MANSFIELD, PA (WENY) -- Athletes with disabilities competed and celebrated friendship at Tioga County’s Special Olympics track and field competition at Mansfield University on Friday morning. Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity stopped by the event to support the athletes and promote PA ABLE, as well.  

“It brings everybody together,” Addie Milheim, a coordinator of Special Olympics Track & Field for Tioga County, said. “Everybody is excited for this event...but besides great athletes, great events that are running....it also brings friendships together.”  

Over 250 athletes competed in the Special Olympics Pennsylvania, leading up to the summer Special Olympics World Games. Todd Crumb, a competitor in the 100m walk, said he loves to spend time with his friends on the track.  

“We’ve got a lot of athletes here,” Crumb said. “Also, the radio station came to see us!” 

Treasurer Garrity talked to athletes and caregivers about programs that help Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Garrity said PA ABLE, which stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience, is one of her favorite programs. 

“It’s a program to help people with disabilities save their own money without risking their important benefits that they get on the federal side, like SSI,” Garrity said.  

She said with the program, people can save their money, invest it, and use it for things like rent, groceries, and assistive technology.  

“And... Special Olympics can use it for any kind of equipment of gear that they need here to compete,” she said.