Nick King

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — More than 100 Arizona athletes will compete across 11 sports at the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, including one tennis player who kept his selection a secret for nearly a year. “I had to keep it a secret for almost a year and that was hard,” Richard Furubotten said. The 59-year-old has been part of the Special Olympics since 2000. “It’s like a dream. I have to either slap myself or pinch myself and say it’s reality,” Furubotten said.

MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — A Mesa man is making a return to Professional Bowlers Association competition more than 30 years after his last professional frame. His first run on tour made history, but the reason he’s lacing up again now is even more meaningful. Mike Bolland said he had to get all new equipment, new bowling shoes and a new bowling bag. “When I first started practicing about a month ago, I felt like I was an octopus.

TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — Kelson Hogan is a really good javelin thrower. “He’s one of the top throwers in the country, not just for high school, but at all age groups,” Patrick Scott, Corona del Sol track and field coach, said. Two and a half months ago, the Corona del Sol junior had never touched a javelin. He was a baseball player until he got cut from varsity. “It was hard at first actually to come out and do track just because I didn’t want to like, I just wanted to be like done.