Around 20 swimmers from Special Olympics Sarnia are set to compete in a provincial qualifier at the Sarnia YMCA.
The event will feature more than 150 athletes from across Ontario, with races beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
Volunteer coordinator Mary Gillard said a lot will be on the line for those competing. "We've had swimmers from our community in the past advance on, so hopefully with us hosting it this year, maybe it gives our athletes a bit of an advantage with them competing in their home pool," she said. "This event is bigger than what we've ever hosted as a swim meet before." Gillard said Special Olympics Sarnia has previously hosted events with up to 60 athletes. The top swimmers at Saturday's event will move onto the provincial finals. Gillard said the next step is nationals, followed by the world championships and Special Olympics.