HUTCHINSON, Kan. — More than 200 adaptive athletes in the area will participate in the Hutch Rec-Kiwanis Adaptive Track and Field Meet this Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gowans Stadium.

Of the athletes, nearly 175 participants are school-aged students from 13 local and regional schools, while another 40 participants are adaptive adults.

“We’re proud to partner with several community organizations and host the Hutch Rec-Kiwanis Adaptive Track Meet each year at Gowans Stadium,” Amy Conkling of Hutch Rec said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for adaptive youth and adults in our community to participate in track and field events, as well as bringing several volunteers from throughout the community together to cheer on and support these athletes.”

Stan Balman from TECH will kick off the day’s meet by singing the National Anthem. Virginia Thornton, a senior case manager at Disability Supports of the Great Plains, will be the event announcer.

Events start at 9 a.m. and include track and field events — such as running and standing long jumps, frisbee throw, softball throw and more. The meet will conclude with a hamburger cookout from Downtown Kiwanis members. It will be provided by both the Kiwanis group and TECH.

Nearly 80 volunteers will assist at this year’s event, featuring students from Trinity High School Key Club, Nickerson Key Club, Hutchinson High School, and adult volunteers from Hutch Rec, TECH, Kiwanis and Downtown Kiwanis groups.