cities are excited to host the Fall Classic through volunteerism and attendance," said Blong. She added that Midland and Odessa have worked hard to make the event possible.
In a press release issued earlier this year, Special Olympics Texas estimated that approximately 2,500 athletes and 5,000 spectators would attend the Fall Classic, which is free and open to the public.
Exxon, Wellpoint, Diamondback Energy, ConocoPhillips, and Saguaro Petroleum LLC have joined Midland and Odessa as co-sponsors for the event. Special Olympics Texas was established in June 1969 following Eunice Kennedy Shriver's initiative of holding a summer day camp for children and adults with intellectual disabilities at her home in Maryland six years prior. The organization obtained non-profit status in 1978.