Community members in Kearney are excited to announce a special Send-Off Party to celebrate local Special Olympics athlete Larin Harrelson. The event will take place on Sunday, May 15, from noon – 2 pm, at the First United Methodist Church of Kearney. Larin will be traveling to compete in the Special Olympics USA Games in June.

Larin has competed in Special Olympics Games since he was eight years old. At 34, he is still excited to participate this year. He will be one of 300 athletes competing in bocce, which is one of the most popular sports in Special Olympics.

Bocce is just the latest event for Larin. He has played and won metals in t-ball, track and field, skiing, and basketball.

“Larin has done exceptionally well,” his sister Britani told KPGZ News. “He has earned a few runner-up ribbons, but most of his metals are for 1st and 2nd place and he has a few bronze metals.”

To be able to compete in the USA Games, Larin attended a week-long selection camp to participate in drills and practice with other bocce players. About a month after the camp, the Special Olympics sent him a letter congratulating him on being selected for the USA Games.

Larin also had to raise money to make the trip to Florida for the USA Games. He sold popcorn, t-shirts, and candles to reach his goal of $6,000.

The Send-Off Party will take place at the First United Methodist Church of Kearney on Sunday, May 15, from noon – 2 pm. There will be music provided by DJ Bill and Kearney’s own Michael Neal Band, yard games like bocce, kan jam, corn hole, basketball and sand volleyball, Chops BBQ for sale, an “athlete meet and greet” with autographs and photos, as well as Homemade Happiness candles available for purchase.

The party is open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story