Saturday morning, Bay area athletes will compete in the Special Olympics.

Three hundred athletes are participating in the Hillsborough-Pinellas Summer games at Jesuit High School.

That number is down from previous years, partly because of the pandemic.

In 2020, organizers were forced to cancel the Special Olympics in Tampa because of the coronavirus. 

This year, West Coast Regional Director Ken Roop said safety precautions have been put in place.

“Everybody gets screened,” Roop said. “Everybody gets their temperature checked.” 

Roop said everyone will be required to wear a mask unless they’re competing.

There will be track and field, bocce, soccer, softball, cycling and tennis. 

The Special Olympics will start with the opening ceremony at Jesuit High School at 9 a.m.

Everyone is invited to attend to cheer on the athletes.