Seven athletes from Okotoks and High River have been chosen to compete at the Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games.

Terina Cybulski, chair of the Foothills affiliate of Special Olympics Alberta, says a team of five, five-pin bowlers as well as two swimmers will be heading to Medicine Hat this weekend.

She's been a spectator at Special Olympics winter games in Calgary in the past and she says that participating in these types of games offers an incredible experience for the athletes.

Cybulski explains that the games are run like the Olympics, complete with an athlete village, opening and closing ceremonies and medals.

She says about 55 athletes participate in the Foothills affiliate of Special Olympics Alberta.

According to the Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games website, over 900 athletes will be competing in eleven summer sports at the summer games, which run from July 7 to 9.

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